Biden calls on Congress to pass suffrage bills on John Lewis death anniversary

President BidenJoe Biden Biden calls on Congress to pass voting bills on anniversary of John Lewis’ death Afghan and Taliban officials meet in Qatar amid US troop withdrawal Biden administration investigation of “Havana syndrome” cases in Austria MORE Saturday called on Congress to pass two voting rights laws to mark the Republic’s first anniversary. John lewisJohn Lewis Biden calls on Congress to pass voting rights bills on anniversary of John Lewis’ death Congress can honor John Lewis legacy with voting rights protection Kings launch an effort on voting rights in honor of John Lewis PLUSthe death of (D-Ga.).

In a statement released by the White House on Saturday night commemorating Lewis’ death, Biden reflected on the days just before the longtime congressman and civil rights icon died in July 2020.

The president said Lewis maintained his dignity and grace before he died from stage IV pancreatic cancer.

“Instead of addressing our concerns for him, he asked us to stay focused on the unfinished business – his life’s job – to heal and unite this nation,” Biden said.

Biden added that during his first six months in office, he looked back on that time with Lewis. The commander-in-chief said that while the United States has made progress in overcoming the pandemic, there is still a long way to go to ensure progress in health care, criminal justice and the economy.

“Perhaps more than anything, it means pursuing the cause John was willing to give his life for: protecting the sacred right to vote,” Biden said. “Not since the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s have we seen such relentless attacks on voting rights and the integrity of our elections – from the big lie to the January 6 uprising to the new waves of suppression of voters and a new front of electoral subversion. “

“I call again on Congress to pass the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act so that I can sign them,” Biden concluded, referring to a voting rights bill named after after Lewis.

On Tuesday, Biden made similar remarks regarding Lewis and federal election law.

“Last month, Republicans even opposed the debate, even taking into account the For The People Act. Senate Democrats have come together to protect our democracy and the sanctity of the vote. We need to pass the For The People Act, it’s a national imperative, ”Biden said.

President’s message comes amid pressure from the Biden administration and Democrats to promote voting rights and warn of elders President TrumpDonald Trump Former Surgeon General Says CDC Mask Guidelines “Premature” and “Bad” Biden Calls on Congress to Pass Voting Bills on Anniversary of Death John Lewis Cuba, Haiti pose major challenges for Florida Democrats MOREThe unsubstantiated claims of the 2020 presidential election were “rigged” and marred by widespread electoral fraud.

A large number of GOP-led legislatures have proposed or passed electoral legislation that would tighten voting restrictions, including on ballot boxes, postal voting and voter identification requirements.

These bills have cropped up in states like Florida, Arizona, Georgia, and Texas.

This week, Texas Democrats fled their state to Washington, DC, in an attempt to prevent the passage of a new election law. Lone Star state lawmakers also met with Vice President Harris, Senate Majority Leader Chuck schumerChuck SchumerBiden calls on Congress to pass voting rights bills on the anniversary of John Lewis’ death. Where is “President Andrew Shepherd” when we need him? Tech executives increased political donations amid lobbying MORE (DN.Y.) and Sen. Joe manchinJoe Manchin Biden calls on Congress to pass voting rights bills on anniversary of John Lewis ‘death Biden’s silence on filibuster is straining Democrats’ patience Three Democrats in the Texas who fled state for DC test positive for COVID-19 PLUS to discuss voting rights in the nation’s capital.

Biden’s call also comes as the two voting rights laws he mentioned are blocked in Congress. In particular, the For The People Act was blocked by a GOP filibuster in the Senate late last month. Both bills have very little Republican support.

Other lawmakers, including Lewis’ successor Rep. Nikema Williams (D-Ga.) Commemorated Lewis on Saturday.

A year ago today, we lost a giant. Our hero. Our friend. Conscience of Congress, ”Williams wrote. “We must maintain the #GoodTrouble pass # HR1 and # HR4 #For the people. “

Updated at 9:13 p.m.