Washington, D.C. – Following Sen. Joe Manchin’s announcement that he will not vote for S.1, the For the People Act, or to reform the filibuster, People For the American Way President Ben Jealous released the following statement:

“Joe Manchin’s position on the For the People Act is misguided and misinformed. He is wrong when he says it is not bipartisan: this bill has overwhelming support everywhere except in Washington D.C., where the Republican party regularly puts partisanship over country. He is wrong to say we should choose between passing the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act: both are important pieces of legislation needed to stop future abuses of voting rights and right the wrongs being done in state legislatures today. His demand for Senate Republican support ignores the fact that the Far Right-dominated Republican party in Congress will not negotiate in good faith and has proven it over and over, most recently in their opposition to creating a bipartisan January 6 Commission. Manchin needs to explain why he is clinging to unrealistic arguments, or face facts and do what is right for the American people. Throughout our history, when states have tried to suppress the votes of Black and brown Americans, the federal government has stepped in. This is one of those critical moments. As Senator Manchin himself has acknowledged, inaction is not an option.”

About People For the American Way
People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org.