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Growing up, democracy was a deeply held value in my home. I often tell the story of my grandmother, who when she was literally in hospice, she’d call up people in Spanish and say, "you need to make sure you get to vote." Voting has always been what defines us as a democracy. Voting should be a celebration. It’s an opportunity to use your voice. That’s why I am committed to protecting this right for every American. During my time in Congress, I have fought for laws that safeguard this simple—yet sacred– pillar of our democracy. That’s why I voted for the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act to make sure that Native Americans, Latinos, African Americans, and every other American has access to the ballot. This bill would protect poll workers, reinstate preclearance, and remove barriers to voting for those living on tribal lands. Finally, this bill would reform our campaign finance system to make sure that our democracy works for the people and not special interests. To protect our democracy I also voted for the Presidential Election Reform Act to make sure that the candidate who wins the election takes office. I cosponsored the Protecting Our Democracy Act to prevent foreign influence in our elections. I will always fight to make sure political violence, threats, intimidation, and lies don’t undermine over two hundred years of democratic tradition in this country. Our democracy requires justice for all including equal treatment under the law. As an attorney, I witnessed the judicial system's impact on our country and communities firsthand. Some of the common sense reforms that I cosponsored include the Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, And Transparency Act and the Supreme Court Tenure Establishment and Retirement Modernization Act. I will continue to push for this kind of legislation to make sure that our justice system is beyond the influence of politics and that we restore faith in our Supreme Court. |