McCollum Statement on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2022

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement today ahead of Monday's observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day:

"Today we celebrate and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his work for justice, equality, and freedom from racism. Dr. King gave his life for his work, to make our country better for all Americans. The urgency that Dr. King inspired for the fight for justice in the 1960s is needed right now in 2022. After the insurrection of January 6, it is crystal clear that our nation's democracy is threatened by dark forces, and the right to vote in America is under attack. Voter suppression is now being used as a political weapon by democracy's enemies.

"Dr. King famously said during the civil rights movement: ‘Our battle cry is Let My People Vote.' In 2022, the battle cry must be: ‘Let All the American People Vote!' Last year, I was proud to help pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021 out of the House. This bill honors my friend and colleague, the late John Lewis, who stood with Dr. King in the bloodiest battles of the civil rights era and served Georgia families with great honor and distinction in Congress.

"The John Lewis Act will strengthen the Voting Rights Act and stop the subversion and suppression being perpetrated by Republican state legislatures and Republicans in Congress to intentionally deny people—especially people of color—the right to vote. House Democrats passed this bill without one single Republican vote. Like so many other bills, it now sits waiting in the U.S. Senate. Our democracy is at risk. Our fundamental right to vote is at risk. We have the tools needed to restore it, but we need action and we need urgency. Let us honor Dr. King by demanding equal access to the ballot for all Americans.

"In 1965, Dr. King helped make the Voting Rights Act a reality. Today, together, we must defend your right to vote and the right for all Americans to vote in free and fair elections."

Watch a video recording of this message here.

###