[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 195 (Friday, December 6, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H9340]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                              {time}  1330
                              CIVIL RIGHTS

  (Ms. KENDRA S. HORN of Oklahoma asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. KENDRA S. HORN of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, today I rise to mark a 
historic moment for our democracy as the House passed the Voting Rights 
Advancement Act.
  Today, more than 50 years after the original Voting Rights Act was 
passed into law, the right to be heard at the ballot box is under 
threat.
  The VRAA defends our right to vote with provisions that increase 
election oversight, strengthen transparency in voting changes, and 
ensure that the fundamental principle of one person, one vote is 
intact.
  As an Oklahoman, I am truly honored to stand here today to honor the 
history of a city as well as individuals with strong civil rights 
histories.
  Just over 61 years ago in Oklahoma City, Clara Luper led a group of 
13 children at the first sit-in in the Nation at the Katz Drugstore 
that integrated the first lunch counter, to be followed by much more.
  Without Clara and those 13 children and without all of those who came 
before us, we wouldn't be here today recognizing the passage of the 
VRAA.
  We have more work to do, but as we celebrate today's legislation, we 
should give thanks to the foot soldiers and those who came before who 
have laid the foundation and acknowledged the work we have yet to do.

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