[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 195 (Friday, November 5, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1212]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         PROTECT VOTING RIGHTS

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 5, 2021

  Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, I thank Speaker Pelosi, Leader 
Hoyer, Whip Clyburn, Chairman Nadler, and all my distinguished 
colleagues for their work to ensure the House passed legislation to 
protect voting rights. It is time for the Senate to do the same.
  We have seen an uptick in voter suppression efforts across our nation 
to undercut the representation of communities of color, specifically 
African Americans. With historic levels of voter turnout in recent 
elections, our Republican colleagues have interpreted this increased 
participation in civic life as a threat and campaigned to 
disenfranchise Black voters under the guise of protecting against 
``voter fraud.''
  Sadly, voter suppression efforts are not new to African American 
communities. I remember growing up in El Paso, Texas when the poll tax 
was still being collected. We have endured decades of abuse by 
political parties and election officials seeking to deny us our 
constitutional right to vote. Therefore, it is urgent that the Senate 
pass The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. This critical 
legislation would restore Section 5 and Section 2 of the Voting Rights 
Act, which prohibits racially discriminatory changes to the voting 
process and restrictions to the right to vote.
  Lastly, I'd just like to say that the world is watching us. As Chair 
of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations 
and having served as an election observer in other countries, I know 
the importance of a free and fair election and how it strengthens a 
democracy. Across the country we are witnessing a coordinated assault 
on the integrity of our electoral process. We need to live up to our 
own ideals to stand as an example for other countries to follow.
  The Senate must pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. It 
will strengthen our democracy and give us the tools to fight voter 
suppression.

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