National Urban League Urges Congress to Vote ‘Yes’ on President Biden’s Build Back Better Agenda and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act

Washington, D.C. (August 23, 2021) – Today, National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial issued the following statement on a letter he sent to Members of Congress regarding his vote recommendation for President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda and H.R. 4, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act: 

“Today, I sent a letter to Congress urging all members to vote ‘yes’ on a legislative measure that will advance President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda and H.R. 4, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. These key pieces of legislation will help reinvest in America’s working families and advance the promise of fairness in our democratic process.  

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will help this nation’s efforts to restore Minority-owned businesses impacted by the pandemic, create 650,000 new, high-skill, high-paying jobs and invest billions to provide underserved communities with access to broadband. The Build Back Better Budget Resolution will provide universal pre-K, paid family and medical leave, and investments in housing affordability, job training, and workforce development. Moreover, H.R. 4, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act will restore the protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that were lost in the Shelby County v. Holder and Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee decisions and create national standards that ensure Americans can safely and freely cast their ballots. Last week, the National Urban League submitted a letter of support for H.R. 4 in the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee record.

The National Urban League, its 91 affiliates, and greater movement worked hard to ensure these bills contained provisions that would further our goals for a new normal in this nation that is inclusive, equitable, and most of all, democratic. We were pleased to see the House of Representatives return to Washington, DC to consider these measures. We will be watching closely to see who stands with us this week in voting to advance these bills, revitalize America’s economy and guarantee the fundamental right to vote for all Americans is protected.”   

 

To read the full letter, click here.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:           Niambé Tomlinson
                              (202) 629-5750 | ntomlinson@nul.org