Just Do It

JUST DO IT -- (House of Representatives - July 12, 2006)

(Mr. RUSH asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in the spirit of ``Just Do It.'' Congress must reauthorize the Voting Rights Act this week. No more delays, no more excuses. Just do it. Do it now. I say this with no degree of exaggeration. The Voting Rights Act is the essence of democracy.

Mr. Speaker, many of us, including myself, would not be here on the floor of the House of Representatives if it were not for the original Voting Rights Act of 1965. It is, quite simply, one of the most important laws in the history of our Nation. Accordingly, previous Congresses have consistently reauthorized and renewed the Voting Rights Act in a deliberative, bipartisan manner. We must do the same. Don't empathize. Just reauthorize. Just do it.

Mr. Speaker, as much progress as we made since the 1960s, we still must be vigilant. We still must strive for universal enfranchisement. For all of our successes, too many Americans face barriers to the basic right to vote.

Mr. Speaker, don't apologize. Just reauthorize. Just do it. No more delay. Let's get this work done and get it done today.

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