John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021

Floor Speech

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Ms. SCANLON. Madam Speaker, since the founding of our country, our quest for a more perfect union has featured measures to expand, not contract, the right to vote.

In 1965, activists, including a young John Lewis, put their lives on the line to pass the original Voting Rights Act.

For decades, that law enjoyed broad bipartisan support, but in recent years, State legislatures have passed hundreds of laws to restrict voter access.

In 2020, our system held. It held because voters turned out in overwhelming numbers. It held because election officials did their jobs faithfully, regardless of party. It held because brave officers of the U.S. Capitol and Metro Police defended our Constitution.

But let's be clear, the assault on voting rights continues, inspired by corrupt and cynical efforts to hold power at all costs. We must do our job to protect and reinforce our democratic system against these new threats because it won't hold indefinitely.

Madam Speaker, I urge all Americans to hold the line to protect and defend our democracy. I urge swift passage of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act by the House and the Senate.

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