Ahead Of 50th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, Leahy Calls On Congress To Restore And Advance This Landmark Law

Statement

Nine years ago, I stood on these steps with members from both parties to introduce legislation to reauthorize the Voting Rights Act. Then, both parties understood the continuing need for this fundamental law. We got to work, and with overwhelming bipartisan support, we sent to a Republican president a strong bill that protected the right of all Americans to vote.

Two years ago, five justices on the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act but they made clear that Congress has the power to restore its protections.

Since that court decision, I have worked to find Senate Republicans to join me to restore the Voting Rights Act. I am stunned -- and saddened -- that this effort is no longer bipartisan in the Senate.

There are plenty of Republican Senators running for president, but not one wants to restore the Voting Rights Act. They have walked away from what has always been a bipartisan effort and a bipartisan commitment to the foundational right to vote.

As we mark the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, this should be a call to action, not just a history lesson. Racial discrimination in voting still exists so we must RESTORE the time-honored and time-tested protections of the Voting Rights Act.

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