(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This week, Senator Murray will join her colleagues in pushing for passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act as well as the Freedom to Vote Act.
“Almost sixty-five years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. took to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to demand the equal right to vote for every citizen. Today, that right is being threatened, as far-right lawmakers pass sweeping voter suppression laws across the country.
“If we are serious about honoring Dr. King’s legacy, let’s do so by passing the Freedom to Vote Act, so Republican legislatures across the country aren’t able to make it harder for people of color, young people, people with disabilities, or anyone else, to cast their ballots and make their voices heard.
“Let’s honor Dr. King’s work by reauthorizing the 1965 Voting Rights Act that he marched for, by passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.
“Let’s honor Dr. King’s legacy by acting to protect every American’s right to be heard in our democracy.”
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