Republicans block Freedom to Vote Act in another blow to voting rights
Washington DC – As expected, Republicans blocked the Freedom to Vote Act (FVA) on Wednesday, once again proving there is no bipartisan path to securing voting rights in America.
Senate Democrats held a much-anticipated voting rights hearing on Wednesday, hoping to finally get through voter protections after several failed attempts this year.
Earlier this summer, West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin shot down the more comprehensive For the People Act, arguing that voting rights should be addressed in a bipartisan manner.
He then proceeded to help draft the FVA, which calls for automatic voter registration, at least 15 days of early voting, and the ability for all citizens to request to vote by mail.
It would also make Election Day a national holiday but would leave controversial voter ID requirements in place.
Manchin previously insisted he would be able to drum up enough Republican support to pass a bill that focuses solely on voting rights.
But when the time came to prove his claims, Manchin was dealt a resounding – but not unexpected – defeat.
Not one single Republican sided with Democrats to advance the FVA, citing federal overreach as the reason for their dissent.
Progressives call for end to filibuster
In light of the defeat, progressives are reissuing calls to end the filibuster, which requires a supermajority of 60 rather than a simple majority of 50 votes to pass most legislation.
"It’s time to end the filibuster and FINALLY protect the right to vote in this country," tweeted Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal.
New York Rep. Jamaal Bowman wrote, "Senate Republicans have shown again today why they are a threat to democracy. We MUST end the filibuster and protect the right to vote."
"The filibuster – and the Democratic Senators who continue to uphold it – are killing our democracy," echoed Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar.
The failure to secure new voter protections comes as Republicans have passed suppressive voting laws and biased redistricting maps in many GOP-controlled states.
Cover photo: IMAGO / NurPhoto