Washington, D.C. — Today, Eric H. Holder, Jr., the 82nd Attorney General of the United States and Chairman of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC), released the following statement in response to Congresswoman Terri Sewell re-introducing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (JLVRAA) for a vote in the House of Representatives:

“The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act will strengthen the Voting Rights Act of 1965, restoring and ensuring fairness in our elections and protecting every American’s right to vote.  This bill is critical to protecting representative democracy, and rightly honors the legacy of John Lewis, an American hero who fought to ensure that every American could make their voices heard at the ballot box. 

“For decades now, Republicans have been attempting to dismantle the Voting Rights Act by weakening critical safeguards for voting rights and fair maps. It is part of a larger strategy to silence the voices of those who might not agree with their extreme agenda, and to gerrymander their way into unearned power.

“The ability to participate in free and fair elections doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Sadly, it has never been easily had. Every generation of Americans must defend it for themselves and for their descendants. Now it is time for this generation to act. We need the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to protect our democracy and to ensure that the voices of all Americans are truly heard.”

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