John,
Yesterday, I was proud to join my colleagues in the House to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the Freedom to Vote Act as a single bill. Not a single House Republican helped us pass the act to protect the right to vote — but despite their attempts to hold us back, we prevailed.
Now, the legislation is with the Senate, where I strongly urge my colleagues to vote for it to pass.
Unfortunately, some of my Senate colleagues — like Senator Kyrsten Sinema — seem more than happy to let this critical voting rights legislation fail. Because while I was voting for this piece of legislation, Sinema took to the Senate floor, doubled down on her opposition to the filibuster, and put this legislation — and other key items we need to deliver to the American people — in serious jeopardy.
During her floor speech, Sen. Sinema said she supported both the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. But she refused to change her stance on the filibuster — which is a guaranteed execution of both these bills. Her actions were a calculated attack on voting rights.
This is alarming, because protecting the right to vote is a critical component of our democracy. Without it, we are in danger of losing the voice of countless voters, especially Black and Latino voters, which is why the Senate must pass this bill and protect the constitutional right to vote before it's too late.
There's no question about it. Sinema and her Republican colleagues in Congress are deliberately standing in the way of democracy. This is about fear of a diverse and progressive nation. Nothing else.
But I, along with many of my colleagues, are willing to do what it takes to ensure our democracy is protected, promises are fulfilled, and that we are delivering for the people.
Thank you, John. Peace and love.
Jamaal Bowman
