After John Lewis’ tragic passing on Friday July 17, Democrats in the House have been contemplating the best ways in which to honor his life and his work in Congress. Nancy Pelosi has said that the best way to honor his life would be for the Voting Rights Act to be approved by the Senate. Some, including Senator Kamala Harris, believe that the bill should also be renamed the John Lewis Voting Rights Act of 2020 in recognition of Lewis’ life and work fighting for voting rights.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was passed to protect the rights of minority voters in the United States. However, a part of the original act was blocked in 2013 when a 5-4 Supreme Court vote allowed nine states, mostly in the South, to alter election laws without any type of federal approval. This oversight of elections was one of the key sections of the law which was designed to hold states accountable for voter suppression and discrimination in the system.

Learn more about John Lewis and the Voting Rights Act at The Hill.