Congressman Horsford Urges the Senate to Seize the Moment on Voting Rights | Congressman Steven Horsford
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Congressman Horsford Urges the Senate to Seize the Moment on Voting Rights

January 11, 2022

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Steven Horsford (D-NV-04) released the following statement urging the Senate to pass a comprehensive voting rights bill that protects the freedom to vote and restores the protections of the 1965 Voting Rights Act:

“Last year, at least 19 states passed 34 laws to restrict access to the ballot box. These dangerous attacks undermine faith in our elections and rob Americans – especially Americans of color – of their fundamental right to participate in our democracy. As we start a new year, the Senate must seize the moment and pass comprehensive voting rights legislation to guarantee safe, secure, and free elections for voters,” said Congressman Steven Horsford. “History is watching, and the time to act is now.”

Background

After the Supreme Court gutted the protections of the 1965 Voting Rights Act in the 2013 Shelby County v. Holder decision, state legislatures across the country moved to undermine access to the ballot box. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, at least 19 states passed 34 laws in 2021 that make it harder for Americans to vote.

To protect the sacred freedom to vote, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1, an anti-corruption and clean elections reform package, and H.R. 4, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which would protect voters from discrimination by restoring and strengthening the protections of the Voting Rights Act. H.R. 1 and H.R. 4 now await consideration in the Senate.

Members of the Senate have also introduced the Freedom to Vote Act, which mirrors key elements of H.R. 1 and sets basic nationwide standards for how elections are conducted. The Freedom to Vote Act responds to current threats to our democracy, and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act prevents states from enacting discriminatory laws moving forward. Both bills are critical to protect fair elections and strengthen American democracy.