[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 106 (Friday, July 29, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1725]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN RECOGNITION OF THE 1965 VOTING RIGHTS ACT

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                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 29, 2005

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, on this 40th anniversary of the 
landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965, we must pause to recognize the 
importance of this legislation. A century before its passing, the 15th 
Amendment guaranteed the right for Black men to vote. In 1920, women 
were also granted that right. Despite these laws, minority men and 
women were still prevented from voting through discriminatory means 
common to Jim Crow, antebellum South including poll taxes, literacy 
tests, gerrymandering and language discrimination. Through the Voting 
Rights Act, considered one of the foremost pieces of Civil Rights 
legislation, Congress saw the discrimination and realized the critical 
need to protect the minority. We must continue to do so.
  The most basic and fundamental principles of any democracy are equal 
opportunity, equal protection under the law and guarantee of the right 
to participate, to have that right protected and to have that 
participation count.
  Unfortunately in the last two Presidential elections and in an 
increasing number of elections across the country are being marred with 
allegations of manipulation, chicanery, trickery, intimidation and 
outright illegal acts of fraud, thievery, and violence. All of these 
acts and actions have served to undermine confidence in our electoral 
system, disrupt the process of normalcy, and are beginning to shake the 
very foundation of our democracy. We must not waver in our commitment 
to our citizens and continue to ensure that their vote matters.
  The face of America is changing every day. Diversity of race, 
ethnicity, language and other aspects of the American citizen are 
evident in our society. The need to protect the rights of the 
electorate despite these differences is a constant struggle. This 40-
year-old legislation stood the test of time. It is our duty to continue 
to protect the right to vote, one of the most basic rights, for all 
Americans.

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