Washington, D.C. – Over 150 citizen advocates took to Capitol Hill on Wednesday to meet with members of Congress and press them to support the For Our Freedom Amendment – a constitutional amendment that would empower states and Congress to set limits on political spending. Advocates from across the country met with 105 congressional offices. The fly-in coincided with a vote in Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives to pass a resolution in support of the For Our Freedom Amendment, bringing the Keystone State closer to becoming the 23rd state to support ratification of the amendment.
The lobby day wrapped up a three-day National Citizen Leadership Conference, where federal and state elected officials, political commentators, experts on campaign finance, and advocates gathered to discuss the harmful impact of unlimited and unrestricted spending in American elections. The conference was organized by American Promise, a cross-partisan national organization behind the For Our Freedom Amendment. This was their sixth annual conference, and they held a record number of legislative meetings.
“Americans are done with a corrupt, broken, pay-to-play political system controlled by an elite political donor class,” said American Promise CEO Jeff Clements. “This year’s record-breaking conference participation from advocates across the political spectrum underscores the strong support and momentum behind ratifying the For Our Freedom Amendment. There is no question that the For Our Freedom Amendment will pass, and history will look favorably upon leaders who stand today with ‘we the people.’”
In a further demonstration of support on Wednesday, the Pennsylvania House passed American Promise’s resolution urging Congress to introduce the For Our Freedom Amendment with broad bipartisan support 113-88. Should it pass in the State Senate, Pennsylvania will become the 23rd state urging Congress to introduce the amendment.
Election spending has exploded since the Supreme Court’s 2010 decision in Citizens United v. FEC, when corporations, unions and dark money special interest groups were granted the right to spend unlimited money on elections. A record $16 billion is projected to be spent in the 2024 election cycle up and down the ballot. According to a Pew Research poll released earlier this year, voters from both parties identified reducing the influence of money in politics as their third most important priority for Congress and the president to address. However, efforts to regulate campaign finance often face legal challenges due to Supreme Court decisions like Citizens United.
About American Promise
American Promise is a cross-partisan organization committed to a singular vision: ratifying the For Our Freedom Amendment to empower the states and Congress to set reasonable limits on political spending, ensuring every American voice counts. Our mission has drawn support from Republicans, Democrats and Independents alike. Leaders from business, politics, academia, the military and nonprofits are among our ranks, including former members of Congress and Supreme Court justices.
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