[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 19357]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNITION OF THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 28, 2005

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the passage of the 
Voting Rights Act was Congress' greatest accomplishment in America's 
long struggle in the fight against discrimination and oppression.
  This, the 40th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, serves to remind 
us of the need to reauthorize and strengthen many expiring provisions. 
There are many who say there is no longer a need for the Voting Rights 
Act. Unfortunately, this is not the case.
  It is true that we have made remarkable progress since 1965, 
including: outlawing segregationist principles such as literacy tests, 
poll taxes, and the grandfather clause. However, we must not relent. 
There is still much work to be done.
  As we all saw during the 2004 elections, minorities faced the uphill 
battle of misinformation distributed in black communities over how and 
when to vote, purging of voter rolls, and election day lines where 
individuals were waiting eight or more hours to vote.
  I am proud to serve alongside Representative Lewis, whose bravery and 
presence during that historic march across the Pettus Bridge in Selma 
changed this Nation. In this pivotal moment, Congress and President 
Johnson could no longer look away from the oppression and segregation 
America had long ignored.
  There are many young people who may not know of, or did not 
experience this battle towards equality. However, it is imperative we 
recognize and celebrate our great accomplishments as a Nation. We 
cannot develop future policies or laws without knowing or applying the 
lessons we have learned from the past.
  As we move forward, it is my hope that our young people will remain 
diligent; remembering the contributions of those who came before them, 
and finding new inspiration to fight for change.

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