Ranking Member Klobuchar Introduces New Legislation to Remove Barriers to Running for Federal Office
The Help America Run Act (HARA) would update the law to reflect the realities of modern America and make it so that an American’s net worth and network doesn’t dictate whether they can serve their country, allowing candidates for federal office to use campaign funds for child care, elder care, and health care premiums
Representative Katie Porter (D-CA-45) introduced companion legislation earlier this spring and the House is expected to pass the legislation this week
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee with jurisdiction over federal elections, introduced new legislation that would remove barriers to running for federal office. The Help America Run Act (HARA) would update the law to reflect the realities of modern America and make it so that an American’s net worth and network doesn’t dictate whether they can serve their country, allowing new candidates for federal office to use campaign funds for child care, elder care, and health care. HARA would make it easier to run for office by expanding the permitted uses of campaign funds to include child care, elder care, dependent care, and health care premiums. Representative Katie Porter (D-CA-45) introduced companion legislation earlier this spring and the House is expected to pass the legislation this week.
“Congress should be made up of people who reflect our population, unfortunately many Americans who want to run for office are blocked from public service because they can’t afford to run. Running for federal office is very demanding and often requires leaving your job and spending extensive time away from family, yet right now there is no law to allow candidates to use campaign funds for things like child care – so for most parents with young children, pursuing public office isn’t an option. This is especially true for women.” Klobuchar said. “We need to update our laws so that we have more people in public office who understand the daily realities of taking care of family and working a regular job. That’s why I have introduced the Help America Run Act, legislation that would allow candidates for office to use campaign funds to help pay for child care, elder care, and health care premiums so that an American’s net worth and personal network don’t dictate if they can serve their country.”
The Help America Run Act would:
- Expand the list of authorized campaign expenditures under the Federal Election Campaign Act to include child care services, elder care services, dependent care, and health care premiums.
HARA is cosponsored in the Senate by Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Senator Angus King (I-ME).
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