U.S. Congress Archives | American Democracy Minute

Former Congressman George Santos, Who Defrauded Voters and Donors, Has 7 Year Sentence Commuted by President Trump

October 20, 2025October 20, 2025

After serving less than 4 months of a 7 year sentence, disgraced New York Congressman George Santos had his sentence commuted by President Donald Trump on October 17th. Santos had pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in August 2024.

Bill Which Could Disenfranchise Millions, the SAVE Act, Passes the U.S. House; Unlikely to Pass the Senate

April 13, 2025April 13, 2025

The SAVE Act, which we’ve been following since January, passed the U.S. House April 10th. The restrictive voting bill, like President Trump’s recent executive order, requires proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections and would end online voter registration. It’s not likely to pass the Senate.

John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act Reintroduced to Restore VRA “Preclearance” Requirements for States with Ongoing Voter Suppression

March 3, 2024March 4, 2024

The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act has been reintroduced in Congress, backed by virtually every civil rights and democracy organization in the country. What is this landmark bill, and why should you – and Congress – care about it?