Dear John,

The shocking images of a violent mob desecrating our greatest temple of democracy, the U.S. Capitol, have reminded all of us in the starkest terms that government of the people, by the people, and for the people is not guaranteed. But our democracy is not only under assault from armed insurrection. The truth is, efforts have been underway for decades to lock in minority rule against the wishes of We the People, well before recent efforts to install the losing candidate and overturn the election.

That’s why I’m leading the charge to pass the For the People Act. This sweeping package of pro-democracy reforms is designed to make it easier for all eligible Americans to vote; end the dominance of big, dark money in politics; and ensure that public officials work to advance the interests of the American people -- not their personal bank accounts. 

And this week, I am excited to share that the For the People Act will be S.1, meaning it will be the first bill introduced in the Senate in the new Congress -- a powerful symbol of how the restoration of our democracy will be a top priority for our entire caucus in the new Senate. 

This bill is the key to all of our other priorities.  Lowering drug prices, racial justice, tackling climate chaos, raising the minimum wage, comprehensive immigration reform, gun safety legislation -- government only addresses the people’s priorities if our democracy is healthy and the people’s choices aren’t shut out by voter suppression and election manipulation. 

Everyone -- regardless of their political affiliation -- who believes in our constitutional vision should support reforms that will make sure the American people are able to vote and that their government reflects their preferences and works for them. That’s why I’ll be doing everything I can to urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to join us in supporting this urgently needed legislation.

As Benjamin Franklin walked out of Independence Hall after the Constitutional Convention of 1787, he was asked if a republic or a monarchy had been formed by our nation’s founders. He replied, “A republic, if you can keep it.” I hope you will join me in working to ensure that we do. 

All my best,
Jeff