[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 29, 2015)]
[House]
[Page H5608]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT OF 1965

  (Ms. SEWELL of Alabama asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in recognition of 
the upcoming 50th anniversary of the signing of the Voting Rights Act 
of 1965.
  Our Nation took an important step forward 50 years ago when, on 
August 6, 1965, President Johnson signed into law this landmark 
legislation. It was a moment that brave men and women, like our 
colleague John Lewis, marched for and were willing to die for as they 
dared to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama.
  Unfortunately, 2 years ago, the Supreme Court struck down section 4, 
and preclearance and Federal protections for vulnerable communities 
went away. When the Supreme Court struck down section 4, it did not say 
that protections were not needed. Rather, it issued a challenge to us 
here in this House to come up with a modern day formula. I see that as 
a challenge for all of us in this great House--to come up with a modern 
day formula to provide protections for vulnerable communities.
  On this 50th anniversary of the landmark Voting Rights Act, let us 
answer this call to action. It is a call worthy of all of our 
attention. On this recess, let us remark about how wonderful it was 
that we all came together on March 7, 1965, in order to do what was 
right. I ask all of you to please consider restoring the Voting Rights 
Act of 1965. It is important for all Americans.

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