Washington, D.C. — Today, Eric H. Holder, Jr., the 82nd Attorney General of the United States and the Chair of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, released the following statement on Senate Republicans’ coronavirus response proposal:

“The bill put forward today by Senate Republicans fails to meet the needs of the American people and our democracy as the country deals with the effects of COVID-19. The Republican proposal includes no money for election assistance at the same time state election officials are struggling to keep up with an increased demand for options to vote at home. It is simply appalling that on the same day that tribute was paid to Congressman John Lewis in the Capitol Building a proposal that fails to protect the sacred right to vote was advanced. Republicans should follow the lead of the Democratic House and provide the $3.6 billion states need to make sure people don’t have to choose between risking their health or casting a ballot in November. 

“Additionally, the Republican proposal fails to provide the Census Bureau with the 120 day delay that’s needed to conduct a fair and accurate count. It is not possible to conduct a Census amidst a pandemic without providing the Bureau with more time to do so. There is simply too much at stake for the American people over the next decade for a rushed Census to be conducted that does not count every person living in the United States. 

“To protect the health of the American people and the integrity of our democracy, Congress must pass a bill that includes funding to protect the right to vote and ample time for a full and accurate Census count.”  

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