AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa issued the following statement on the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act clearing the U.S. House:
“Texas Democrats have held the line for voting rights for our entire country for the last seven months. Tonight, our legislators’ tireless efforts are coming to fruition in Congress. This evening, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act passed the U.S. House — clearing the way for the passage of the most important voting rights legislation our country has seen since the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
“This victory is for all of us. And it did not happen by accident. Along with the For the People Act, this legislation had stalled in Congress — up until July 12, when a delegation of Texas Democratic lawmakers took our fight to D.C. and began rallying leaders across our entire country in the fight to protect the right to vote.
“This legislation will protect the voices and votes of millions of Americans. Black and Brown Americans, voters with disabilities, working folks who have been sold out for far too long by callous politicians — our communities have been cut off from the ballot box, and when we finally make our voices heard, we will roar. That’s what the John Lewis Voting Rights Act is about. And because of Texas Democrats — and the progressive community that has stood with our legislators every step of the way — we have cleared one major hurdle towards passing it. We now take this fight to the U.S. Senate.
“Tonight, Democrats reaffirmed their commitment to all Americans and especially to Texans that they will fight with everything they have and do whatever it takes to protect our fundamental freedom to vote.”
