Cindy Carr, cindy.carr@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Early this morning, Senate Republicans yet again blocked opening the debate on the For the People Act and two of its most broadly, bipartisan-supported elements -- fair redistricting and the DISCLOSE Act. The For the People Act is supported by 83 percent of US voters, and both the redistricting and Disclose Act components have broad bipartisan support in Congress. The For the People Act includes comprehensive, commonsense reforms to our democracy that ensure every American has the freedom to vote, regardless of their zip code or background. It also bans partisan gerrymandering, reduces government corruption, and curbs the influence of big money donors on elections and the electoral process.
In response, Courtney Hight, the Sierra Club Democracy Program Director, issued the following statement:
“This morning, Senate Republicans demonstrated once and for all that they are not interested in bipartisanship or protecting every Americans’ right to vote. Republicans have made it crystal clear that they only care about locking in their power and will do whatever it takes to maintain that grip on power, including silencing the voices of people who disagree with them. Enough is enough. Leader Schumer committed to bring the For The People Act back to the Senate floor for a vote after recess. This must happen. The Senate cannot let anything -- be it Republican obstruction or the racist, outdated filibuster -- stand in the way of the bold transformational democracy reforms that our country so desperately needs. This is our moment. We have no time to waste. ”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.