[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 107 (Friday, June 29, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1457]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   DECEPTIVE PRACTICES AND VOTER INTIMIDATION PREVENTION ACT OF 2007

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                               speech of

                          HON. ROBERT A. BRADY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 25, 2007

  Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 
1281, the Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 
2007. As Chairman of the Committee on House Administration, the 
committee that has original jurisdiction on matters that relate to 
Federal elections, I encourage this measure to prevent voter 
suppression.
  Over the past 100 years, this body has passed legislation regarding 
the very sacred franchise, the right to vote, that has significantly 
increased participation of all Americans across the Nation. No longer 
is the right to vote only made available for white, male land owners. 
Women, African-Americans, young people and others have been guaranteed 
their right to vote through the Constitution and various landmark 
legislation.
  Therefore, any attempt to prevent an eligible American from 
exercising this fundamental right should be met with swift protective 
action. During the last election cycle, just north of this House in 
Maryland, fliers were distributed in African-American communities which 
falsely stated that candidates had been endorsed by their opponent's 
party and by prominent African-American leaders. Distributing this type 
of misleading information and intimidating voters through nefarious 
tactics are direct threats to our democracy that must not be tolerated.
  Attempts to knowingly communicate false election-related information, 
with the intent to prevent Americans from exercising their right to 
vote, will be met with fines and/or imprisonment. The House and the 
nation should remain committed to ensuring that all eligible Americans 
have a guarantee that they will be able to exercise their right to vote 
free from intimidation and false pretenses.
  I stand in full support of H.R. 1281, the Deceptive Practices and 
Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2007




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