House passes election reform bill making Election Day a national holiday

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - The House of Representatives passed a bill on election reform. The bill makes it easier to register and to vote, tightening election security as well. It also makes Election Day a national holiday and creates a public financing system for Congressional campaigns.

Supporters say this will reduce the role of Big Money in politics, ensure fair elections, and restore integrity and ethics to Washington D.C. 

However, opponents argue that it's a power grab that will expand government and use taxpayer money to pay for campaigns. 

"They want to take more taxpayer money, they want to give you less freedom," said Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), House Minority Leader. "Those who vote for it today, I guess they walk away with a raise in their campaigns." 

Supporters of the bill are praising its ability give more freedoms to the public. 

"We have a mandate to return power to the people," said Zeo Lofgren (D-CA), Chair of the House Administration Committee. "One senator said this is a power grab, yes it is. It is a power grab for the American people."

The bill would also require presidents and vice-presidents to release 10 years worth of tax returns.

The victory for Democrats will be short lived, as Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has said the bill be "dead on arrival" upon reaching the Senate.