Washington D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07), Co-Chair of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus (CVRC), joined Reps. G. K. Butterfield (NC-01), Marc Veasey (TX-33), and Nikema Williams (GA-05) to urge action to advance the Freedom to Vote Act and John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. 

In a letter sent today to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the members wrote, “As champions of voting rights in congress, we write to express serious concern about the year ending without a path forward on advancing voting rights.” 

“After months of compromises, Republicans have not come to the table on voting rights in numbers sufficient to overcome the existing filibuster.”

“Ending 2021 without voting rights reform will allow state legislatures to continue their efforts in the new year to limit the right to vote. Meanwhile, failing to end partisan gerrymandering will allow some states to finalize maps that enshrine profound partisan imbalances for the next decade. We have no time to lose to ensure people have access to the ballot box and have a fair voice in selecting their representatives.”

“We can no longer allow Senate procedure to stand in the way of ensuring people have their voice heard, and we ask that you do what is necessary to advance the Freedom to Vote Act and John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.”

Full text of the letter can be found here.