Washington, D.C — The filibuster, a controversial parliamentary procedure, has a long history of being used to impede progress on civil rights and voting rights in the United States. According to Greta Bedekovics, associate director of Democracy Policy at the Center for American Progress (CAP), "The filibuster continues to be used to obstruct major legislation necessary to advance racial justice and voting rights in the United States."
A recent issue brief from CAP highlights how the filibuster's historical legacy persists today, hindering the passage of crucial voting rights legislation such as the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. Bedekovics emphasizes the importance of reforming the filibuster to ensure that the Senate can effectively represent the will of the people: "Taking steps to reform the filibuster will allow the Senate to be a truly deliberative body that legislates based on the will of the people."
The issue brief also sheds light on how the filibuster has historically suppressed the rights of Black and brown Americans and its impact on current voter suppression efforts. It underscores the significant role the filibuster plays in shaping the legislative landscape today.
In response to these pressing issues, a panel of experts, including former Alabama Senator Doug Jones, will be discussing the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement and the filibuster's role in obstructing progress on civil rights and voting rights. The event aims to raise awareness about the ongoing challenges faced by marginalized communities in accessing their fundamental right to vote.
For those interested in delving deeper into this topic, the issue brief titled "How the Racist History of the Filibuster Lives on Today" authored by Greta Bedekovics is available for further reading. To learn more or to engage with experts on this subject, please contact Sam Hananel at [email protected].
