Resolution was introduced last week by Senators Ossoff, Romney, Warnock, Leahy, Reed, and Cardin
Watch Sen. Ossoff’s remarks, here
Washington, D.C. — Today, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed legislation introduced last week by Senators Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Mitt Romney (R-UT), and Rev. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) that honors the life and legacy of the late Congressman John Lewis, shortly after what would have been his 81st birthday.
Sen. Ossoff spoke on the floor of the Senate to request unanimous consent, and the Senate passed the resolution, without objection.
Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Ben Cardin (D-MD) also co-sponsored the legislation.
The resolution honors Lewis for his towering achievements in the nonviolent struggle for civil rights.
Lewis passed away in July 2020 after courageously battling pancreatic cancer.
Click here to watch Senator Ossoff’s remarks on the Senate floor.
“Congressman Lewis has passed, but he lives on through his towering legacy, his powerful ideas, and his monumental accomplishments. One of the greatest figures in American history, John R. Lewis was a passionate and courageous champion of peace, justice, and human dignity whose selfless work advanced voting and civil rights for millions of Americans,” Senator Ossoff said in introducing the bill last week. “The struggle for human rights continues, and Congressman Lewis taught us never to give up or give in, to keep the faith, and to keep our eyes on the prize. Poverty, violence, and racism are not necessary or inevitable. Our obligation is to carry the torch Congressman Lewis passed and keep working to build the Beloved Community in America and around the world. I feel the Congressman’s spirit profoundly every day and urge my colleagues to come together, honor his life, and be inspired by his example to speak up, speak out, and make Good Trouble.”
“Congressman John Lewis was a man of unwavering principle, unassailable character, great purpose, and heartfelt compassion. With this resolution, we honor his life and his legacy as a champion for civil rights,” Senator Romney said.
“The legacy Congressman John Lewis leaves is a point of eternal pride for the state of Georgia. He believed in the promise and the power of the vote, and the way people can right our country’s grave mistakes by strengthening our democracy,” said Senator Warnock. “We remember and honor him, and the lessons he taught us about the sacred responsibilities we have to exercise our voices at the ballot box and strengthen voting rights across the board. In honoring him, we renew our efforts to protect our democracy and defend the sacred right to vote.”
Please click here to find a PDF copy of the resolution.
