Biden, Harris Call On Senate To Change Filibuster, Pass Democracy Legislation

ATLANTA -- This afternoon, during a speech in the late Congressman John Lewis’ district, President Biden and Vice President Harris called on the Senate to change the Senate rules to pass the Freedom To Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. This marks the first time President Biden has publicly called on the Senate to change the Jim Crow filibuster.

The Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA) will preempt the hundreds of state bills that could otherwise keep millions of people from voting in upcoming elections, put in place more checks and balances, prevent future attempts to undermine and attack our elections, and more. A Navigator poll conducted late last year found that a majority of Americans support the Freedom to Vote Act, and more than two in three support each provision in the legislation. The VRAA is supported by 70% of voters nationwide, according to a survey conducted by Lake Research in 2021. 

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

“Senate Democrats must heed the calls from President Biden, Vice President Harris, and the tens of millions of Americans who have already spoken and get the job done. Safeguarding and strengthening our democracy from dangerous attacks – attacks that have drastically intensified since an attempted coup driven in part by the Big Lie – is paramount, and the Senate has a duty to act. American democracy is not a guarantee but rather a collective choice, and these two landmark bills, the Freedom To Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, will begin to restore the unmet promise of our democracy and create our future — a liveable planet, safe communities, and a democracy in which every person counts.”