On Anniversary of VRA, Stand Up America Calls on Senate to Pass VRAA and HEROES Act
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, August 6, 2020
PRESS CONTACT:
Ryan Thomas
[email protected]
(763) 954-0470
On Anniversary of VRA, Stand Up America Calls on Senate to Pass VRAA and HEROES Act
In 1965, Congress passed the seminal Voting Rights Act (VRA) to end the systematic disenfranchisement of Black voters across the country, but in 2013, a conservative majority on the Supreme Court permitted states to return to those racist, discriminatory practices by gutting it. Now, in 2020, as we face a national crisis and chaotic elections, that decision is preventing countless voters—especially those of color—from casting their ballots.
To commemorate the 55th anniversary of the VRA, Stand Up America Founder and President Sean Eldridge released the following statement:
“It would be impossible to commemorate the anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 without acknowledging the blood, sweat, and tears that Congressman John Lewis and many others gave fighting against the racist laws and practices that continue to disenfranchise Black and brown Americans. On the 55th anniversary of its passage, it’s clear that we have yet to achieve Lewis’ vision of America and guarantee the right to vote.
“That’s why, to repair the damage done to the VRA and to honor the life and legacy of Congressman John Lewis, we demand that the Senate immediately pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA) and the HEROES Act to ensure that all Americans can exercise their constitutional right to vote.
“The House of Representatives has already done its part. The House passed the VRAA over 240 days ago, yet Mitch McConnell continues to block the bill from reaching the Senate floor. The House passed the HEROES Act more than 80 days ago, yet McConnell continues to prevent election funding from reaching cash-strapped states.
“Every day the Senate fails to vote on this critical legislation is another day that states don’t have the resources they need to ensure that every eligible voter will actually have access to the ballot box—and further inaction by the Senate is simply not an option. The Senate must act right now to restore the right to vote and commit itself to John Lewis’ vision of America.”
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About Stand Up America
Stand Up America is a progressive advocacy organization with over two million community members across the country. Focused on grassroots advocacy to strengthen our democracy and oppose Trump’s corrupt agenda, Stand Up America has driven over 1.3 million calls to lawmakers and mobilized tens of thousands of protestors across the country.
Website: StandUpAmerica.com
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