Advancement Project National Office Statement on the Senate’s Failure to Pass Voting Rights Legislation
WASHINGTON — Last night, the Senate blocked the Freedom to Vote John R. Lewis Act from advancing to a final passage vote. In response to this, Judith Browne Dianis, Executive Director of the Advancement Project National Office released this statement:
“Last night, all 50 Senate Republicans and two Senate Democrats voted to maintain the filibuster and block the Freedom to Vote Act and John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act from advancing to a final vote. These bills would protect voters and undo many of the barriers and restrictions that bar thousands of Black, Latinx, Asian, and Indigenous voters from being able to easily vote.
“This Voting Rights legislation is critical to ensuring an inclusive democracy and has the support of the majority of the American public. Nevertheless, 52 Senators decided that maintaining an antiquated and obstructive filibuster was a higher priority than ensuring free, fair and accessible elections for every voter.
“At a time in which the future of American democracy is in question, it is deeply disappointing — although not surprising — that Democratic Senators Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema effectively blocked voters of color from making their voices heard.”
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