Indian American Impact an organization that invests in uplifting South Asian American candidates and mobilizing South Asian voters across the U.S. has applauded the introduction of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act in the Senate.
“Thank you @SenatorDurbin @SenatorWarnock @SenSchumer for reintroducing the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which will allow all historically marginalized communities to more fully participate in our democracy,” Impact posted on X.
Thank you @SenatorDurbin @SenatorWarnock @SenSchumer for reintroducing the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which will allow all historically marginalized communities to more fully participate in our democracy.
— Indian American Impact (@IA_Impact) February 29, 2024
Read our full statement below pic.twitter.com/yaSeGyMpXa
Senators Cory Booker, Reverend Raphael Warnock, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Richard Blumenthal, and Laphonza Butler, along with Majority Whip Dick Durbin, Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, reintroduced the legislation that would update and restore critical safeguards of the original Voting Rights Act.
The bill would restore the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and prevent restrictive and discriminatory voting laws from taking effect. In 2013’s Shelby County v. Holder decision, the Supreme Court paved the way for widespread voter suppression measures and practices in states today.
“States across the country have unleashed a torrent of voter suppression schemes that have systematically disenfranchised tens of thousands of American voters,” Sen. Booker’s office said highlighting the significance of the bill.
“The right to vote is sacred for all Americans, and Congress must act urgently to defend it. The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act honors the legacy of the late Congressman John Lewis and so many civil rights activists by protecting and expanding voting rights in our country to help ensure that every vote counts,” the Senator said.
Calling on lawmakers to pass the bill, executive director Chintan Patel said, “Congress must pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act that would strengthen the protections enshrined in the 1965 Voting Rights Act, safeguard election integrity, and allow all historically marginalized communities to fully participate in our democracy.”
Durbin announced the Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a full committee hearing on the ongoing need for the John R. Lewis Voting Advancement Act amidst continued voter suppression efforts in Republican-led states on Tuesday, March 12.
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