March 4, 2021 - WASHINGTON — On Wednesday evening, Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10) voted to pass H.R. 1, the For the People Act, in an effort to end Washington’s culture of corruption. Among its many provisions, is Harder-authored text that requires registered lobbyists to disclose their title and clients whenever they make contact with a member of the Legislative or Executive Branch.

“We all know Washington is broken – we see it every time a lobbyist gets their special project instead of what our families need. This bill forces Congress to get back to working for the people – not their donors,” said Rep. Harder. “There are 11,000 lobbyists in DC, more than 25 for each member of Congress. My piece of this historic legislation says that if you’re getting paid to influence an elected official, you have to actually disclose who you work for.”

“Throughout his time in Congress, Josh Harder has been a fierce advocate of holding self-serving politicians accountable and protecting the right to vote,” said ECU // LAV Action Fund President Tiffany Muller. “Congressman Harder ran on a platform of cleaning up corruption in Washington and has made good on that promise by passing the For the People Act. We’re grateful for his leadership on passing the For the People Act to make government more transparent and restore faith in our elections.”

Rep. Harder is an original cosponsor of H.R. 1. Last Congress, he spoke on the floor of the House in support of his provision on lobbying. Watch the video here. Rep. Harder also spoke on the importance of this historic legislation at a press conference on the steps of the Capitol. Watch the video here.

BACKGROUND ON THE FOR THE PEOPLE ACT

• The For The People Act Reduces The Hold Of Dark Money In Politics.
  • The For the People Act empowers American citizens by ending the dominance of dark money in our politics through increased donor disclosure requirements and strengthening campaign finance oversight. H.R. 1 also reaffirms that Congress and the States have the authority to regulate campaign contributions and expenditures – pushing back on the Supreme Court’s Citizens United and Buckley decisions.

• The For The People Act Makes It Easier For People To Vote.
  • The For the People Act expands early voting, introduces automatic voter registration, and takes aim at discriminatory barriers to voting by ending the indiscriminate purging of eligible voters from the rolls. It also makes long overdue investments to protect the integrity of our elections against foreign interference and ensures confidence in election results.

• The For The People Act Makes Sure Public Officials Work for the People, Not Big Donors And Lobbyists
  • H.R. 1 takes aim at the culture of corruption in Washington by expanding conflict of interest laws and divestment requirements for the White House, Executive Branch personnel, Members of Congress, the Supreme Court, lobbyists, and foreign agents. It also ensures watchdogs have sufficient resources to enforce the law.
    Source: Congressman Josh Harder