Luján Statement on Senate GOP Blocking Voting Rights Legislation

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement after Senate Republicans blocked debate on the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act:

WATCH: Senator Luján speaks in support of voting rights legislation on Senate floor.

“Today’s vote was a defining moment for voting rights and our democracy, and Senate Republicans demonstrated once again that they want to keep Americans from the ballot box. Historically, voting rights have transcended political party, but today’s obstruction proved again that Senate Republicans are unwilling to defend Americans’ inalienable right to vote. Despite their obstruction, Senate Democrats will press on and continue to fight against these obstacles because our country cannot afford to go backwards on voting rights. Our democracy depends on it.

“Now, the Senate must choose between letting a Republican power grab stand, or keeping the power in the hands of the American people where it belongs. Our nation requires bold federal legislation to stop these civil rights violations at the ballot box, and we cannot allow the use of archaic Senate procedures, such as the filibuster, to prevent us from protecting our democracy.”

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