Washington, D.C. — Today, Eric H. Holder, Jr., the 82nd Attorney General of the United States and Chairman of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, released the following statement after Senate Republicans blocked debate on the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act: 

“Right now, the ability to freely and fairly exercise the right to vote is under attack, and Senate Republicans once again opposed efforts to even have a debate on protecting our most fundamental right that is at the core of our democracy. The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act contains crucial voting safeguards that would restore and strengthen the Voting Rights Act of 1965, protecting every American’s right to vote. It would restore and ensure fairness in our elections. 

“I was privileged to know John Lewis as both a colleague and friend. Not only is the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act critical to the preservation of our democracy, it is a way to honor the legacy of an American hero. It is now the responsibility of Senate Democrats to take further action to ensure that this critical piece of legislation, along with the Freedom To Vote Act, are passed and Americans are guaranteed their most sacred and unalienable right – to vote in free and fair elections.” 

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