[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 149 (Thursday, September 18, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1841]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1841]]
                       VETERAN VOTING SUPPORT ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                     HON. DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 17, 2008

  Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 
6625, the Veteran Voting Support Act. I want to thank my colleague, 
Chairman Brady, for sponsoring this important legislation.
  We have a special duty to make it easier, not harder, for all our 
citizens to participate in this great democracy. I was utterly appalled 
to learn that earlier this year, the Department of Veterans Affairs was 
blocking non-partisan voter registration organizations from its 
facilities.
  Congressional and public outrage forced the VA to revise its policy. 
However, their ``new'' directive still falls short of providing the 
voting assistance our veterans deserve. This is simply unacceptable. 
H.R. 6625 requires the VA to actively offer voter registration and 
assistance opportunities to our veterans.
  Every day our soldiers risk life and limb to protect our liberties 
and defend our freedoms. When they come home, we owe them the most 
sacred of freedoms--the right to vote. We must do everything in our 
power to help them register and participate in this historic election.

                          ____________________