In response to Senate Republicans’ blockage of a procedural vote on the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, Jana Morgan, director of the Declaration for American Democracy coalition—a group of 240+ organizations representing tens of millions of Americans nationwide—issued the following statement:
“Just weeks after obstructing debate on the Freedom to Vote Act, Senate Republicans have once again used an outdated loophole to block debate on urgently needed voting rights legislation.
“The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act will restore essential portions of the Voting Rights Act that block discriminatory voting policies before they go into effect, putting a transparent process in place for protecting everyone’s freedom to vote. The Voting Rights Act has a long history of bipartisan support, dating back to its initial passage in 1965. When it was reauthorized most recently in 2006, it passed the Senate with unanimous support.
“In the nearly nine years since the Supreme Court’s Shelby County v. Holder decision and after months of outreach to Republican Senators, only one has offered support for this legislation that would help realize the promise of democracy for all. Senate Democrats must now do whatever it takes to deliver the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and Freedom to Vote Act to the American people. We cannot allow continued Republican obstruction and outdated procedures and loopholes to block debate on popular legislation at this critical moment when our democracy and right to vote are under attack.
“The clock is ticking. Congress must cancel their recess next week and outline their plans for getting voting rights legislation across the finish line. Lawmakers can’t go home while our freedom to vote continues to be threatened.
“We have non-violently fought throughout our history for our freedom to vote. We will continue coming together now across race and place to ensure every eligible American is able to freely cast our vote without fear of discrimination. We are launching a Freedom to Vote Week of Action next week to mobilize thousands of Americans across the country to make their voices heard, and we will continue protesting outside the White House to call on President Biden to use the full power of the White House to urge the Senate to act. Failure is not an option.”
