Voting Rights
In the 117th Congress, Democrats passed H.R. 1, the For The People Act, which would promote government transparency, strengthen access to the ballot box, secure election infrastructure, and curb the influence of dark money in politics. The House also passed H.R. 4, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021, which would reauthorize key portions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that were struck down in the Supreme Court’s flawed Shelby County v. Holder and Brnovich v. DNC decisions. In addition, the House passed H.R. 5746, the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act, which would set basic nationwide standards for how elections are conducted and take action to end partisan gerrymandering. Senate Republicans shamefully continue to obstruct these vital pieces of civil rights legislation and attack our democracy.
Democrats will continue to protect our democracy, advance the cause of voting rights, and expand access to the ballot box. We will fight to ensure that misleading information does not deter Americans from participating in our democracy and having confidence in the results of our free and fair elections.
“I am so glad to be here with you to talk about how far we have come along the journey to secure equal voting rights for all Americans – and to rededicate ourselves to the important work of carrying that journey forward.
"I am always pleased to celebrate Black History Month, because it looks back on the extraordinary contributions that have been made by African Americans through the years.
“I join in celebrating Black History Month, which begins tomorrow.
"The surest way to strengthen our system of free and fair elections is for the 113th Congress to pass the Voting Rights Amendments Act, which was introduced with bipartisan support last week, without delay.
"The surest way to strengthen our system of free and fair elections is for the 113th Congress to pass the Voting Right Act Amendments Act, which was introduced with bipartisan support last week, without delay.
MESSAGE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC WHIP
This week the Republican-led House voted for the 48th time to repeal or undermine the Affordable Care Act, instead of acting to renew emergency unemployment insurance, which expired on December 28thfor more than 1.3 million Americans. Every week Congress fails to act, an additional 72,000 Americans
With less than 20 legislative days scheduled for the remainder of the year, there are a number of critical issues that Congress should take action on immediately.
With less than 20 legislative days scheduled for the remainder of the year, there are a number of critical issues that Congress should take action on immediately.
“Attorney General Holder is absolutely right to challenge North Carolina’s new, discriminatory law, which will effectively disenfranchise many of its residents, particularly seniors, students, and members of minority groups.
“I join in wishing Ben Jealous well as he prepares to step down at the end of the year as President of the NAACP, our nation’s oldest and most highly respected civil rights advocacy organization