[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 6 (Monday, January 10, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S120]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST

  Mr. SCHUMER. A few moments ago, I went through the typical rule XIV 
process, which the majority leader always does to place legislation 
from both minority and majority on the legislative calendar. It is 
merely technical.
  Now, the Republican leader seems to want to place a bunch of 
``gotcha'' bills on the legislative calendar that he thinks would be 
tough votes for Democrats to take as some kind of payback for pursuing 
legislation to protect the sacred right to vote.
  Well, we Democrats aren't afraid of these votes, so what I propose to 
the Republican leader is that the Senate hold up-or-down votes at a 
majority threshold on each of the Republican bills he has outlined 
tonight, as well as the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting 
Rights Advancement Act.
  Let me say again. In a few moments, I will ask unanimous consent to 
have the Senate vote on the Freedom to Vote Act, the John Lewis Voting 
Rights Advancement Act, and all the so-called tough bills the 
Republican leader is proposing tonight at a majority threshold.
  We believe the right to vote, to protect our democracy, to get rid of 
dark money from elections, to end gerrymandering to ensure the American 
people pick their elected leaders, not politicians, is so important, I 
would hope the Republican leader would go along with this proposal.
  Our caucus strongly disagrees with the Republican bills on this list, 
but for the sake of our democracy and getting to a majority vote on 
voting rights, we are willing to vote.
  So, Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that at a time to be 
determined by the majority leader, in consultation with the Republican 
leader, that the Senate vote on passage of the following bills in the 
order listed; that there be no motions or amendments in order to the 
bills; and that the passage be at a majority threshold, all without 
intervening action or debate: S. 2747, the Freedom to Vote Act; H.R. 4, 
the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act; S. 3452; S. 3453; S. 
3454; S. 3455; S. 3456; S. 3457; S. 3458; S. 3459; S. 3460; S. 3461; S. 
3462; S. 3463; S. 3464; S. 3465; S. 3466; S. 3467; S. 3468; and S. 
3469.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  Mr. McCONNELL. I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.

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