Adam Bingman, adam.bingman@sierraclub.org
Washington, DC -- Today Senator Tom Carper (D-DE) announced his support for reforming the filibuster to pass voting rights legislation. Senator Carper is the latest moderate Democrat to call for a change to filibuster rule. Despite previously being an ardent supporter of the filibuster, Carper’s newfound support comes the day after Senate Republicans abused the filibuster to block a procedural vote to open debate on the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.
With over 425 anti-voter bills introduced in 49 states this past year alone, federal voting rights legislation protecting every American's fundamental right to the freedom to vote cannot be further delayed. Yesterday marked the fourth time Republicans have used the filibuster to block opening debate on voting rights legislation. In his op-ed to the Wilmington News Journal Carper wrote, “It has become clear to me that if the filibuster is standing in the way of protecting our democracy then the filibuster isn’t working for our democracy.”
In response, Sierra Club Delaware Chapter Director Sherri Evans-Stanton released the following statement:
“The Sierra Club Delaware Chapter applauds Senator Carper for his strong leadership as demonstrated in his op-ed highlighting the need to not let the filibuster stand in the way of protecting our democracy and calling for the passage of the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.
Senator Carper has a strong record of bipartisanship, however after seeing the opening of debate on common-sense voting rights bills blocked for the fourth time by the filibuster, it is time we take steps to protect the fundamental freedom to vote for every American. We look forward to working with Senator Carper to reform the filibuster to pass the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and thank him for his continued support and advocacy."
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of 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.