This morning the Fair Elections Now Act (S. 750, H.R. 1404) was heard before the Judiciary Subcommittee on Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights. With lead Senate bill sponsor and subcommittee chairman, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) presiding, the hearing, entitled: “The Fair Elections Now Act: A Comprehensive Response to Citizens United," included a lively discussion with panelists, former Sen. Alan Simpson (R-Wyo.) and Monica Youn of the Brennan Center for Justice arguing in favor of the bill, and Cleta Mitchell, Partner, Foley and Larner, arguing against.

Sen. Durbin at the hearing: “If I went to the people in my state and said ‘Okay, here’s what I’m offering: shorter campaigns, more direct contact between candidates and voters, more disclosure and transparency about where my money is coming from that’s being spent on my campaign.’ I would ask them, ‘Do you prefer that over the current system?’ My guess is overwhelmingly yes.”

The Fair Elections Now Act, which was introduced into both chambers of Congress last week, would allow federal candidates to choose to run for office without relying on large contributions, big money bundlers, or donations from lobbyists, and would be freed from the constant fundraising in order to focus on what people in their communities want.

To learn more about the Fair Elections Now Act and what you can do to help advance the legislation, click here.