From Selma to Central Ohio: Beatty Reflects on John Lewis and the Ongoing Fight for the Vote

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) joined members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) in a Special Order Hour on the House floor to honor the legacy of the late Congressman John Lewis on the fifth anniversary of his passing this upcoming Thursday.

In her remarks, Congresswoman Beatty reflected on her close working relationship with Congressman Lewis during their time together in the U.S. House of Representatives. She recalled the profound honor of crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge with him to commemorate Bloody Sunday and traveling with him throughout Central Ohio to defend and promote the Voting Rights Act.

The Congresswoman also renewed her call for Congress to protect and expand access to the ballot by passing the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act.

“After the Supreme Court’s Shelby County v. Holder decision, we saw nearly 100 new laws emerge—closing polling places, cutting early voting, banning drop boxes, and changing ID rules. These efforts have fueled a growing racial turnout gap, and Black voters are left paying the price. That isn’t policy—it’s persecution,” said Congresswoman Beatty.

“As John Lewis knew, Black voices are feared and fought precisely because they hold the power to transform this nation for the better. On this day, we honor his legacy not only with words, but with action—by advocating for voting rights as a guiding force for our shared future. That means passing the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act to end these discriminatory practices and make it easier for everyone to vote.”

In her floor speech, Beatty concluded:
“John Lewis didn’t just talk about democracy—he lived it. He led with conviction and clarity, and his legacy demands that we act to protect the freedom he marched, bled, and fought for.”

Watch Congresswoman Beatty’s full floor speech HERE.

###