Friend --

My wife Marcelle and I were in tears this weekend when we heard the news about Congressman John Lewis' passing.

He was a dear friend and mentor -- but not just to me. He was an American hero and a lodestar to us all.

It was an honor to work alongside John Lewis for so many years in Congress, especially on issues close to both of our hearts. I am the author and chief sponsor of the Voting Rights Advancement Act (the Senate's leading bill to restore the Voting Rights Act), and John was a leading supporter of the House's counterpart bill.

In honor of John Lewis' exceptional life and legacy, we must pass the Voting Rights Advancement Act to restore the Voting Rights Act, crucial legislation that John Lewis fought to pass. Add your name here now to urge the Senate to take a vote on and pass the Voting Rights Advancement Act.

It's long past time that we pass the Voting Rights Advancement Act. The House bill H.R. 4 passed the House in December, and because of Mitch McConnell, it has sat untouched, gathering dust in the Senate since then.

I appreciate the kind words Senator McConnell shared about John Lewis, but it isn't even close to enough. The only action worthy of John Lewis' life of service is to pass the reauthorization.

So this week, I'm reintroducing the Voting Rights Advancement Act and naming it The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act after John, who was my partner in restoring the Voting Rights Act for many years.

Please add your name next to mine to urge Mitch McConnell to pass the Voting Rights Advancement Act in honor of Congressman John Lewis and his lifelong commitment to combating voter suppression.

Thank you for signing on to support my friend, my colleague, and my hero John Lewis.

Sincerely,

Patrick Leahy
U.S. Senator