WASHINGTON — Today, the League of Women Voters of the United States CEO Celina Stewart issued the following statement in response to the President’s address to Congress.  

“The President’s comments last night demonstrate again his administration's lack of regard for the American people. To declare that 'America is back,' continues the trajectory of hypocrisy when the the American people are hurting right now from cuts to programs providing critical support to families, persistent and increasingly high prices for essential goods, and the escalation of foreign conflicts with longtime allies. Instead of bringing the country together, the President has continued in his quest to divide us.

“As an organization committed to empowering voters and defending democracy, the League is outraged by the current administration’s assault on the American people. This is why instead, the League of Women Voters, in solidarity with our partners, took action last night to bring Americans together. The League and our partners hosted 79 pro-democracy events at state capitols, city halls, and town halls to embody hope in action, demonstrate faith in justice, and show the power of our collective voices, in actions called Light for Our Democracy.

“The American people are tired of the divisiveness, reckless decision-making, and unpresidential conduct coming from the executive office because it threatens the very fabric of our democracy. This is not what Americans deserve.  

“Now more than ever, we need bills like the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (JLVRAA) to restore the provisions stripped from the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and to guarantee the rights of all voters — specifically voters of color whom the Voting Rights Act was created to protect. This bill represents the checks and balances system in play and a culmination of the hard work of voting rights champions who understand that voting is not merely a right but a powerful act that shapes our collective future. The reintroduction of this critical legislation this week gives us hope, given the current state of our democracy. The President and Congress need to show goodwill to the American people through this common-sense and vital legislation.  

“The late John Lewis was not only a friend of the League, but he exemplified the type of leadership our country needs at this moment. Passing the JLVRAA is how we hold up his legacy of unity, equality, and justice. We urge our elected officials to work together in the spirit of Congressman John Lewis and pass this bill. It is the right thing to do to restore American’s faith in our government and signal a stable government globally.  

“For over a century, the League has remained steadfast in our commitment to the American people and our democracy. We will continue to advance actions that build on this notion that the government is for the people, by the people, all the people."

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