RepresentUs CEO Josh Silver’s statement in response to the For the People Act’s expected failure to meet the 60-vote threshold needed to start debate:
“Reports of the For the People Act’s demise have been greatly exaggerated and continue to be premature. Today’s first full Senate vote is exactly that -- a first vote. We expected it to fall short of the 60 votes needed to start debate, but we are moving full steam ahead and are still resolved to see it pass. We are incredibly heartened to see Sen. Manchin's continued engagement and support for this process.
“The Senate’s failure to advance a simple procedural vote towards fixing a political system that is in deep crisis underscores how crucial it is that we pass the For the People Act. How can anyone with a straight face claim that the U.S. Senate is a deliberative body when senators won't even agree to debate a bill supported by two thirds of the American people? Ironically, it’s because these politicians are blocking the structural reforms in the Act that would reduce polarization, corruption and gridlock.
“We’re not going to give up on something as important as American democracy. We continue to call on the U.S. Senate and Congress to pass the For the People Act by any means necessary.”