    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book II)]
    [July 20, 2006]
    [Pages 1431-1432]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Legislation To Reauthorize the Voting Rights Act
    July 20, 2006

        Last week, the House of Representatives passed legislation to
    reauthorize the Voting Rights Act. This morning, in celebration of the
    heroism of the civil rights movement, I spoke to members of the National
    Association for the Advancement of Colored People at their 97th annual
    convention, here in Washington, DC. At the NAACP convention, I said that
    I looked forward to the Senate promptly passing the House bill without
    amendment. Today the Senate acted and voted to reauthorize this historic
    legislation.
        The Voting Rights Act is one of the most important pieces of
    legislation in our Nation's history. It has been vital to guaranteeing
    the right to vote for generations of Americans and has helped millions
    of our citizens enjoy the full promise of freedom.
        I will be pleased to sign the Voting Rights Act into law, and I will
    continue to work with Congress to ensure that our country lives up to
    our guiding principle that all men and women are created equal.

    Note: The statement referred to H.R. 9.

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