[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 134 (Friday, October 11, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1862]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 3295, HELP AMERICA VOTE ACT OF 2002

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 10, 2002

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3295, the Help 
America Vote Act of 2002.
  Chairman Boehlert and Chairman Ehlers of the Science Committee have 
already spoken about the need for voluntary, technology-neutral 
standards that address the accuracy, integrity and security of voting 
products and systems. They have explained and clarified the intent of 
the standards and research and development provisions in H.R. 3295. I 
fully agree with and support their statements.
  In 1975, long before any other federal agency had looked at our 
voting equipment, the National Institute of Standards and Technology 
(NIST) reported on the technical deficiencies of voting systems in use. 
If we had heeded the recommendations of the 1975 report and NIST's 
subsequent 1988 report, we wouldn't be debating this bill today. The 
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) will be an 
objective and technically qualified voice in the development of 
performance-based technical standards and guidelines. In addition, NIST 
will provide needed technical guidance on the research and development 
projects needed to improve our voting systems.
  I would like to thank Chairman Boehlert and Chairman Ehlers for 
working with me in the initial development of the provisions related to 
technical standards and a research and development program. I 
especially want to thank my good friend Steny Hoyer, the Ranking Member 
on the House Administration Committee, and Chairman Ney for their 
strong advocacy in retaining these provision in the final conference 
report. I also want to congratulate them on successfully concluding a 
long and difficult conference.
  In closing, I would like to remind everyone that the basic 
cornerstone of trust that Americans place in our government is their 
belief and faith in the accuracy, integrity, and reliability of our 
voting systems. H.R. 3295 will strengthen the public's confidence in 
our voting systems.
  I would urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 3295.

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