WASHINGTON, June 22 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) on Tuesday issued the following statement after Senate Republicans united to block legislation to make it easier for Americans to vote, end partisan gerrymandering and get big money out of politics:

“It is a disgrace that at a time when authoritarianism, conspiracy theories and political violence are on the rise not a single Republican in the United States Senate has the courage to even debate whether we should protect American democracy or not. Meanwhile, in state houses and governor’s mansions across the country Republicans are shamefully working overtime to make it harder for poor people, people of color, young people and people with disabilities to participate in the American democratic system. All because they are loyal to the Big Lie that Donald Trump won the 2020 election. He didn’t win. He lost. Period.

“Of course, Congress must act to raise wages, take on corporate greed, reduce inequality, expand health care coverage, create millions of good-paying jobs, guarantee family and medical leave, and invest in child care. But there’s no issue in front of us right now that is more critical for the future of our country than protecting the fundamental right of every American to vote. If we are serious about calling ourselves a democracy we must make it easier for people to participate, not harder. Now is the time for majority rule in the Senate. We must end the filibuster, pass sweeping voting rights legislation, and protect our democracy.”