Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompsom’s lone “no” vote against HR 1, the massive legislation on the right to vote, was no coincidence.
Mississippi, of Mississippi, joined all Republicans late Wednesday in voting for the House Democrats’ highest legislative priority, known as the 2021 For the People Act.
Thompson’s vote was surprising because he was a co-sponsor of the legislation, along with the rest of the Democratic caucus. But Thompson said Thursday his voters do not support the election overhaul, so he would rather stand with his colleagues.
HOUSE DEMOCRATS DECISION EXCELLENT VOTE AND REFORM BILL, HU 1
“My voters opposed the redistribution of the bill as well as the section on public finances,” Thompson said in a statement to Fox News. “I always listen and vote in the interest of my constituents.”
The legislation requires states to redistribute independent commissions to carry out the one-time repetition of congressional districts in an effort to avoid biased riots. The bill also introduces a new public funding system for congressional and presidential elections to encourage small dollar donations.
HOME DEMOCRATIC HR 1 WILL CREATE NEW PUBLIC FINANCING OF CONGRESSIONAL CAMPAIGNS
The legislation would create a 6: 1 contest for every contribution to a candidate up to $ 200. A donation of $ 200 to a home candidate, for example, would yield a contest of $ 1200 in public funds for a total contribution of $ 200. $ 1400.
The public match program would be funded by a new 4.75% surcharge on criminal and civil fines and settlements that companies pay to the U.S. government. The non-partisan Congress budget office estimated this week that the new revenue stream would generate about $ 3.2 billion over ten years.
Rep Bennie Thompson, D-Miss.
The election legislation was approved by 220 to 210. No Republican, along with the Democrats, approved the approving reform of suffrage now leading to the Senate.
The numbered HR 1 to indicate that it is the highest priority of House Democrats, the legislation would also introduce automatic voter registration, restore voting rights to criminals after they have completed their sentences and extend early voting access and the absence of votes.
REP. BENNIE THOMPSON GOVERNS CIVIL LAW AGAINST TRUMP FOR JAN. 6 RIOT: ‘WE MUST HOLD HIM LIABLE’
It also bans voter cleansing and the bias of congressional districts, draws up new rules for funding campaigns, and requires presidential candidates to file tax returns for ten years.
HR 1 will also target big dollar and dark money donors in politics by requiring additional publicity of campaign donors and disclaimer of political advertising.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The legislation now goes to the Senate, where it’s a difficult road to pass, as the chamber is divided between 50 and 50 between Democrats and Republicans. The legislation will require 60 votes to advance and require IDP support.