Schumer schedules Senate vote for John Lewis Voting Rights bill

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced Monday that he is going to force a vote this week on the John Lewis Voting Rights Act.

According to The Hill, the bill is expected to fail due to the required 60 votes to overcome the Senate filibuster.

"I will file cloture on the motion to proceed to the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, setting up a vote to take place on Wednesday," said Schumer, referring to the parliamentary term for ending debate.

"If there’s anything that merits debate here in the Senate, it’s protecting the precious right of Americans to participate in our elections," he continued.

Every Democrat except West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin has signed on to the bill as co-sponsor. When asked as to why he hasn't signed on, Manchin said he would first need to consult with his staff.

The bill is an attempt to re-strengthen portions of the 1965 Voting Rights Act which was previously gutted by the Supreme Court in 2013.

Schumer attempted to give an olive branch to his Republican counterparts by saying he would permit them to provide amendments on the floor if they helped him overcome the filibuster. 

"I am prepared to offer a full-fledged debate befitting this great chamber. Republicans will be given the chance to raise their objections, to offer amendments and make changes to the bill," Schumer said. 

"​​I know that both parties have serious disagreements on this important issue, so we want to hear from the other side what they propose. But for that to happen, we need to start a debate first. We need to vote to allow the Senate to work through its process," he continued.