Press Releases

Congressional Black Caucus Chairman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) released the following statement today on the third year anniversary of the Shelby County v. Holder ruling:

“It has been three years since the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling to overturn Section 4 of the 1965 Voting Rights Act (VRA) in Shelby County v. Holder and voting rights in states across the country have been weakened,” said Chairman Butterfield. “We continue to witness challenges, discrimination, voter suppression and disenfranchisement – extraordinary measures that have severely diminished the right to vote and make it increasingly difficult, if not burdensome, for low-income, elderly, and African American voters.

“The Shelby decision reversed 50 years of progress made to expand access to voting in America, and dismantled our advancements to ensure an equitable and representative democracy.

“Members of the Congressional Black Caucus will continue our fight against overtly discriminatory and racially motivated initiatives designed to disenfranchise thousands across the country and we urge support for the VRA by restoring its ability to guarantee access to the ballot box and the protection of the fundamental right to vote for every American.”

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Since its establishment in 1971, Members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) have joined together to empower America’s neglected citizens and address their legislative concerns. For more than 40 years, the CBC has consistently been the voice for people of color and vulnerable communities in Congress and has been committed to utilizing the full Constitutional power and statutory authority of the United States government to ensure that all U.S. citizens have an opportunity to achieve the American Dream. To learn more about the Congressional Black Caucus, visit http://cbc-butterfield.house.gov.

Media inquiries: Candace Randle Person at (202) 593-1331 or Candace.Person@mail.house.gov