Washington, D.C. (September 19, 2023) – Brent Booker, General President of LIUNA – the Laborers’ International Union of North America – made the following statement today:

LIUNA’s more than half-million strong members applaud Democratic leaders in the U.S. House on the introduction of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA), which will restore, update and strengthen voting rights for every American.

Voting is a fundamental right of American citizens. However, in the decade since the Supreme Court gutted the “preclearance” protection in the Shelby County case, 94 state laws have been enacted that make it harder for Americans to vote. The VRAA will ensure that all voters may exercise their voting rights and provide tools to address discriminatory voting practices; including ensuring that jurisdictions with a recent history of voting rights violations are required to obtain preclearance for changes to voting practices and procedures.

LIUNA urges the full Congress to come together and pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

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The half-million members of LIUNA – the Laborers’ International Union of North America – are on the forefront of the construction industry, a powerhouse of workers who are proud to build the United States and Canada.