DPCC COCHAIRS APPLAUD PASSAGE OF THE ‘VOTING RIGHTS ADVANCEMENT ACT’

Image

WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) Chairman David Cicilline (RI-01) and Co-Chairs Matt Cartwright (PA-08), Debbie Dingell (MI-12) and Ted Lieu (CA-33) applauded House passage of the Voting Rights Advancement Act today. This key bill finally restores the full strength of the Voting Rights Act, after a 2013 Supreme Court decision gutted the Act, unleashing a flood of voter suppression laws. Earlier this year, the House passed the Shield Act and the SAFE Act, to strengthen defenses against foreign attacks on our elections.

"The right to vote is the very foundation of our democracy. As Americans, we hold the sole power to choose our elected officials," said Cicilline. "We should do everything we can to ensure every single American has the ability to cast their vote free from undue burdens established by politicians trying to rig an election in their favor. I'm proud to see this important legislation pass the House, and I'll continue working to get it signed into law."

"The right to vote is a cornerstone of our American democracy. If we don't do everything we can to protect it, we will be dishonoring the blood, sweat and tears of our servicemembers who did," said Cartwright. "Today's House action is a bold stand against suppressive laws that have made it harder for minorities, seniors and young people to exercise their voting rights. It is an important step to ensuring that all Americans can freely participate in the democratic process and make their voices heard."

"We must always continue moving forward in the fight to make it easier – not harder – for all Americans to exercise their right to vote. It's no coincidence that since 2013, when the Supreme Court struck down a key provision in the Voting Rights Act of 1965, we have seen an uptick in voter suppression efforts and people turned away from the polls. Hard-working men and women who voted for decades were suddenly denied their right to vote," said Dingell. "The most important single right an American has is the right to vote. With the House passage of the Voting Rights Advancement Act, we are carrying on the legacy of all those who fought to extend the right to vote for every American. Our country is strongest when we expand voting rights, not suppress them."

"Fair elections are the bedrock of strong democracies. We have to make every effort to ensure that voting rights are protected in the United States," said Lieu. "That is why I am a proud original cosponsor of H.R. 4, which will help protect voters, particularly voters of color, who are disproportionately marginalized by discriminatory voting laws. I was proud to support it in the Judiciary Committee and am proud to support its passage on the floor."