Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB5292

Introduced
8/25/23  

Caption

Sustaining Our Democracy Act

Impact

The legislation specifically allocates $2 billion annually from a State Election Assistance and Innovation Trust Fund for the fiscal years 2024 through 2033, indicating a substantial financial commitment toward improving the integrity and efficiency of federal elections. States must submit detailed plans outlining how they intend to utilize these funds for various democracy promotion activities. This includes measures to improve election administration, cybersecurity for voting infrastructure, and initiatives designed to increase voter engagement among underrepresented populations.

Summary

House Bill 5292, known as the 'Sustaining Our Democracy Act', establishes a Democracy Advancement and Innovation Program aimed at allocating funds to states for the promotion and enhancement of democratic processes. The bill mandates the creation of a new office within the government focused on advancing democratic practices and administering the designated funds to states. The proposed program is particularly significant as it aims to bolster election security measures, enhance voter access, and retain election officials amidst increasing challenges faced during electoral processes.

Contention

Despite its positive intentions, the bill may face opposition with concerns regarding the federal oversight of state election processes. Critics might argue that such federal involvement could infringe upon states' rights to govern their own election practices. Additionally, some may express skepticism about the efficiency and transparency regarding how funds will be allocated and utilized at the state level, especially amid fears that the provisions may not adequately address traditional barriers to voting access or may inadvertently reflect partisan biases.

Companion Bills

US SB630

Same As Sustaining Our Democracy Act

US HB11

Related Freedom to Vote Act This bill addresses voter registration and voting access, election integrity and security, redistricting, and campaign finance. Specifically, the bill expands voter registration (e.g., automatic and same-day registration) and voting access (e.g., vote-by-mail and early voting). It also limits removing voters from voter rolls. Next, the bill establishes Election Day as a federal holiday. The bill declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence. The bill establishes certain federal criminal offenses related to voting. In particular, the bill establishes a new criminal offense for conduct (or attempted conduct) to corruptly hinder, interfere with, or prevent another person from registering to vote or helping someone register to vote. Additionally, the bill sets forth provisions related to election security, including by requiring states to conduct post-election audits for federal elections. The bill outlines criteria for congressional redistricting and generally prohibits mid-decade redistricting. The bill addresses campaign finance, including by expanding the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals, requiring additional disclosure of campaign-related fundraising and spending, requiring additional disclaimers regarding certain political advertising, and establishing an alternative campaign funding system for certain federal offices.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.