WASHINGTON —
Rep. John Sarbanes and other House Democrats announced plans Friday for their first bill of the new, Democratic-controlled House of Representatives — a political reform measure they say would "drain the swamp" in a way President Donald Trump has not.
The measure contains ethics reform, campaign finance reform and voting rights protections, and is designed "to make a powerful statement right out of the gate," said Sarbanes, the Baltimore County Democrat who is the measure's principal author. It is to be introduced when the new Congress convenes Jan. 3.
Sarbanes chairs a government reform task force whose principal concerns — including minimizing the influence of special interests and ensuring fair elections — are poised to receive more attention in the new Congress. Democratic leaders believe reform issues resonated with voters in the Nov. 6 midterm elections, and they are eager to pursue bills such as Sarbanes'.
"Our best friend in this debate is the public," said Rep. Nancy Pelosi, the California Democrat nominated by the party to be the next House speaker.
She appeared at a news conference with Sarbanes and said his legislation would be the "first order of business" in the new Congress.
Also appearing at the event were more than a half-dozen just-elected Democrats.
Members of the new class "have that message of reform pinned to their chest," Sarbanes said. "This class has told us that this is what the people want to see."
Sarbanes has chaired the Democracy Reform Task Force — a study and advocacy group — since January 2017. All the members are Democrats.
The legislation is to include national automatic voter registration, meaning that — unless they opt out — people would be registered when they interact with a government institution such as a state department of motor vehicles.
It also would require all political organizations to disclose their donors. A recent Pew Research Center report found that most Americans are concerned about the influence of big money in politics and want to limit campaign spending.
The legislation would tighten rules on super PACs and overhaul the Federal Election Commission.
The legislation is to have the title "H.R. 1" to designate its significance.
