Davis resolution calls on U.S. Senate to pass John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act on the 55th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act

Rep. Austin Davis    August 6, 2020 | 9:46 AM

HARRISBURG, Aug. 6 – State Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny, sent out a co-sponsorship memo today to encourage his colleagues to support urging the U.S. Senate to pass the John R. Lewis Voting Act.

“It was important to send this resolution out today,” Davis said. “Today marks the 55th anniversary of when the Voting Rights Act was signed into law. So it’s not only a call to action, but a way to pay homage to the late John R. Lewis. His actions in Selma, Alabama, and throughout the 1960s were instrumental in the signing of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He was a true trailblazer and fought for what he believed in up until the day he died,” he said.

“His unwavering support and fight to obtain equal rights finally gave the Black community a voice in the political arena. He was an inspiration to many across the nation, showing the world that sometimes it’s OK to get in ‘necessary’ trouble, especially when it is for the greater good of a nation. Due to this and out of respect for Mr. Lewis, I’m asking that my colleagues join me in supporting this resolution,” Davis said.

If passed by the U.S. Senate, Davis said, the legislation would restore provisions of the Voting Rights Acts of 1965 that were severely impacted by a 2013 Supreme Court decision, which led to a rise in voter suppression tactics across the nation.

Send Feedback