From protecting the freedom to vote to ensuring ethical governance and guarding against abuses of power, Congress has the tools to ensure our government is working for the people. Now is the time to use them.
At Campaign Legal Center, we work every day to advance solutions to the various challenges facing our democracy, including advocating for policymakers to adopt key changes to the law. As Congress prepares to return from its summer recess, we are calling on every representative and senator to support at least six legislative priorities that will help achieve a government that is truly of, by and for the people:
1. Ban Congressional Stock Trading
Voters have a right to know that their elected representatives are acting in the public’s best interest and are not motivated by their personal financial interests.
However, the lack of constraints on congressional stock trading means there is little to prevent lawmakers from accruing personal wealth through strategic trading, at the expense of prioritizing the needs of everyday Americans.
To help restore public trust in government, Congress should pass legislation to ban lawmakers from buying or selling stocks while in office.
A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives have introduced a bill that could accomplish just that. The Restore Faith in Congress Act would ban members of Congress — and their spouses and dependents — from trading stock while in office.
Now is the time to deliver a solution to a problem that Campaign Legal Center has been highlighting for years. With President Trump already signaling support for a stock trading ban, and similar legislation making its way through the U.S. Senate, the House should move quickly to pass this bill and work to get it to the president’s desk.
Learn more about banning stock trading here.
2. Support D.C. Statehood
The residents of Washington, D.C., deserve the same rights and protections guaranteed to their fellow Americans. President Trump’s recent takeover of D.C.’s police force is a blatant abuse of power that highlights the urgent need for D.C. statehood.
With a population of over 700,000 citizens, the District of Columbia has a larger population than Vermont and Wyoming, and a comparable population to South Dakota, North Dakota and Alaska.
Citizens in the District serve in the U.S. military, pay more in federal taxes than 22 states, and pay more federal taxes per capita than any state. Yet, they do not have the same voice in Congress as the other 50 states do, or true control of their own governance.
Congress must act to protect D.C. residents from any further federal overreach, including by terminating President Trump’s unjustified interventions in the District and passing the Washington, D.C., Admission Act. Granting D.C. statehood is long overdue and essential to ensuring the residents of our nation’s capital finally have the ability to make their voices heard.
Learn more about D.C. statehood here.
3. End Gerrymandering
Elections should be determined by voters, not politicians who manipulate voting maps. Gerrymandering — the manipulation of the map-drawing process for political gain — makes it easier for politicians and political parties to consolidate power and win elections at the expense of voters and our democracy.
Gerrymandering directly affects how communities are represented at every level of government — from local councils and state legislatures to the U.S. House of Representatives. These elected bodies make decisions that shape our daily lives, including public education, healthcare access and transportation.
When district lines are manipulated for political gain, it can dilute the power of voters, making it harder for communities to elect leaders who truly reflect their needs and priorities. Fair representation starts with fair maps — because voters deserve a meaningful say in who makes the decisions that affect them every day.
Campaign Legal Center has been sounding the alarm on this issue for years. As a redistricting arms race currently escalates nationwide, Congress has the power to enact a national solution that will prevent gerrymandering of congressional districts across the country.
Learn more about solutions to gerrymandering here.
4. Pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and Freedom to Vote Act
To ensure every voter can make their voice heard, we must pass proactive legislation that makes our democracy more inclusive, safe and secure. This includes the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which would restore the full strength of the Voting Rights Act and help to finally end racial discrimination in our elections.
Another essential priority is the Freedom to Vote Act, landmark legislation that would increase Americans’ access to the ballot box, neutralize partisan and racial gerrymandering, and increase transparency in our campaign finance system to counteract the impact of secret spending, otherwise known as dark money.
By passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act, Congress can secure the promise of a democracy that works for us all.
5. Fund Election Administration
Free and fair elections require a lot of people and resources; still, the everyday Americans who administer our democratic process are too often left without the support they need. We rely on local volunteers and officials to help Americans vote and count every ballot cast — but this requires extensive training, modern equipment and strong support from policymakers.
Congress in particular has a vital role to play in funding election administration across the country. By providing robust and predictable investments, Congress can empower election officials to improve the infrastructure of our democracy. This includes making voter registration more accessible, reducing long lines at polling locations, enhancing the security of election equipment and more.
With the next deadline for government funding on the horizon, Congress must prioritize appropriations to support elections and voters nationwide.
Read our letter about election funding here.
6. Defend the Rule of Law and Separation of Powers
Congress must reassert its constitutional authority and be a check on President Trump’s abuse of power. As President Trump continues to overstep his authority by attempting to seize control of independent agencies, our elections and other areas beyond his purview, it is up to Congress to defend the rule of law, the separation of powers, and the core tenets of our democracy.
Recently, Campaign Legal Center supported a resolution in Congress to reaffirm these key constitutional principles, and we will continue our work in this area as new challenges emerge.
Looking Ahead
This is a pivotal moment — and an important opportunity — for members of Congress. The six priorities outlined here would go a long way toward making sure government works for the American people.
Campaign Legal Center has been advocating for each of these reforms that will make our democracy stronger. Members of Congress have an urgent responsibility to now act on them. These six priorities aren’t just ideals, they’re real changes that demand immediate attention. Congress must act — and act now.
