Larson and House Democrats Introduce the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act

Washington, D.C. – Today, on National Voter Registration Day, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) joined every House Democrat in introducing H.R. 14, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. The bill would protect the right to vote and safeguard our democracy by restoring and modernizing the full protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA). Ten years ago, the Supreme Court gutted the VRA and unleashed a wave of discriminatory state laws targeting voters and restricting voting access. By restoring the VRA’s authority, this bill would prevent such laws from taking effect in states and localities with a recent history of voter discrimination. 

“Every American should have the freedom to make their voice heard at the ballot box, but since the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act, state legislatures have advanced hundreds of new laws to target voters and restrict access,” said Larson. “Today, House Democrats are taking action, in honor of my late and dear friend, John Lewis, to protect the right to vote and safeguard our democracy. Rep. Lewis dedicated his career and life to the fight for the freedom to vote, and I am honored to introduce legislation to do just that today.” 

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