Statement from AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka after the passage of H.R. 1, the For the People Act, in the House of Representatives:
For years, the rich and powerful have worked to suppress working people’s right to freely cast a ballot. And in January, we were wounded by one of the most brazen anti-democratic attacks in our history. This sustained assault on our democracy is far from over, as right-wing politicians across the country continue their effort to curb our voting rights.
If we fail to take action, our most fundamental freedoms will continue to be eroded. Yesterday's passage of the For the People Act is a critical step forward, and the labor movement calls on the Senate to quickly send this bill to President Biden’s desk.
The American people are in a desperate struggle to preserve our right to free and fair elections, and this landmark legislation will give us the tools we need to defeat those seeking to gain power through intimidation, coercion and suppression.
Contact: John Weber (202) 637-5018