[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 98 (Monday, July 24, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1501]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




FANNIE LOU HAMER, ROSA PARKS, AND CORETTA SCOTT KING VOTING RIGHTS ACT 
               REAUTHORIZATION AND AMENDMENTS ACT OF 2006

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                               speech of

                           HON. STEVE ISRAEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 13, 2006

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 9) to amend 
     the Voting Rights Act of 1965:

  Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 9, 
the Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks and Coretta Scott King Voting Rights 
Act Reauthorization and Amendments. Since its enactment in August of 
1965, the Voting Rights Act (VRA) has helped bring us closer to 
realizing the true spirit of the 15th Amendment to the Constitution, 
which guarantees all American citizens the quintessential democratic 
right to vote. Today we'll vote to reauthorize expiring provisions of 
the VRA and by doing so send a signal that we will not tolerate 
discrimination at the polls.
  Some of our colleagues will rise today to offer amendments that would 
weaken the VRA. I am opposed to any attempts to dilute the intent and 
spirit of the VRA by weakening Section 5 of the bill. Section 5 ensures 
that the Federal Government will take a closer look at election 
practices in states and localities with a history of discrimination at 
the polls.
  Our Nation has made a great deal of progress since 1965 when the VRA 
was first signed into law by President Johnson. But some municipalities 
continue to make it difficult, intentionally or otherwise, for ethnic 
and racial minority voters to register and vote. The great civil rights 
leaders of the 1960s, including our distinguished colleague Rep. John 
Lewis, worked tirelessly to fight discrimination in all aspects our 
society. They knew then, and we know now, that the right of all 
Americans to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy. We must continue 
their great legacy and pass the bill before us today without amendment.

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