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Slotkin Statement on Passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act

August 24, 2021

Legislation restores the Voting Rights Act; will act as “shield” to protect Americans ability to cast their ballot

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (MI-08) released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted today to pass H.R. 4, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act:

"Today, I voted proudly for the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, named for the beloved John Lewis, whom I had the privilege of serving with. At its core, this legislation restores core elements of the Voting Rights Act -- the crown jewel of the Civil Rights Movement -- and is a critical, proactive step in this time of assaults on the right to vote across the nation.

"Over the last few weeks, I've joined Reps. Veronica Escobar and Colin Allred to rally members of the 2018 Democratic class to support adopting a ‘sword and shield' approach to protecting and strengthening voting rights. The act that we passed today is the ‘shield': It will protect hard-fought gains by reducing confusion and misinformation about accessing the ballot box; preventing the enactment of discriminatory, late changes to state voting laws; and requiring federal approval before making changes to voting laws that could disadvantage minority voters.

"It's now up to the Senate to act. I strongly urge my colleagues in the Senate to take up and pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act as soon as possible."

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