Pelosi Statement on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Washington, D.C. - Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, which is observed annually as a national day of service on the third Monday of January in honor of the civil rights leader's birthday on January 15, 1929:

"On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, our nation comes together to celebrate one of our greatest heroes, whose fierce spirit and powerful voice forever altered the course of history. As Americans around the nation honor Dr. King's extraordinary life and legacy today, we continue to draw inspiration from his unshakable faith, unimaginable courage and unwavering vision of justice and peace.

"While our nation has forged important progress on the long road toward justice, a dangerous tide of voter restrictions targeting communities of color reminds us of the urgent work ahead needed to defend our democracy. Last week, the House proudly passed the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act, which is essential to stopping voter suppression and election subversion, ending partisan gerrymandering, empowering the grassroots and curbing the influence of dark money. If Senate Republicans block this legislation this week, they diminish our democracy at home and tarnish our example of freedom abroad. But, they cannot and will not deter Democrats from the righteous fight for voting rights.

"Nearly 60 years ago at the March on Washington, Dr. King declared: 'Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. … Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children.' Let us heed those immortal words by strengthening our democracy and securing the blessings of liberty for every American. Indeed, we must not rest until we finally achieve racial justice, social justice, economic justice and environmental justice for all of our children. And may we always strive to build a future worthy of Dr. King's glorious vision."

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