McHenry Votes Nay on HR1
House Democrats passed the anti-corruption and pro-democracy reform bill known as HR 1 on Friday with a final vote of 234 to 193. The bill is aimed at getting money out of politics and increasing transparency around donors, cracking down on lobbying, and expanding voting rights for Americans by implementing provisions like automatic voter registration.
IndivisibleAVL and Indivisible Black Mountain met with McHenry’s staff in Black Mountain on Jan 3, delivering a stack of letters from constituents, asking for consideration of the voting rights portion of the bill.
- Creating fair maps through independent redistricting commissions, without gerrymandering for either party.
- Restoring the Voting Rights Act.
- Encouraging automatic and same-day voter registration, and providing adequate early voting opportunities.
- Securing our election systems, such as, but not limited to, the use of voting machines.
Yesterday McHenry was one of 193 Nay votes on the bill. His statement echos Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell, and House minority leader Kevin McCarthy.
Patrick McHenry on HR 1: “This week the House is voting on H.R. 1, House Democrats’ top priority. What would this bill do? These three things—use taxpayer money to fund political campaigns, allow convicted felons to vote, and weaken the security of our elections. ”
Mitch McConnell on HR 1: “This is the Democrat plan to restore democracy? A power grab that’s smelling more and more like exactly what it is.”
Kevin McCarthy on HR 1: “There is a new majority in the House of Representatives, and guess what? They want the government to interfere in our free and fair elections.”
At present, Mitch McConnell says he won’t allow a vote on the Senate floor. Asked why, he responded, ‘ “Because I get to decide what we vote on.”