WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Wednesday released the following statement after Senate Republicans blocked consideration of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, legislation to restore the Voting Rights Act and stop voter suppression.

“John Lewis dedicated his life to ensuring every American has the right to vote. This legislation was an opportunity to honor that legacy, but Republicans refuse to even debate the bill. Democrats have bent over backwards trying to get Republicans to support any kind of legislation to protect voting rights. But Republicans have chosen to make it harder for Americans – especially those in Black and Brown communities – to vote. So I’m disappointed, but not surprised, that Republicans filibustered the third voting rights bill we’ve brought to the floor this year. As Republican state legislatures pass new voter suppression laws and many continue to undermine the results of the 2020 election and cast doubt on future election outcomes, it’s clear they’d rather water down the right to vote than strengthen our democracy. This fight is not over,” said Murphy.

Last month, Murphy joined 47 of his Senate colleagues in introducing the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. In June, Murphy released a statement blasting Senate Republicans for filibustering the For the People Act.

 

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