National Black Justice Coalition Celebrates Passage of the For the People Act (HR1) in the US House of Representatives, Urges Senate to Pass Without Delay
Group Says HR1 is Critical to Protecting Black Voters
CONTACT: Anna Zuccaro | anna@unbendablemedia.com
WASHINGTON, DC — Moments ago, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1, or the For the People Act, which will expand voting rights, change campaign finance laws to reduce the influence of money in politics, limit partisan gerrymandering, and create new ethics rules for federal officeholders.
In response to the House’s passage of H.R.1, David Johns, executive director of the National Black Justice Coalition, a leading civil rights organization dedicated to the empowerment of Black Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+ and same-gender-loving (LGBTQ+/SGL) people, issued the following statement:
“We applaud the House for recognizing the importance of H.R.1 and passing the For the People Act today. If passed by the Senate, H.R. 1 would extend and secure critical voting rights for America’s most vulnerable, marginalized, and disenfranchised communities.
“Right now, the voting rights of Black and LGBTQ+ people are under attack. This is not new; however, at this moment in the movement for inclusive social justice, we should be beyond debating if and focused instead on ensuring that every American can exercise their right to vote.
“We know that politicians invested in maintaining marginalization sponsored by white supremacy and anti-Blackness are terrified of losing their power, privilege, and disproportionate representation in our government. This reality can be seen in the more than 250 bills introduced by Republicans across the country to restrict access to voting, and was on full display during yesterday’s oral arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court on voting rights.
“That’s why it is more important than ever that Senate leaders do whatever it takes to protect voting rights, and ensure that all Americans have the right to vote. We urge the Senate to pass the For the People Act without delay.”
