John,

Over the weekend, we lost a civil rights icon who truly made the world a better place, a man with whom I was honored to serve, a man who we should all aspire to emulate -- Congressman John Lewis.

He was one of the kindest, most gentle people I have ever known -- and at the same time one of the most powerful in moving this country toward justice. David, Sam, and I had the honor of joining him in March on his annual pilgrimage to Birmingham, Montgomery, and Selma, where we retraced his historic steps across the Edmund Pettus Bridge.

Fifty-five years ago, John Lewis joined activists and civil rights leaders to march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama for voting rights. Their peaceful protest was met with brutal violence at the Edmund Pettus Bridge, but his commitment to the fight for equality never wavered.

Thanks to his bravery, and the bravery of those who marched alongside him, Congress passed the Voting Rights Act after the events of Bloody Sunday, to prohibit racial discrimination in voting.

But in 2013, the Supreme Court gutted a crucial provision in the Voting Rights Act. Since then, we've seen barriers to the ballot box pop up all across the country. From restrictive voter ID laws to purging registration rolls, voter suppression tactics are once again being used to keep Black voters from participating in our democracy. And now, the COVID-19 pandemic is only making it worse as counties close polling stations and several states are making it harder for people to vote safely from home.

Throughout his time serving in Congress, John Lewis never stopped fighting to protect civil rights, including the right to vote. Last year, I was proud to join him in co-sponsoring and helping pass the Voting Rights Advancement Act to protect against discrimination at the ballot box. But this crucial legislation to restore the Voting Rights Act has yet to be brought up for a vote by Mitch McConnell in the Senate.

As we approach the most important election of our lifetimes, every American must have the opportunity to make their voice heard. To honor the legacy of Congressman Lewis, we must continue the fight for racial justice, and that starts with passing the Voting Rights Advancement Act in the Senate.

Add your name to join me in calling on the Senate to pass legislation to expand and protect the right to vote.

As Congressman Lewis said, voting is "the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democracy." We must keep fighting until that right is protected for all.

Thanks,

Kim