WASHINGTON (AP) — Voting legislation that Democrats and civil rights groups argue is vital for protecting democracy failed in the Senate Wednesday night.
Democrats failed to change Senate rules to bypass the filibuster, which Republicans used earlier in the night.
Democratic Sen. Kyrsten Sinema and Sen. Joe Manchin voted with Republicans to preserve the filibuster.
The vote was expected, but it is still a setback for President Joe Biden and his party.
The president had warned that democracy is at stake if Congress didn't act.
Late Wednesday, the president tweeted that he was "disappointed that the Senate has failed to stand up for our democracy."
"I am disappointed — but I am not deterred," Biden added. "We will continue to advance necessary legislation and push for Senate procedural changes that will protect the fundamental right to vote."