Durbin: Donald Trump's 'Big Lie' Sowed Distrust In Our Election; We Must Pass The For The People Act To Defend Our Democratic Process
WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today spoke in support of the For The People Act, a measure that will combat voter suppression and protect our democratic process. Durbin argued that Donald Trump’s ‘Big Lie’ that the 2020 election was stolen from him presents an existential threat to our democracy, and that Congress needs to uphold its constitutional obligation to defend our democratic process by passing the For The People Act.
Since the start of this year, Republican state legislators—inspired by the Donald Trump’s ‘Big Lie’—have introduced more than 360 bills with restrictive voting provisions in 47 states. These laws are designed to make it harder for people, particularly people of color, young people, and people of limited means, to vote. The For The People Act would ensure that all eligible Americans can exercise their constitutional right to vote without facing burdensome barriers at the ballot box. The legislation invests in election infrastructure and provides state and local officials with resources to run safe and secure elections. And in addition to combatting voter suppression, the bill will also reform a broken campaign finance system that gives wealthy donors and big corporations far too much influence over our electoral process—including through Durbin’s Fair Elections Now Act, which would establish a small-donor, public financing system for Senate candidates.
“Liz Cheney’s expulsion from her role in the Republican Conference is just the latest example of what happens to Republican officials who dare to speak truth about the 2020 election… the unfortunate reality is that today, the loudest voices within the Republican Party have joined Donald Trump in declaring war on the basics of our democracy. That’s why we, in Congress, need to do something. Immediately,” Durbin said. “This week, the Rules Committee held a markup on a measure that would combat voter suppression and protect our democratic process. It’s known as the For The People Act. This is a democracy defense plan. It will ensure that all eligible Americans can exercise their constitutional right to vote without facing burdensome barriers at the ballot box… above all, this legislation will strengthen the integrity of our democratic process, put more power in the hands of the people.”
Durbin concluded, “There was no evidence, no basis in fact for the ‘Big Lie.’ But the truth is the ‘Big Lie’ won’t just die with the 2020 election. It will sow distrust in our election system for years to come unless our Republican colleagues act with courage. A few have done so. This morning, one paid a heavy price. The question to all of us is are we prepared to either discredit democracy or defend it? Rejecting the ‘Big Lie’ is the defense of our democratic process. We have to join together in making certain that every Americans’ right to vote is protected.”
Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.
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