Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released this statement to mark the 57th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act (VRA), which was signed into law on August 6, 1965:
“On this day 57 years ago, our nation took an historic step toward forging a more perfect union with the landmark Voting Rights Act, helping realize our founding ideal: government of, by and for the people. This transformative achievement – made possible by generations of Americans who bravely fought, marched and organized – cracked down on racist voter discrimination and opened the doors of polling places across the country. Yet nearly six decades after this pillar of justice and Democracy was signed into law, extreme MAGA Republicans are still attempting to erase Americans’ sacred right to vote and even nullify the results of fair, free elections.
“Unleashed by the Supreme Court’s disastrous Shelby v. Holder decision, Republican state lawmakers are waging a vicious campaign against the foundation of our Republic — seeking to challenge the legitimacy of our elections and roll back the clock on voting access for communities of color. House Democrats are committed to standing against this shameless assault on Democracy, and we have fought alongside tireless activists to pass urgently needed federal voting protections. Endlessly inspired by the courage and sacrifice of its heroic namesake, our Democratic House Majority passed the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to restore the heart of the VRA and stamp out voting discrimination wherever it appears. The House has also twice passed Democrats’ For The People Act to combat GOP voter suppression, end partisan gerrymandering and get dark money out of our politics: crucial steps to revitalize American Democracy.
“House Democrats will never relent in our fight to enact these measures into law. While MAGA Republicans continue attacking our Democracy and undermining our elections, we are focused on putting People Over Politics: ensuring every American has a say in our nation’s destiny.”
