Ranking Member Morelle on President Biden’s State of the Union Address
Washington, D.C. – Committee on House Administration Ranking Member Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.) issued the following statement after President Biden delivered his State of the Union Address:
“Tonight, President Biden offered a bold and clear-eyed vision of the tremendous stakes our country faces. He also reminded us of the many accomplishments his administration has achieved, such as capping insulin at thirty-five dollars, investing to create better-paying American jobs, and fighting to protect reproductive freedom, and I look forward to continuing to deliver on Democrats’ agenda for the American people.
“On this day, the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, I’m especially encouraged President Biden highlighted the urgent need to protect our democracy and full, fair, and free access to the ballot box. The peaceful transfer of power is the foundational principle of our nation, and as Americans we must work to protect our democracy from threats of authoritarianism and extremism.
“As Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, I have worked with my Democratic colleagues to advance legislation such as the Freedom to Vote Act, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and the Native American Voting Rights Act that will protect not just our fundamental right to vote, but also our American democracy.
“I will continue to fight for the right to vote, equitable access to the ballot, and to protect our American democracy for generations to come.”
BACKGROUND:
The Freedom to Vote Act:
Sets nationwide standards to protect access to voting for all eligible Americans
Protects voters against intimidation and harassment
Modernizes our elections systems to keep them secure and accurate
Provides election administrators resources to run safe, accessible elections
Protects election administrators, workers, and volunteers from harassment
Stops partisan interference in vote counting
Protects elections from foreign interference
Forces disclosure of dark money
Ends extreme partisan gerrymandering
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