Washington, D.C.—Campaign finance watchdog Public Campaign praised Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) for holding a hearing today on the Fair Elections Now Act (S. 750, H.R. 1404) important legislation that would put elections back in the hands of everyday Americans.

“Our political system has become too reliant on the money instead of the many, with big corporations able to buy tax breaks and sweetheart deals on the backs of working Americans,” said Nick Nyhart, president and CEO of Public Campaign. “Our politicians should be focused on doing what’s right for their constituents, without having to worry whether it’ll effect their campaign account.

The hearing, “The Fair Elections Now Act: A Comprehensive Responsive to Citizens United,” is being held by the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Human Rights.

Sponsored by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Reps. John Larson (D-Conn.), Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), and Walter Jones (R-N.C.), the Fair Elections Now Act would allow candidates to run competitive campaigns for office by relying solely on donations from people back home. Candidates would collect small contributions from residents in their state that would be matched five-to-one. The system is paid for with fees on the country’s largest government contractors, like General Electric or KBR. Instead of dialing for dollars from Wall Street or other wealthy special interest donors, Fair Elections candidates can rely solely on their grassroots supporters to fund their campaigns.

“The American people shouldn’t have to make $2,500 donations or bundle cash to have their voice heard in Washington,” said Nyhart. “The Fair Elections Now Act would raise the voice of everyday voters and make politicians accountable to them and not their big money donors.”