Biden: We must 'find a way' to pass voting protections, even if that's changing the filibuster


President Biden called for the passage of major voting rights and election reform bills during a highly-anticipated speech in Atlanta on Tuesday, even going so far as to endorse altering Senate rules if it meant new protections would pass.
"Today, we call on Congress to get done what history will judge. Pass the Freedom to Vote Act! Pass it now!" he said, urging lawmakers to do the same with the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. As he pounded the podium, Biden proclaimed, "I'm tired of being quiet!"
"[W]e must find a way to pass these voting rights bills," he continued, "debate them, vote. Let the majority prevail. And if that bare minimum is blocked, we have no option but to change the Senate rules — including getting rid of the filibuster for this."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Biden has before supported a so-called filibuster carveout for the advancement of voting protections, but "Tuesday's remarks were his most extensive on the issue and aimed at not only an audience of voters and disenchanted activists but at lawmakers who will determine the fate of such legislation," writes The Washington Post.
The president also lamented the perils of navigating a 50-50 Senate, which he described as the country having "51 presidents."
"When you got 51 presidents, it gets harder," he said. "Any one can change the outcome." (Ironically, that has been Democrats' exact problem.)
"Today we come to Atlanta, the cradle of civil rights, to make clear what must come after that dreadful day when a dagger was literally held at the throat of American democracy," Biden said, referencing the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. "The right to vote and have that vote count, it is democracy's threshold liberty. Without it, nothing is possible. But with it, anything is possible."
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brigid Kennedy worked at The Week from 2021 to 2023 as a staff writer, junior editor and then story editor, with an interest in U.S. politics, the economy and the music industry.
-
Gavin Newsom mulls California redistricting to counter Texas gerrymandering
TALKING POINTS A controversial plan has become a major flashpoint among Democrats struggling for traction in the Trump era
-
6 perfect gifts for travel lovers
The Week Recommends The best trip is the one that lives on and on
-
How can you get the maximum Social Security retirement benefit?
the explainer These steps can help boost the Social Security amount you receive
-
President diagnosed with 'chronic venous insufficiency'
Speed Read The vein disorder has given Trump swollen ankles and visible bruising on his hands
-
'Bawdy' Trump letter supercharges Epstein scandal
Speed Read The Wall Street Journal published details of Trump's alleged birthday letter to Epstein
-
Fed chair Powell in Trump's firing line
Speed Read The president considers removing Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell
-
Trump trashes supporters over Epstein files
speed read The president lashed out on social media following criticism of his administration's Jeffrey Epstein investigation
-
Judge nixes wiping medical debt from credit checks
Speed Read Medical debt can now be included in credit reports
-
Grijalva wins Democratic special primary for Arizona
Speed Read She will go up against Republican nominee Daniel Butierez to fill the US House seat her father held until his death earlier this year
-
US inflation jumps as Trump tariffs 'bite'
Speed Read Consumer prices are climbing and the inflation rate rose to its highest level in four months
-
SCOTUS greenlights mass DOE firings
Speed Read The Supreme Court will allow the Trump administration to further shrink the Education Department