    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book I)]
    [June 29, 1995]
    [Pages 977-978]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Supreme Court Decision on the Georgia Congressional
    Redistricting Case
    June 29, 1995

        I am disappointed by the Supreme Court decision in the Georgia
    congressional redistricting case. The decision is a setback in the
    struggle to ensure that all Americans participate fully in the electoral
    process, and it threatens to undermine the promise of the Voting Rights
    Act.
        My administration remains firmly committed to full enforcement of
    the Voting Rights Act. We will continue working to ensure that minority
    citizens in racially polarized areas have an effective remedy against
    the unlawful dilution of their votes and against impairment of their
    ability to participate in the electoral process. Congress, on a
    bipartisan basis, passed the Voting Rights Act to fulfill the
    constitutional guarantees of full political rights for all citizens,
    regardless of race. The Justice Department will continue its vigorous
    enforcement of the law.
        We have traveled a long road to fulfill the promise of political
    rights for all citizens. Today is a difficult day on that journey, but
    the road does not end here. While the ruling in the Georgia case is
    unfortunate, I am gratified that the Court's statements and actions make
    clear that race properly may be considered in the drawing of legislative
    districts.
        Despite today's setback, we will not let this decision turn back the
    clock. We will not abandon those citizens who look to the Voting Rights
    Act to protect their constitutional rights.

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