[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 191 (Monday, November 1, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S7535]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act

  Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, in 1 minute, I will be filing cloture 
on the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act, but I am going to give a short, 
brief remark before I do that.
  Now, tonight, I am filing cloture on a motion to proceed on the John 
Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. That means that the Senate is 
going to take a first vote on whether or not we even debate this voting 
rights bill--even debate it--on Wednesday.
  Our democracy relies on the guarantee of free and fair elections. 
Across the country, we are witnessing a coordinated assault on the 
integrity of our electoral process. We must advance critical reforms to 
protect the freedom to vote, fulfilling the life and the legacy of our 
late colleague John Lewis.
  If there is any issue that deserves debate in this Chamber, it is 
protecting voting rights. I know that both parties have differences on 
this important issue, but Republicans shouldn't be afraid to debate the 
bill.
  If the Senate votes to open debate to this bill, I am prepared to 
offer an open and honest and full-fledged process here on the Senate 
floor, where Republican amendments will be made in order and allowed 
and debated.
  If Republican Senators have different ideas on how to achieve a 
stronger democracy, they owe it to the American people to come forward 
and debate their ideas. Simply standing silent with their arms crossed, 
refusing to allow the Senate to function, is unacceptable.

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