[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 121 (Monday, September 23, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1635]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  MOTION TO INSTRUCT CONFEREES ON H.R. 3295, HELP AMERICA VOTE ACT OF 
                                  2001

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                               speech of

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 18, 2002

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support Congresswoman 
Waters' motion asking the conferees for H.R. 3295 to complete their 
work and file a conference report by October 1st. In view of the 
confusion we have witnessed this month in Florida's primary elections, 
it is more important than ever that we complete work on this measure 
before the end of this session. I also want to re-affirm my support for 
the motion to instruct offered by Mr. Langevin that was passed by the 
House on July 9th. That motion asked the conferees to agree to the 
Senate provisions relating to the accessibility of voting systems for 
individuals with disabilities.
  It is essential that at least one voting machine in each polling 
place be accessible to people with disabilities. This can be done in a 
manner that provides the same opportunity for access and participation, 
including privacy and independence, as for other voters. The provisions 
referred to in the motion passed on July 9 were endorsed by a coalition 
of more than 20 national organizations representing people with 
disabilities.
  I support the motion asking the conferees to complete their work by 
October 1st, and I also urge the conferees to adopt the language as 
outlined in the motion approved by this body on July 9th.




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