Citizens United

There are two things I hear, time and again, from voters across Massachusetts, whether they’re Democrats, Republicans, or Independents: Washington is dysfunctional, and we’ve got to find a way to get all this big money out of our political system.

I couldn’t agree more. The first three words of our Constitution are about giving power to the people—not the billionaire corporations or special interests.

At the end of the day, that's what this democracy is about—it's an experiment in self-government, a test of the idea that everyday people can make the decisions that shape their own future. But it only works if all our voices are heard.

Time and time again, I have seen how powerful special interests work to stall progress on issues that the overwhelming majority of people support. NRA blood money prevents meaningful gun safety legislation. The fossil fuel industry scores lax climate regulations that destroy our planet. Big tech companies evade scrutiny in exchange for generous campaign contributions. Enough already. It's time to restore government of, by, and for the people. It's time to get money out of politics once and for all. Here's how I think we need to do it.

Overturning Citizens United

Two disastrous Supreme Court decisions — Citizens United v. FEC and McCutcheon v. FEC — have opened up the floodgates and allowed wealthy insiders and corporate special interests to drown out the voice of the American people through nearly unlimited campaign donations.

That’s why I am working with colleagues from across the country to overturn these disastrous court decisions and return power back to the people of this country—where it belongs.

Together, we’ve been fighting to pass a bipartisan Constitutional Amendment called the Democracy for All Amendment, which affirms the right of states and the federal government to pass laws that regulate spending in elections, reversing the concentration of political influence held by the wealthiest Americans and large corporations capable of spending millions of dollars in our elections. You can read more about our bills here.

Recognizing the high bar the U.S. Constitution sets for amendment, I’ve also worked to pass groundbreaking legislation that helps restore the balance of power in our democracy without changing our Constitution.

Passing the For The People Act

H.R. 1 — the For The People Act — which I was proud to cosponsor and vote yes on, would help take big money out of our system, limit corruption in our government, protect voting rights, and restore some integrity back into our system. It passed the house on March 18, 2019 by a vote of 234 -193. Thought the Senate did not take up this important bill, I will not stop fighting until it is the law of the land.