Today marked the 48th anniversary of the landmark Voting Rights Act. President Lyndon Johnson signed this historic law on August 6, 1965. This law was enacted only after years of those in the civil rights movement marching and in some cases being beaten or dying for the right to vote. For 48 years, the Voting Rights Act has helped secure the right to vote for millions of Americans. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is one the most important pieces of civil rights legislation in modern times, and is one of the most enduring laws ever passed by Congress. Nothing is more fundamental to what this nation stands for than ensuring that every American citizen has equal access to the polls. Unfortunately, on June 25, the Supreme Court, in its 5-4 decision of Shelby County v Holder, took a step backwards on the Voting Rights Act, by holding that the formula in Section 4 of the Act was unconstitutional and could no longer be used. However, the majority opinion also clearly stated that it was fully within the power of Congress to act to restore the Voting Rights Act, in line with the decision. Ever since 1965, the Voting Rights Act has been an example of bipartisanship and has continually been enacted and renewed by wide majorities in Congress. For example, in its most recent reauthorization in 2006, the Voting Rights Act was renewed for 25 years by a vote of 390-33 in the House and 98-0 in the Senate. We should remember that the recent Supreme Court ruling on Voting Rights left it up to Democrats and Republicans in Congress to work out a bipartisan path to protect voters from discrimination and disenfranchisement. We need a fix that will succeed in ensuring that the Voting Rights Act protects the right to vote for years to come. The need for folks to come together for justice is as important now as it was 50 years ago. Our nation is made better when we march together to overcome the challenges of our times. I urge my colleagues to unite and to take the steps necessary to protect every American’s right to vote. The March continues.
Posted on: Tue, 06 Aug 2013 21:44:15 +0000
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