WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the House will vote to keep the federal government operating past the end of the fiscal year and raise the federal debt ceiling, but Senate Republicans will surely utilize the Jim Crow filibuster to block the legislation. Without swift Congressional action, the government will default on its loans, sending the economy into a tailspin and triggering a shutdown. 

Stephany Spaulding, Just Democracy Spokesperson and Founder of Truth and Conciliation issued the following statement in response

“By threatening to use the filibuster to block the debt ceiling increase, Senate Republicans are playing politics with our lives. The consequences of default for Black and Brown Americans are dire and we’re tired of these partisan ploys costing our communities. Funding for flood, hurricane and wildfire relief are on the line. Jobs that support our families are on the line. Voting rights, gun violence prevention, and reproductive rights legislation are on the line. 

It’s not surprising that Senator McConnell and his caucus care more about playing political games than serving the American people, especially when they know Black and Brown Americans pay the steepest price. Senate Democrats who claim to care about racial justice have an obligation to choose keeping our government’s lights on over preserving the Jim Crow filibuster.”

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