WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais:  

“Make no mistake: today, the conservative Supreme Court willfully disenfranchised Black and minority Americans. Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act was one of America’s last defenses against discriminatory voting laws and restrictions. Black voters in Louisiana, rightfully, sued after their state drew maps that left them without representation—and they won. Now, the Supreme Court has undermined that hard-won victory.  

“Every voter is promised a say in our democracy, and the Voting Rights Act is essential in making that promise a reality. Today’s decision is a blow to equality in Louisiana and across the country, and will open the door to even more voter suppression.” 

Senator Welch is a proud cosponsor of the John R. Lewis Voting Advancement Act, legislation that would update and restore critical safeguards of the original Voting Rights Act of 1965 that have been eroded in recent years by federal court rulings. The legislation would strengthen our democracy by reestablishing preclearance for jurisdictions with a pattern of voting rights violations, protecting minority communities subject to discriminatory voting practices, and defending election workers from threats and intimidation. 

###