John — I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: We must abolish the filibuster.

Last month, Mitch McConnell and Senate Republicans once again used the Jim Crow-era filibuster as a shield from accountability and justice. Republicans used the filibuster to block a vote on the creation of a bipartisan commission looking into the January 6 insurrection.

Let me be clear: The filibuster is not a core pillar of the United States Senate. It is an antiquated procedural rule created to block civil rights legislation by giving outsized power to the minority.

A 54-35 vote should not be a losing vote for the 54. Our country and our democracy will be worse for allowing this Jim Crow-era procedural rule to stand in the way of progress.

The Senate must abolish the filibuster. Add your name if you agree with me:

In solidarity,

Barbara Lee