Scott Statement on Supreme Court Decision in Louisiana v. Callais

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), Co-Chair of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus, issued the following statement:

"The Voting Rights Act has long protected minority communities from disenfranchisement, but over the years conservative Supreme Court justices have steadily weakened those protections. Section 2 remained one of the last major safeguards against maps that dilute minority representation in Congress.

"This latest decision by the Supreme Court sets voting rights back decades. By creating a nearly impossible standard to challenge racial gerrymandering, the Court has opened the door for Republican-led states to draw new maps that weaken the ability of minority communities to elect candidates of their choice.

"Attacks on voting rights have become a defining feature of the MAGA-controlled Republican Party and this Supreme Court. During the recent mid-decade redistricting, Republicans have so far created seven seats in Texas, Missouri, and North Carolina. Six of those seats are presently represented by African American and Hispanic Members of Congress. Using efforts to undermine voter registration and vote-by-mail, Republicans continue to weaken the foundations of our democracy in order to hold onto power.

"Congress must respond by passing the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to restore the full protections of the Voting Rights Act. We must remain committed to protecting a democracy that represents all Americans and ensuring that every voter has an equal voice in choosing their representatives."

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