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119-s-2588119th CongressWALLET

Sustaining Our Democracy Act

Sponsored By: Senator Padilla, Alex [D-CA]

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

Padilla, Alex [D-CA]

CA • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN]

    MN • D

    Sponsored 7/31/2025

  • Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA]

    MA • D

    Sponsored 7/31/2025

  • Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 7/31/2025

  • Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]

    CT • D

    Sponsored 7/31/2025

  • Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]

    MA • D

    Sponsored 7/31/2025

  • Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME]

    ME • I

    Sponsored 7/31/2025

  • Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA]

    VA • D

    Sponsored 7/31/2025

  • Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT]

    VT • I

    Sponsored 7/31/2025

  • Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT]

    VT • D

    Sponsored 7/31/2025

  • Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN]

    MN • D

    Sponsored 7/31/2025

  • Sen. Kim, Andy [D-NJ]

    NJ • D

    Sponsored 7/31/2025

  • Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]

    OR • D

    Sponsored 7/31/2025

  • Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]

    NJ • D

    Sponsored 7/31/2025

  • Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI]

    HI • D

    Sponsored 7/31/2025

  • Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]

    OR • D

    Sponsored 7/31/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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