Cindy Carr, Cindy.Carr@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, the Senate began debate on the Freedom to Vote Act and John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act for the first time, now a combined bill named the Freedom To Vote: John R Lewis Act. Leader Schumer has signaled that he will hold a vote on changing the filibuster if Republicans obstruct consideration of the House package, and Senators will publicly cast their vote to either uphold the racist filibuster or protect the fundamental freedom to vote for every American.
Last week, President Biden and Vice President Harris called on the Senate to change the filibuster to pass the Freedom To Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act publicly for the first time, underscoring the urgency of this moment.
In response, Sierra Club Democracy Program Director Courtney Hight released the following statement:
“The Sierra Club applauds Leader Schumer for using every tool available to advance the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act and get it to President Biden’s desk. The future of our democracy is on the line and there is no time to waste. Leader Schumer and every single Senate Democrat -- including Senators Sinema and Manchin -- have a duty and an obligation to continue with urgency and not let the Republicans once again abuse a racist relic to block final passage of this critical, once in a generation civil rights legislation.”
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Read more about the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act:
As a combined package, the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act will preempt the hundreds of existing and future 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.
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.