Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) voted for H.R. 1, the For the People Act, a historic reform package aimed at restoring the promise of our nation’s democracy by putting the needs and priorities of the American people ahead of special interests. H.R. 1 lays the groundwork for her bill, H.R. 4, The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act, to ensure all Americans have access to the ballot box. 

“As the proud U.S. Representative of Alabama’s Civil Rights District, it is my honor to be the lead sponsor of H.R. 4, The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act, which along with H.R. 1, will restore democracy for the people,” said Rep. Terri Sewell. “H.R. 1 contains the full provisions of the Voter Empowerment Act that was authored by the Honorable Congressman John Lewis and would finally address the systemic and institutional barriers to voting.”

“As we are seeing in state legislatures across the country and in cases before the Supreme Court just this week, the right to vote is under attack. Old battles have become new again. Voter suppression is alive and well,” continued Sewell. “This legislation will work to eliminate voter suppression to ensure that every American can fully participate in our democracy.” 

Key provisions of H.R. 1, the For the People Act, include:

• Expanding automatic voter registration and same day registration.

• Strengthening vote by mail, early voting and ballot access.

• Combating voter intimidation and voter suppression.

• Protecting elections from foreign interference.

A fact sheet on H.R. 1 can be found here.