Democracy Update

Senate Judiciary Committee Approves Amendment to Get Big Money Out of Politics

The Senate moved closer to a vote on getting big money out of politics this week as the full Senate Judiciary Committee approved S.J. Res. 19. This is the Constitutional amendment that would enable Congress and the states to limit political spending and get big money out of politics. There are 47 cosponsors, including Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) who introduced the measure.

When fully adopted, the Constitutional amendment will repair the damage to our democracy that has occurred as a result of the U.S. Supreme Court's Citizens United and McCutcheon rulings. Those decisions warped our political process, giving the richest 0.1 percent the ability to make nearly unlimited political contributions and drown out the voices of ordinary citizens.

Money isn't speech. This amendment protects free speech and a free press. It will restore the authority of Congress and the states to regulate political spending and return our democratic process to the people – where it belongs.