Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill Want to Talk to Me, a Journalist, About 'Project 2025'
At Republican Sen. Pat Toomey's Office
I am sitting in the office of Republican Sen. Pat Toomey, a prominent conservative voice in the US Senate, on Capitol Hill. On the wall is an American flag and a framed copy of the US Constitution. Over his shoulder, a TV plays Fox News.
Toomey is talking to me about a top-secret plan that he says could drastically change the way we elect our representatives in the future. He calls it "Project 2025."
He's not alone. Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill are all talking about it. In fact, they're all talking to me about it - a journalist. What does all of this mean for the future of democracy in America?
Why 2025?
"2025 is the year that the current Voting Rights Act expires," Toomey explains, referring to the landmark legislation that was passed in 1965 following the Selma to Montgomery marches for voting rights.
"The Supreme Court has already started to gut the Voting Rights Act," he adds. "In 2013, they struck down Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act, which required certain states with a history of discrimination to get pre-clearance from the federal government before changing their voting laws."
"If the rest of the Voting Rights Act expires in 2025, it will be much easier for states to pass laws that make it harder for people to vote - especially people of color," Toomey says.
The Democrats' Plan
The Democrats have a different plan for Project 2025. They want to pass a new Voting Rights Act that would strengthen the provisions that were struck down in 2013.
They also want to make it easier for people to register to vote and vote by mail. And they want to create a new independent commission to oversee federal elections.
The Republicans' Plan
The Republicans have a different plan. They want to pass legislation that would make it harder for people to vote by mail.
They also want to give states more power to set their own voting laws, even if those laws make it harder for people to vote.
What's at Stake?
The future of democracy in America is at stake in Project 2025. If the Democrats' plan is successful, it will make it easier for people to vote and protect the right to vote for all Americans.
If the Republicans' plan is successful, it will make it harder for people to vote and could lead to a decline in voter turnout.
The outcome of Project 2025 will have a profound impact on the future of democracy in America.
