Dear Representative:
I am writing on behalf of the AFL-CIO to express our strong support for the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 5746, the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act. This legislation would ensure safe, accessible, transparent elections, restore vital protections against discriminatory voting practices, and provide assurance that votes are counted.
The Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act would restore the strength of the Voting Rights Act, expand the franchise, ban partisan gerrymandering, promote election security, and limit the corrosive power of money in politics. Chief Justice Roberts himself said in the 2013 Shelby decision, “voting discrimination still exists; no one doubts that.” A rash of blatant voter suppression and election subversion efforts since then have only heightened the need for a federal response.
There is nothing more fundamental than the right to vote. Congress recognized this important right and protected citizens by passing bipartisan legislation for more than half a century. The AFL-CIO strongly urges you to vote for the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 5746, the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act.
Sincerely,
William Samuel
Director, Government Affairs