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WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) voted against H.R. 1, a bill that would nationalize elections, require taxpayers to fund political ads, and restrict free speech.

“H.R. 1, congressional Democrats’ top priority, would be more appropriately named the ‘For the Democrat Politicians Act.’ It would use your tax dollars to fund political campaigns and attack ads, overpower the constitutional authority of states to run their own elections, allow troublesome nationwide ballot harvesting, and make permanent many of those provisions that undermined Americans’ confidence in the 2020 election. We need to work to restore faith in our elections, and this bill would only create more controversy,” said Congressman Brad Wenstrup. “States like Ohio should be the model for properly-run elections. I would encourage state legislatures across the country to look to Ohio State House Majority Floor Leader Bill Seitz's Nine Keys to an Election with Integrity when considering policy changes to improve their election administration.”

Among the most egregious provisions contained in H.R. 1 are:
(Courtesy of the House Administration Committee Republicans)

1. Publicly funds campaigns with federal fines on corporations. Creates a 6:1 funding match to any small-donor contributions of $200 or less in a congressional or presidential campaign – meaning for every $200, the federal government will match $1,200. This funding would come from a surcharge on corporate and high taxpayer settlements with the Federal government. H.R. 1 also establishes a new voucher pilot program that grants eligible voters a $25 voucher to donate to any campaign of their choosing.

2. Nationalizes elections and centralizes administration in Washington, D.C. Oversteps the bounds established by the Constitution by impeding the states’ ability to determine their registration and voting practices, as protected under Article 1, Section 4 of the Constitution, and mandating ethics standards for the Supreme Court, violating the separation of powers.

3. Makes “pandemic-style” election changes permanent. In 2020, states rushed to make changes in the name of COVID-19, like expanding mail-in voting without safeguards to protect ballot integrity, which created chaos, increased irregularities, and undermined public trust in our election process. H.R. 1 makes many of these changes permanent.

4. Imposes liberal California voting methods on every state. H.R. 1 would force states to permanently expand mail-in voting, legalize ballot harvesting, and disregard voter ID laws.

5. Weaponizes the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Alters the current bipartisan makeup of the six-member commission to a partisan five-member commission and establishes a “Speech Czar”, limiting free speech and creating a partisan commission.

6. Increases vulnerability for foreign election interference. Weakens the voting system of the American people by centralizing the election system, thereby increasing its vulnerability to foreign interference, and failing to implement the necessary checks and balances regarding who can register to vote. H.R. 1 will force states to implement online voter registration, automatic voter registration, and same-day voter registration with no safeguards.

7. Destroys the First Amendment. H.R. 1 would drastically limit free speech and impose vague standards that disadvantage all groups who wish to advocate on behalf of any legislative issue, specifically requiring them to disclose the names of donors who donate above a certain threshold.

8. Disregards state voter identification laws and provisional ballot rules. Forces states to allow sworn statements to be used in place of identification and allowing for signature verification, which can be submitted through a photo if the voter registers online. Forces states to count provisional ballots cast outside of the voter’s correct precinct.

9. Removes states’ ability to decide how their districts are drawn. Mandates the use of independent redistricting commissions for creating congressional districts, removing states’ flexibility to choose the best systems for the needs of their citizens.

10. Weaponizes Biden’s IRS. H.R. 1 permits the agency to investigate and consider the political and policy persuasions of organizations before granting tax-exempt status.