[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)] [December 12, 2001] [Page 1509] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov][[Page 1509]] Statement on House of Representatives Action on Election Reform Legislation December 12, 2001 I commend the House of Representatives for today's overwhelming passage of the bipartisan ``Help America Vote Act.'' This legislation goes a long way toward adopting reforms advocated by the Ford/Carter Commission on Federal Election Reform and is based on principles I endorsed and recommended to Congress in July. The Ney-Hoyer bill is a good start in achieving these goals--it respects the value of every eligible vote and the primary role of State, county, and local governments in elections. I look forward to working with Congress to enact responsible election reform before the upcoming 2002 elections.