WASHINGTON – Today, on the 55th anniversary of President Lyndon B. Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act into law, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee with oversight jurisdiction over federal elections, released the following statement: 

“Fifty-five years ago, our nation made historic progress in the fight for federal civil rights when the Voting Rights Act was signed into law. The Voting Rights Act was a cornerstone achievement for the civil rights movement and became law because of the tireless work of people, like John Lewis, who put their lives on the line to guarantee voting rights for all.  As we celebrate this anniversary, we must continue to protect the right to vote and ensure equal access to the polls. Today, there are sadly still insidious forces working to suppress the right to vote that are disproportionately affecting communities of color. As our nation continues to celebrate the life of John Lewis, there is no better way to honor his legacy than by fully restoring the Voting Rights Act and passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.”

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