Getting Real About Democratic Equality "For the People" in the Face of Republican Authoritarianism
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The "For the People Act" has been a central legislative priority for the Democratic party, and especially its progressive wing, ever since its introduction, and passage, in 2019.
There have been especially high hopes for this bill since January, in the wake of the January 6 insurrection and the ongoing Republican "Stop the Steal" election subversion, and with the start of a new legislative term, with the Democrats in control of both houses of Congress and the Presidency.
These hopes have now been dashed, at least temporarily, by the successful Republican effort to block not simply the law but discussion of the law on the floor of the Senate. The "For the People Act" is now dead on arrival. What happens now remains in question. Chuck Schumer promises to bring the bill back. Kamala Harris says the administration remains determined to see such legislation pass. But what this actually means, and what if anything is politically possible, is anyone's guess.