National Urban League Statement On Senate Republicans’ Failed Advancement Of For The People Act

Washington, D.C. (August 12, 2021) – Marc H. Morial, President, and CEO of the National Urban League, issued the following statement after the Senate failed to advance the For the People Act yesterday:  

“Once again, a group of Senators led by Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has shamefully blocked attempts to bring the For the People Act for a vote – calling into question their commitment to protecting the sacred right to vote for all Americans, regardless of party. 

 “Now that the Senate is in recess and the district work period has begun, it is important that Americans appeal to their members in support of voting rights and in opposition to the anti-democratic efforts of many state legislatures across the country. It is also important that Americans make their voices heard on the filibuster. It is a relic of the Jim Crow era, designed and used for decades to thwart civil rights legislation. We cannot let that happen again in this new era. 

 “The right to vote is sacred and should be protected. It is vital that the Senate prioritizes the passage of the For the People Act to create national standards that ensure Americans can safely and freely cast their ballots. It is also vital that the House consider, pass, and send to the Senate the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to restore the protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. We were glad to hear the House leadership commit to returning to Washington, D.C. in August to do just that. We encourage President Biden to put the full weight of the White House behind the movement and passage of these important measures.”