House Democrats Introduce Bill to Strengthen Democracy
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Monday, House Democrats introduced the Protecting Our Democracy Act, H.R. 5314, led by Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.). “The comprehensive proposals — many of which have been supported by both Democrats and Republicans in the past — will restore the government’s system of checks and balances, strengthen accountability and transparency and protect America’s elections from foreign interference,” wrote the bill sponsors in a press release.
The bill was first introduced in the 116th Congress after former President Donald Trump made clear the potential for abuse in the executive branch, issues that both preceded and will follow the 45th president. H.R. 5314 reins in the executive branch by curtailing presidential pardon powers and restrengthening the Constitution’s Emoluments Clauses. The bill empowers Congress through its subpoena enforcement, spending authority and oversight on emergency powers. H.R. 5314 tackles a handful of other pro-democracy and ethics issues, including safeguards against foreign interference in our elections, and has the support of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).