Sustaining Our Democracy Act
Sponsored By: Senator Alex Padilla
Introduced
Summary
Creates a federal Office and Trust Fund to send states money for improving how Americans vote. The Democracy Advancement and Innovation Program will pay states to upgrade equipment, broaden access, and protect election officials.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Limits on misuse of program funds
If enacted, the bill would bar using Program money to make it harder for people to vote. It would forbid voter intimidation, risky audits, removing voters from rolls on weak evidence, and buying machines without voter‑verifiable paper ballots. States that get money must have fair complaint procedures. People could ask the Director to review State decisions and go to federal court, and the Attorney General could sue to enforce the bans.
States get $2.5B for elections
If enacted, the bill would create a Trust Fund that gets $2.5 billion each year from FY2026 through FY2035 for election help. The Director would divide the money by Congressional district and tell each State its amount at least 120 days before the fiscal year. States must use the money only for approved election upgrades, staffing and protection, and access for underserved voters. States would get payments after the Director approves their plans and the EAC can pay local election offices directly.
New federal elections office and rules
If enacted, the bill would create an independent Office of Democracy Advancement and Innovation led by a Presidentially appointed Director serving six years. The Director would run the new Program, oversee the Trust Fund, consult the Election Assistance Commission, and report to Congress after general elections. The Office must write rules quickly (90 to 270 days), would be covered by Inspector General audits 180 days after the Director is hired, and its staff would be subject to the Hatch Act. The OMB Director could run the Office temporarily for up to 24 months if needed.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Alex Padilla
CA • D
Cosponsors
Amy Klobuchar
MN • D
Sponsored 7/31/2025
Elizabeth Warren
MA • D
Sponsored 7/31/2025
Adam Schiff
CA • D
Sponsored 7/31/2025
Richard Blumenthal
CT • D
Sponsored 7/31/2025
Edward Markey
MA • D
Sponsored 7/31/2025
Angus King
ME • I
Sponsored 7/31/2025
Timothy Kaine
VA • D
Sponsored 7/31/2025
Bernie Sanders
VT • I
Sponsored 7/31/2025
Peter Welch
VT • D
Sponsored 7/31/2025
Tina Smith
MN • D
Sponsored 7/31/2025
Andy Kim
NJ • D
Sponsored 7/31/2025
Ron Wyden
OR • D
Sponsored 7/31/2025
Cory Booker
NJ • D
Sponsored 7/31/2025
Mazie Hirono
HI • D
Sponsored 7/31/2025
Jeff Merkley
OR • D
Sponsored 7/31/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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