Senator Tester’s bill is first-ever in US Senate to make clear that constitutional rights are only for people, not corporations

WASHINGTON, DC. – Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) received praise from democracy advocates today for introducing a companion bill to Massachusetts Congressman Jim McGovern’s “People’s Rights Amendment.”

Senator Tester’s bill mirrors language in the House bill, H.J. Res 21, making it clear that corporations do not have constitutional rights as if they were people. The House bill enjoys bi-partisan support from Republican Rep. Walter Jones (NC-3), along with many other co-sponsors, including Democratic Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (MI-13), the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee.

Another, similar House-Senate pair of bills is also gaining support – H.J.Res. 20, also by Rep. McGovern (MA-2), and a bill re-introduced today by Senator Tom Udall (D-NM), which would restore the authority of Congress and the states to limit campaign spending in elections. A previous introduction of the bill by Sen. Udall had 25 U.S. Senate co-sponsors.

"These two constitutional amendment bills are critical to reclaiming our democracy," said John Bonifaz, executive director of Free Speech For People, referring to the People’s Rights Amendment by Sen. Tester and Rep. McGovern, and the campaign spending amendment by Sen. Udall and Rep. McGovern. "We must reverse Citizens United and ensure that people, not corporations, govern in America and that the nation lives up to its fundamental promise of political equality for all.

“Senator Tester’s sponsorship of the People’s Rights Amendment and Senator Udall’s re-introduction of his amendment bill on campaign spending represent significant political developments for our movement,” Bonifaz continued. “They reflect the growing support across the country for overturning Citizens United and restoring democracy to the people.”

Last week, Free Speech For People issued a major report documenting more than 100 Republican officials across the country in support of a constitutional amendment to reverse Citizens United. The report can be found here: http://j.mp/AcrossTheAisle

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To download the press release, click here.

Read statements of support from local, state and national leaders.

Read our letter of support endorsing Senator Tester’s amendment bill.

Read our letter of support endorsing Senator Udall’s amendment bill.