Congressional Black Caucus Chair Joyce Beatty was arrested in Washington, D.C. on Thursday while leading a protest in support of voting rights. Subsequent statements from Capitol Police indicated that Rep. Beatty was one of nine people arrested for “illegal demonstration activity” during the demonstration.
“I stand in solidarity with the Black women and allies across the country in defense of our constitutional right to vote,” Beatty wrote in a statement posted to her Twitter account.
“We have come too far and fought too hard to see everything systematically dismantled and restricted by those who wish to silence us. Be assured that this is just the beginning. This is Our Power, Our Message.”
Led by Beatty, the “Speak Out: Call to Action Day on Capitol Hill” rally primarily focused on the following two objectives: ending the filibuster and passing the For The People Act. The filibuster is a Senate measure that requires a bill to earn 60 votes, rather than a simple majority of 50 votes, before passing. Recently, Republicans have used this measure to halt progress on the For The People Act, which aims to expand access to the ballot box.
Let the people vote. Fight for justice. pic.twitter.com/JnEUPl9KJW
— Joyce Beatty (@RepBeatty) July 15, 2021
