Congressional Black Caucus Statement on Supreme Court Ruling to Further Weaken Voting Rights Act

Today, Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement:

"Two months after the Trump Supreme Court's decision in Louisiana v. Callais gutted key protections of the Voting Rights Act, the Court's conservative supermajority has taken another step to threaten the rights of Black and minority voters.

"This week, the Court declined to hear a challenge to an Arkansas law that criminalizes assisting more than six voters in casting their ballots, leaving that restrictive law in place. The Court also allowed a 2025 ruling to stand that dismantles the private right of action under Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act.

"As a result, in the seven states under the jurisdiction of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals-Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota-private individuals and organizations can no longer bring lawsuits to protect voters with disabilities and those who face language barriers.

"These actions significantly weaken the ability to challenge discriminatory practices and safeguard access to the ballot box.

"In the wake of the Callais decision, Black political representation has come under direct and coordinated assault. Across the South, Republican-led legislatures and governors have moved swiftly to redraw congressional maps ahead of the November election in a deliberate effort to dilute voting strength, reduce representation, and roll back decades of hard-fought civil rights progress secured under the Voting Rights Act.

"The Supreme Court has once again advanced extreme right-wing ideology from the bench, but it does not have the final word-the American people do.

"Despite these actions and ongoing efforts to tilt the playing field, we are confident in our path to victory this November. And when we win, we will advance the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act alongside critical reforms-including eliminating the filibuster and reforming the Supreme Court-to ensure fairness, accountability, and equal representation under the law."