In 2019, a coalition comprised entirely of corporate special interest groups signed a letter stating their opposition to the For the People Act
Sen. Ernst, a Big Money 20 incumbent, voted against the For the People Act and raked in over over $9 million in support from the bill’s opponents
One year ago, the Democratic House majority passed the For the People Act (H.R. 1/S. 949), the most sweeping anti-corruption, voting rights, and government ethics bill in generations. But Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and the Republican-controlled Senate have repeatedly dismissed bringing the bill up for a debate or vote because her corporate and special interest donors demand they do not. Those same donors have given over $9 million in contributions and outside spending help to Ernst.
In January and March of 2019, ahead of the House vote on H.R.1, a coalition of corporate and special interests wrote letters stating their opposition to the bill. The groups opposed the bill for the exact reason it’s necessary: it will give regular people a bigger voice in our democracy while reducing the power of big donors and corporations over our democracy.
This is no surprise as Senator Ernst has become a part of the corruption problem in Washington. An Associated Press investigation recently revealed how she coordinated with a dark money group set up by her own top political aides. End Citizens United filed a complaint to the IRS against the dark money group.
“Rooting out corruption, getting big money out of politics, and protecting and expanding the right to vote, are reforms that every member of Congress should champion,” said Tiffany Muller, president of End Citizens United. “But Senator Joni Ernst’s opposition to the For the People Act makes clear that she stands against these crucial reforms because her corporate and special interest donors demanded it. We’ll make sure Iowans don’t forget Ernst’s betrayal in November.”
In January, End Citizens United Action Fund released its first annual legislative scorecard that tracked and graded the efforts of every member of Congress on money in politics and government reform issues. Senator Joni Ernst received an “F” for failing to support common sense legislation that roots out corruption, increases transparency, and strengthens ethics in government.
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