[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 42 (Friday, March 8, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E272]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       FOR THE PEOPLE ACT OF 2019

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 6, 2019

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the state of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 1) to expand 
     Americans' access to the ballot box, reduce the influence of 
     big money in politics, and strengthen ethics rules for public 
     servants, and for other purposes:

  Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chair, I rise today to voice my support for 
H.R. 1--The For The People Act of 2019. This once in a generation 
legislation will increase access to the ballot box, end gerrymandering, 
and limit the influence of big money in politics. This essentially is a 
down payment on a promise to the American public to create tangible 
voting reform, to eliminate discriminatory voting laws, and to make 
critical investments in election infrastructure and technology.
  Voting is an integral part of our democracy, as elections are the 
method in which America chooses its elected officials and what it 
desires from its government. We are currently enduring a time in which 
the right to vote is increasingly under siege. Decision makers across 
the country have worked to suppress voting in communities of color, and 
among poor people, seniors, and people with disabilities using 
targeted, racist voting laws. They have intentionally rigged our system 
of free and fair elections in their favor.
  In my home state of Texas, strict identification laws that largely 
penalize African-American, Hispanic and Native American voters have 
been enacted. Texas even went so far as imposing voter ID requirements 
and restrictions on college students, a prominent voting bloc in local 
and national elections. Closed and changed polling locations, 
inoperable voting machines, and unavailable translators in immigrant-
heavy communities have also contributed to voter confusion.
  Needless to say, we need to counter this culture of voter 
intimidation. Simultaneously, we must also invest in technological 
advancements and repeal discriminatory voting laws. In order to do 
this, we must restore public confidence that everyone's vote and voice 
counts. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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