Harris says she talks to GOP senators about voting rights

Vice President Harris said on Tuesday she had spoken to GOP senators and other Republican leaders about the voting legislation.

Speaking to CBS News, Harris said there was “no clear line” between his interlocutors over the voting rights laws, adding that it was a “partisan issue” and “should be approached this way”.

“I’ve spoken to Republican senators – both elected Republicans and Republican leaders,” Harris said when asked if she had spoken to GOP members about the “For the People Act,” which was blocked in the Senate.

Harris told CBS that despite this setback, Bill S.1 continues to be a “key part of what we need to do to fight for the franchise.”

Frustration erupted in Congress over the setbacks, with some progressive lawmakers calling for the end of filibuster. Harris declined to support filibuster reform in his interview with CBS, instead saying that “there is a national imperative to pass voting rights legislation, and that is the test of our time”.

“Any change in filibuster will require all Senate Democrats to support those changes,” she added, appearing to refer to the senator. Joe manchinJoe ManchinManchin to back public lands chief candidate Schumer to host infrastructure showdown on Wednesday Clean electricity standard should be a given amid extreme climate impacts MORE (DW.Va.), who has been a staunch opponent in getting rid of the filibuster.

Harris recently met with a group of Texas Democratic state lawmakers, who are in Washington, DC, to prevent passage of a state bill that would add more restrictions on voter access. Harris told CBS she will also meet with Indigenous leaders from America and Alaska for voting rights talks.

“There’s a lot of work to be done. There’s no question about it,” Harris continued. “I join the chorus in saying that everyone must approach this issue with a sense of urgency and a sense of deep commitment to fight against these efforts to suppress the vote.”