Senator Schumer vowed to revisit the bill next week.
A bill that would increase federal control over elections failed Wednesday to advance in the Senate on a procedural vote. The legislation, known as the Freedom to Vote Act, failed 51-49.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said the chamber will consider an alternative next week, known as the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. The compromise bill would establish national rules for running elections, limit partnership in the drawing of congressional districts, and force the disclosure of many anonymous donors who spend large sums to influence elections. Senator Schumer said the minority party is implicitly endorsing voter suppression by voting not to even begin debate.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky contended that the bill includes many items that Americans directly oppose and that it lacks any bipartisan support. “The legislation still subjects popular commonsense election integrity provisions like voter ID to the whims of federal bureaucrats” and “puts Washington in the middle of states’ redistricting decisions,” he said.
For his part, President Biden said, “Democracy—the very soul of America—is at stake. It should be simple and straightforward. Let there be a debate and let there be a vote.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the future of the federal republic that is the United States.
- For senators as they consider the rights of the states to determine voting laws.
- For Congress as election reform efforts continue.
Sources: CBS News, Just The News
