Congressional Reform
Democrats’ Public Financing Proposal Could Give Small Donors More Influence
Public campaign financing programs in states and cities across the country have grown in use by candidates and have been strengthened by voters in recent years.
Top Stories
Powerful Reps Rely on Corporate PACs to Pay Their Committee Taxes
By Donald Shaw Democracy Primary category in which blog post is published
Blumenthal’s Spouse Stows Away Cargo Company Stock
By David Moore Brick House Cooperative Primary category in which blog post is published
Conservative Groups Launch Misinformation Campaign Against HR 1
By David Moore Democracy Primary category in which blog post is published
Pelosi-Controlled Committee Blocks Votes on Congressional Stock Holdings
By Donald Shaw Investments Primary category in which blog post is published
Manchin Backed Filibuster Reform in the Past
While Sen. Joe Manchin proclaimed in recent media appearances that he will not consider ending the filibuster, 10 years ago he voted in favor of rules reforms that would have significantly reduced the obstructive tactic.
Biden’s Huge Inaugural Donations Would be Banned Under Democrats’ Ethics Bill
Government watchdog groups called on Biden's presidential inaugural committee to reject million-dollar donations from corporations seeking to influence the new administration.
Companies Pause PACs While Fighting Democracy Reforms
Many of the companies that grabbed headlines by suspending their PAC donations after the assault on the Capitol Building are members of industry groups that oppose ethics and campaign finance reforms.
Rules Package Closes Witness Conflicts Loophole
For the first time, witnesses to Congress will have to disclose all entities they are affiliated with that have an interest in the topic of the hearing.
Pelosi Ignored Her Own Caucus on Voting Reform For Years, Allowing States to Restrict Access
House Democrats outside of leadership have repeatedly proposed legislation on early voting and vote-by-mail, but Speaker Pelosi and the other leaders never got on board.
A Decade Later, Dems Again Say They’re Ready to Do Campaign Finance Reform
We spoke with Rep. John Larson, the House sponsor of previous versions of the Fair Elections Now Act, about the last time Democrats had a chance to pass campaign finance reform in 2009.
Here’s How Much Dark and Gray Money Was Spent on Congressional Races
Use these interactive maps to see how much money dark and gray money groups spent on congressional races in your state.
Congressional Leader Lays Down Marker in Revolving-Door Battle
Rep. Raúl Grijalva has built a coalition of outside groups committed to barring corporate insiders from executive branch positions. Now he wants House members to sign on.
New Bill Seeks to Bring Lobbying Out of the Shadows
The Lobbying Disclosure Reform Act of 2020 would add “strategic lobbying services” to the influence-seeking activities that would have to be publicly reported, among other provisions aimed at strengthening disclosure.
