Sustaining Our Democracy Act

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

STEP 2 OF 8

Introduced

In Committee

Reported

Passed House

Passed Senate

Conference

To President

Became Law

Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law

WHAT THE BILL DOES

AI-written

Voters should care about this bill because it aims to directly improve the voting experience and the integrity of federal elections. If passed, it could lead to more reliable voting equipment, stronger cybersecurity measures protecting election systems, and more convenient ways to cast a ballot. This means elections could become smoother, more trustworthy, and easier for everyone to participate in.

Without this bill, states might continue to face funding challenges in modernizing their election infrastructure, recruiting sufficient poll workers, and expanding access for all citizens. It addresses concerns about election security and accessibility that have been prominent in recent years, proposing a federal role in helping states meet these challenges.

KEY PROVISIONS

AI-extracted

high

Establishes the Democracy Advancement and Innovation Program to provide federal funding to states for election improvement activities.

Creates a dedicated federal funding stream for modernizing election administration and security nationwide.

high

Defines eligible "democracy promotion activities" including upgrading voting equipment, enhancing cybersecurity, expanding voting access (early, mail, underserved groups), and supporting election officials.

Clearly outlines the specific areas where federal funds can be used to improve elections, focusing on security, efficiency, and access.

med

Requires states to submit a "State plan" outlining how funds will be used, developed in consultation with state legislative leaders, for federal approval.

Ensures accountability and a structured approach to how states utilize federal funds, involving both state and federal oversight.

med

Allows political subdivisions (like counties) to apply for funds directly if a state fails to submit an approved plan.

Provides a safeguard to ensure federal funds can still reach local election offices for improvements, even if state governments opt out or fail to participate.

low

Establishes an Office of Democracy Advancement and Innovation to oversee the program and a State Election Assistance and Innovation Trust Fund for the monies.

Creates the administrative structure and funding mechanism needed to manage and disburse the financial assistance to states effectively.

DEADLINES & DATES

AI-extracted

An AI model extracted this from the bill’s official record and can make mistakes. Check the official text ↗ (opens in new tab)

Not later than 90 days before the first day of the fiscal year.

State chief election official submits State plan for a fiscal year.

Not later than 45 days before the first day of the fiscal year.

Director approves State plan for a fiscal year.

At any time prior to the end of the fiscal year.

State chief election official submits revised State plan if initial plan is not approved.

At any time prior to the end of the fiscal year.

Director approves revised State plan.

By the first day of the fiscal year.

For political subdivisions if state fails to submit a plan: political subdivision submits plan.

30 days after the first day of the fiscal year.

For political subdivisions if state fails to submit a plan: Director approves political subdivision plan.

GLOSSARY

AI-written

Democracy Advancement and Innovation Program: A new federal program that gives money to states to improve how they run elections for federal offices.
Allocations: Money specifically set aside and distributed by the federal government to states for certain purposes.
Democracy Promotion Activities: Actions states can take with federal money to improve elections, such as upgrading voting equipment, increasing security, making voting more accessible, and supporting election workers.
Chief State Election Official: The top official in a state who is responsible for overseeing and administering elections, typically the Secretary of State.
Election Assistance Commission (EAC): An independent federal agency that helps states administer federal elections by providing guidance, information, and setting voluntary voting system guidelines.
Political Subdivision: A smaller government unit within a state, such as a county, city, or district.
State Plan: A required document submitted by a state that details how it intends to use federal funds from the Democracy Advancement and Innovation Program to improve elections.

ACTION TIMELINE

2 EVENTS

AUG 5, 25

Introduced in House

INTROREFERRAL

AUG 5, 25

Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.

INTROREFERRAL

READER REACTIONS

0 COMMENTS

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

What do you think?

0 votes

Discussion

Loading comments...

MORE INFORMATION

Committee Referrals

Committee on House AdministrationReferred

Aug 5, 2025

house

Sustaining Our Democracy Act

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

WHAT THE BILL DOES

KEY PROVISIONS

SPONSORSHIP

ACTION TIMELINE

BILL INFO

READER REACTIONS

Discussion

Sustaining Our Democracy Act

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

WHAT THE BILL DOES

KEY PROVISIONS

DEADLINES & DATES

GLOSSARY

ACTION TIMELINE

SPONSORS

READER REACTIONS

What do you think?

Discussion

MORE INFORMATION

Committee Referrals

Related Legislation

Search

Sustaining Our Democracy Act

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

WHAT THE BILL DOES

KEY PROVISIONS

SPONSORSHIP

ACTION TIMELINE

BILL INFO

READER REACTIONS

Discussion

Sustaining Our Democracy Act

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

WHAT THE BILL DOES

KEY PROVISIONS

DEADLINES & DATES

GLOSSARY

ACTION TIMELINE

SPONSORS

READER REACTIONS

What do you think?

Discussion

MORE INFORMATION

Committee Referrals

Related Legislation