Shaheen Statement Marking 56th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965

Press Release

U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) issued the following statement commemorating the 56th anniversary of the enactment of the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965:

"Passage of the Voting Rights Act was a pivotal moment in our nation's history that affirmed every American's right to vote. Yet fifty-six years later, we have seen the Voting Rights Act assaulted and undermined by the passage of voter suppression laws across the country that disproportionately impact minority communities. These attacks to rollback hard-fought rights and block access to the ballot box are unconscionable and must be met with action to protect voting rights," said Shaheen. "As we celebrate the anniversary of this historic legislation, we have a moral imperative to honor the legacy of civil rights leaders by finishing what they started and fighting voter suppression in all forms. I'll continue to fight to protect Americans' right to vote and will work to reverse the damage caused by those who've sought to undermine crucial voter protection legislation."

Senator Shaheen helped introduce the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. The bipartisan bill would restore the Voting Rights Act, end the scourge of minority voter suppression and help preserve the legacy of civil rights hero John Lewis. The bipartisan group of Senators reintroduced the legislation to honor Congressman John Lewis. Shaheen is also a supporter of the For the People Act, which would help guarantee every American citizen full access to the ballot by addressing voter intimidation and suppression.

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