Today, I’d like to honor the life and legacy of my late mentor and friend, Congressman John Lewis, on what would’ve been his 84th birthday. As we reflect on this day, we remember his lifelong commitment to the advancement of civil rights and the protection of voting rights for all Americans.

But now, almost six decades since John “shed a little blood” on the Edmund Pettus Bridge, the right to vote — a cornerstone of our democracy — has come under renewed threat.

In Congress, I’m proud to be leading legislation to restore the full protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that John Lewis fought so hard to enact.

John Lewis dedicated his entire life to expanding access to the ballot box and strengthening our democracy. The best way that we can pay tribute to his extraordinary legacy is by reaffirming our commitment to safeguarding the right to vote for all Americans.

Thank you,

Terri Sewell