Friend,

Today is the 58th anniversary of the March on Washington, where Dr. Martin Luther King delivered his historic "I Have a Dream" speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, calling on the nation to rise up for political and economic justice for all Americans.

Sadly, those basic rights are still under attack today. The Supreme Court eroded key voter protections within the Voting Rights Act and 43 states have introduced over 200 laws making it harder for people to vote through efforts like banning ballot drop boxes and mail-in voting, reducing early voting days and even criminalizing the distribution of water to voters waiting in line.

We can't stand by as the most basic of democratic rights, the right to vote, remains under assault. This is not the way democracy was intended to work.

This week, the House passed the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to ensure all Americans can fairly participate in our nation's democratic system.

Named in honor of honor the legacy of my friend and civil rights leader, Rep. John Lewis, who dedicated his life to fighting for the sacred right to vote, this bill will restore key provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and ensure all Americans, no matter where they live or what party they belong to, can safely and fairly cast their ballot. I encourage you to call and write to your Senators to urge them to support and pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

Our work is ongoing. We need to take inspiration from the vision Dr. Martin Luther King had to recommit to a more perfect Union. I remain committed to keeping up the fight alongside you.

- Jim