A Message From Congressman Sarbanes
I am proud to be leading the charge in Congress to limit the influence of Big Money on politics and government and amplify the voices of everyday Americans. Whether it’s the economy, energy and the environment, health care or any other critical issue, special interests and well-connected insiders are calling the shots in Washington. We need to return to a government of, by and for the people. That’s why I authored H.R. 1, the For the People Act, an historic reform bill that passed the U.S. House of Representatives on March 8th, 2019.
Updates
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In the News: Ensuring elections 'free from foreign intrusion'
July 3, 2019
Ensuring elections 'free from foreign intrusion'
John Sarbanes and Brian Frosh, THE BALTIMORE SUN (OP-ED)On July 4, Americans of all political stripes join together to celebrate our nation’s independence from overseas monarchs, from foreign influence, from interference in our democracy.
This is the moment to apply the lessons of 2016, when our election infrastructure — the core of American democracy — was attacked by a foreign adversary in a choreographed and coordinated effort. State and local election systems across the country were probed and, in some cases, breached. Outsiders exploited digital platforms to wage a full-scale disinformation campaign. And secret foreign money was deployed to influence the electoral outcome.
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In the News: Senator McConnell: Protect U.S. elections
June 18, 2019
Senator McConnell: Protect U.S. elections
The Editorial Board, THE BALTIMORE SUNSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell does not shame easily. Ask anyone — including Jon Stewart, the former Comedy Network star who has found a second life as an impassioned advocate for the victims of the 9/11 attacks. His wilting denunciation of Congress and Senator McConnell, in particular, became must-watch viewing on a wide array of social media platforms last week. But has it softened the Republican leader’s heart? Hard to say. Mr. McConnell recently expressed support for fully funding the Victims Compensation Fund as Mr. Stewart has sought, but legislation to do so remains stalled in the Senate.
Still, if the embarrassment Mr. Stewart heaped on the majority leader actually did the job, perhaps the former “Daily Show” host can be recruited to express similar outrage that Congress has so far done so little to protect the upcoming 2020 election from foreign interference. Maryland’s own Rep. John Sarbanes is looking to rectify that situation shortly. He’s at the vanguard of the effort by House Democrats to strengthen election security — and address many of the criticisms contained in special counsel Robert Mueller’s report that have been echoed by U.S. intelligence agencies. There’s simply no question that Russian agents attempted to interfere in the 2016 election and are expected to be at it again next year.”
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In the News: Sarbanes: Need to ‘prepare against the Russians coming again in 2020’
May 14, 2019
Sarbanes: Need to ‘prepare against the Russians coming again in 2020’
MSNBC (Meet the Press with Chuck Todd) -
In the News: Leader McConnell, let us vote
May 2, 2019
Leader McConnell, let us vote
John Sarbanes and Vanita Gupta, THE HILL(OP-ED)The day after our nation commemorated the 54th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma, Ala., the House of Representatives passed H.R.1, the For the People Act, to strengthen voting rights, take big money out of politics, and clean up corruption on Capitol Hill.
Before the vote on March 8, Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), a foot soldier for civil rights who marched in Selma, implored lawmakers to recognize their moral responsibility to restore access to democracy. He asked his colleagues, “If not us, then who? If not now, then when?”
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In the News: Trump obstruction is ‘disrespecting American public’ – Dem Congressman
April 24, 2019
Trump obstruction is ‘disrespecting American public’ – Dem Congressman
MSNBC (The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell)