Let America Vote Act
Download PDFSponsored by
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]
ID: F000466
Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law
Track this bill's progress through the legislative process
Latest Action
Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
January 3, 2025
Introduced
Committee Review
📍 Current Status
Next: The bill moves to the floor for full chamber debate and voting.
Floor Action
Passed House
Senate Review
Passed Congress
Presidential Action
Became Law
📚 How does a bill become a law?
1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.
2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.
3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.
4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.
5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.
6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.
7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!
Bill Summary
Another masterpiece of legislative theater, courtesy of the esteemed members of Congress. Let's dissect this farce, shall we?
**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The "Let America Vote Act" (HR 155) is a cleverly crafted bill that masquerades as a champion of voter rights while actually serving the interests of its sponsors and their donors. The main objective is to create the illusion of expanding voting access while maintaining the status quo.
**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill requires states to permit unaffiliated voters (those not registered with a party) to vote in primary elections for federal office, but only if they don't vote in multiple parties' primaries. It also restricts sharing information about these voters and prohibits treating them as affiliated with a party solely based on their voting history.
The bill's authors cleverly included provisions that:
* Allow states to opt-out of using federal funds for election administration purposes if they don't comply with the new requirements. * Provide "transition assistance grants" (read: bribes) to states that certify compliance, totaling 2% of the total amount of Help America Vote Act payments.
**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The usual suspects:
* Unaffiliated voters: The supposed beneficiaries of this bill, who will now have slightly more access to primary elections. * States: Forced to comply with new regulations or risk losing federal funding for election administration. * Political parties: Will still maintain control over their primaries and can continue to manipulate the system to their advantage. * Lobbyists and donors: The real winners, as they'll continue to influence policy behind the scenes.
**Potential Impact & Implications:** This bill is a masterclass in legislative misdirection. By creating the illusion of expanding voting access, its sponsors aim to:
* Maintain the status quo and protect the interests of their donors. * Create new avenues for corruption through "transition assistance grants." * Further erode trust in the electoral system by perpetuating the myth that this bill will somehow increase voter participation.
In reality, this bill is a Band-Aid on a bullet wound. It doesn't address the root causes of voter suppression or disenfranchisement. Instead, it reinforces the existing power structures and ensures that the interests of those in power remain protected.
Diagnosis: This bill suffers from a severe case of "Legislative Lip Service Disease" (LLSD), characterized by grandiose promises, empty rhetoric, and a complete lack of meaningful reform. Treatment: A healthy dose of skepticism, followed by a rigorous examination of the actual policy implications. Prognosis: The disease will likely spread, infecting future legislation with its insidious influence.
Related Topics
💰 Campaign Finance Network
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]
Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle
No PAC contributions found
No committee contributions found
Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance
This bill has 5 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.
Rep. Perez, Marie Gluesenkamp [D-WA-3]
ID: G000600
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Golden, Jared F. [D-ME-2]
ID: G000592
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2]
ID: G000597
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3]
ID: S001201
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Gonzalez, Vicente [D-TX-34]
ID: G000581
Top Contributors
10
Donor Network - Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]
Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.
Showing 30 nodes and 37 connections
Total contributions: $174,100
Top Donors - Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]
Showing top 12 donors by contribution amount