(TEXAS) – Today, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris delivered remarks on the need to pass federal voter protection legislation and called for changes to the U.S. Senate rules to ensure the institution can do its work for the American people.

Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Chris Turner (D-Grand Prairie) issued the following statement in response:

“President Biden is right: ‘the battle for the soul of America is not over.’ That’s why, as he and Vice President Harris called for today, the U.S. Senate must pass essential voting rights legislation — by whatever means necessary.

“The president and vice president are correct about the dangers of the anti-voter laws sweeping the nation — laws like Republicans’ Senate Bill 1 in Texas. With Texas’ first major election under the GOP’s new anti-democratic legislation just around the corner, we can wait no longer for the U.S. Senate to act.

“Texas House Democrats have been sounding the alarm for over a year now, fighting for the freedom to vote in Austin — and in Washington, D.C. Last summer, more than 50 members of our caucus broke quorum and travelled to our nation’s capital to shine a spotlight on the dangers of the anti-voter movement that grew from Donald Trump’s big lie. Texans — indeed, all Americans — need the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act if we are to defeat voter suppression and preserve our democracy. As President Biden said today: ‘pass it now!’”

The Texas House Democratic Caucus, which is composed of all Democrats in the Texas House, serves as the group’s membership services and logistical arm, and works to support House Democrats with communications, policy, and legal resources. Chaired by Rep. Chris Turner (D – Grand Prairie), the Caucus is focused on fighting for real solutions for all Texans.

For questions regarding the information in this release, please contact Cara Santucci, Executive Director for the Texas House Democratic Caucus, by email cara@texashousedems.com.