Senate Republicans Abuse the Filibuster to Obstruct Opening Debate of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act

WASHINGTON D.C. -- Today, Senate Republicans filibustered a procedural vote to open debate on critical voting rights legislation for the fourth time this year. The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA) would restore and expand many of the protections in the 1965 Voting Rights Act. The consequences of delaying or blocking the VRAA have become increasingly evident. This year alone, over 425 anti-voter bills have been introduced in 49 states, all with the intent of adding more barriers to an American’s fundamental right to vote. Voter suppression has been a common tactic used to distort our democracy, especially by suppressing the votes of communities of color since the founding of our country. This must be put to an end. But when Senate Democrats, along with Republican Senator Murkowski of Alaska, voted today to open debate about the VRAA, the rest of the Republican delegation used the outdated filibuster yet again to obstruct starting debate on the bill. 

The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA) was designed to defend against intentional efforts to block access to the ballot and protect the right to vote for all Americans -- regardless of their race, zip code, or income.  Back in August, the VRAA was introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Terri Sewell and passed along party lines. This bill will restore the protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by expanding and broadening Section 2 which has been significantly weakened by the Supreme Court. Additionally, the VRAA could complement the Freedom to Vote Act which includes comprehensive, common sense democracy reforms including automatic voter registration, restoring voting rights for 3.9 million formerly incarcerated people, banning partisan gerrymandering, making voter intimidation a felony, and more. 

The VRAA comes at a pivotal time in our democracy when Americans' faith and confidence in our electoral system has been severely curtailed. The VRAA will ensure safeguards remain in place to protect every American's right to vote, ensuring they have a voice in building an equitable and sustainable future. 

In response, Sierra Club Democracy Program Director Courtney Hight released the following statement: 

“The Sierra Club applauds Democratic senators and Senator Murkowski for voting today in favor of debating a critical bill to defend and protect the right to vote. But by exploiting the outdated filibuster, the rest of Senate Republicans continue to block opening debate on legislation that is vital to the health and safety of all communities in the union. Our ability to tackle the climate crisis head on, make true progress in the fight for racial justice, ensure quality healthcare, and build safe and healthy communities together depends on having a strong and well-functioning democracy. The VRAA and the Freedom to Vote Act together represent a historic opportunity to ensure this strong and healthy democracy.  

“Together, we must hold the Senate accountable for protecting every American’s right to vote -- not just the rights of certain people and communities who politicians deem strategically valuable. We simply cannot allow another election to go by without fixing the holes in our democracy. It’s abundantly clear that fixing the filibuster is the first step, so Senate Republicans can no longer use it to delay doing what is right: protecting our democracy. The Sierra Club proudly rises with our allies to call on the Senate to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act without delay.”