Texas (WBAP/KLIF) – American Airlines has issued a statement rejecting a newly passed Texas Senate bill that the airline says “would make it more difficult to vote.”
The statement reads that it is “strongly opposed” to Texas Senate Bill 7 and “others like it,” making the Fort Worth-based carrier the latest major corporation to stand up to a push by Republicans nationwide to tighten
voting laws.
in response, Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick said that he is “stunned” the airline would put out the statement just minutes after their government relations representative called his office and admitted that neither he nor the American Airlines CEO had actually read the legislation.
Patrick’s statement reads in part, “We heard these same outcries claiming voter suppression in 2011 when Texas passed the photo voter ID bill. In fact, just the opposite occurred.” Patrick says that voter turnout in Texas has soared between 2012 and 2020.
Patrick also said that “Texans are fed up with corporations that don’t share our values trying to dictate public policy.”
Read Patrick’s full statement:
My response to the @americanair statement on #SB7: #txlege pic.twitter.com/Go5PXoxq20
— Office of the Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick (@LtGovTX) April 2, 2021
Americans’ move comes just days after Atlanta-based Delta Airlines, issued a statement in reaction to Georgia’s controversial new voting law, saying, that is “disappointed’ in the outcome of the Georgia voting legislation.
Meantime, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines issued a general statement in support of access to the ballot, saying “The right to vote is foundational to our democracy and a right coveted by all. We believe every voter should have a fair opportunity to let their voice be heard. this right is essential to our nation’s success.”
Round Rock-based Dell Technologies and Dallas-based AT&T are among other major corporations speaking out.
Republican-led efforts to tighten voting access comes on the heels of the 2020 Presidential Election which garnered unprecedented turnout and increased mail-in ballots amid a pandemic.
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