John, let’s make this clear: Voting is a right. Not a privilege.
Last November, Senate Republicans voted to block consideration of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act — and with the filibuster in place, they defeated the bill for the time being. This crucial legislation is necessary to restore parts of the 1965 Voting Rights Act and protect against GOP voter suppression laws being passed around the country.
Enough is enough. It shouldn't be this difficult to guarantee everyone has the right to vote in our country.
That’s why we were glad to see yesterday that President Joe Biden called on the Senate to end the filibuster for voting rights legislation when he made a speech urging Congress to finally pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.
To keep the filibuster in place is to reinforce the antiquated and racist reasons it was introduced in the first place.
That's why it's especially disappointing that it's not just the typical Republican obstructionists defending the filibuster — Conservative Democrats like Joe Manchin are also refusing to take action and end the Jim Crow filibuster.
Everything in our progressive agenda from passing a minimum wage of at least $15, environmental justice, gun violence prevention, immigration reform, and voting protections — hinges on ending the filibuster.
We must end the gridlock that has become common practice in Washington and govern boldly and transformatively to improve the lives of millions of people all across the country. For too many of our communities, our very survival is at stake. It's time we rise up against the filibuster and do what it takes to meaningfully legislate for the needs of St. Louis and communities like it.
Especially now that President Biden is speaking up about this critical issue, it’s important we also channel our grassroots power to build pressure on the Senate. Please add your name right now to our petition urging the Senate to abolish the filibuster and pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.
In solidarity,
Team Cori
