Durbin Statement on Senate Republicans' Filibuster of Historic Voting Rights Legislation

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement after Senate Republicans filibustered the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act:

“Sadly, many Republican lawmakers would rather repeat the twice impeached former President’s ‘Big Lie’ than face his wrath.  And tonight, that revealed itself as Senate Republicans used the filibuster once again to kill legislation that would protect Americans’ fundamental right to participate in our democracy. 

“The Republican-led attacks on voting rights and the fair administration of our elections are shaking the pillars of our democracy.  Without federal action to combat this threat, the credibility of our elections and the peaceful transfer of power are at stake.”

Ahead of tonight’s vote, Durbin spoke on the Senate floor and called on his Republican colleagues to support this critical voting rights legislation.

-30-