Washington (November 3, 2021) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) released the following statement after Republicans voted for the fourth time to block debate on voting rights legislation. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) joined all 50 Democrats in calling for debate to begin on the Senate floor on the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.
“I thank Senator Murkowski for joining with Democrats to support voting rights legislation that has been bipartisan in the past and should be bipartisan now.
“Blocking Congressional debate on voting rights is white supremacy in the electoral process. Blocking debate on the Senate floor on voting rights is modern day literacy tests, poll taxes, and disenfranchisement laws. It is voter ID laws and voter registration restrictions. Senate Republicans blocking debate are giving cover to the coordinated efforts at the state level to suppress voting rights of millions of young, minority, low-income, and people with disabilities from participating in elections. Republicans don’t want free and fair elections, and they don’t want free and fair debate on voting rights legislation.
“With health care, climate change, abortion rights, gun safety, and so much more at stake, we must abolish the filibuster and pass voting rights legislation to ensure every voice across our country is heard.”
