A few moments ago, I went through the typical rule XIV process, which the majority leader always does to place legislation from both minority and majority on the legislative calendar. It is merely…
A few moments ago, I went through the typical rule XIV process, which the majority leader always does to place legislation from both minority and majority on the legislative calendar. It is merely technical.
Now, the Republican leader seems to want to place a bunch of ``gotcha'' bills on the legislative calendar that he thinks would be tough votes for Democrats to take as some kind of payback for pursuing legislation to protect the sacred right to vote.
Well, we Democrats aren't afraid of these votes, so what I propose to the Republican leader is that the Senate hold up-or-down votes at a majority threshold on each of the Republican bills he has outlined tonight, as well as the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.
Let me say again. In a few moments, I will ask unanimous consent to have the Senate vote on the Freedom to Vote Act, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and all the so-called tough bills the Republican leader is proposing tonight at a majority threshold.
We believe the right to vote, to protect our democracy, to get rid of dark money from elections, to end gerrymandering to ensure the American people pick their elected leaders, not politicians, is so important, I would hope the Republican leader would go along with this proposal.
Our caucus strongly disagrees with the Republican bills on this list, but for the sake of our democracy and getting to a majority vote on voting rights, we are willing to vote.
So, Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that at a time to be determined by the majority leader, in consultation with the Republican leader, that the Senate vote on passage of the following bills in the order listed; that there be no motions or amendments in order to the bills; and that the passage be at a majority threshold, all without intervening action or debate: S. 2747, the Freedom to Vote Act; H.R. 4, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act; S. 3452; S. 3453; S. 3454; S. 3455; S. 3456; S. 3457; S. 3458; S. 3459; S. 3460; S. 3461; S. 3462; S. 3463; S. 3464; S. 3465; S. 3466; S. 3467; S. 3468; and S. 3469.
