Statement on Supreme Court's Decision on the Voting Rights Act

Statement

Date: June 25, 2013
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Elections

Rep. Jan Schakowsky released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court's decision on the Voting Rights Act:

"I am deeply disappointed that this morning, the Supreme Court struck down an integral part of the Voting Rights Act.

"Over the last several decades, the Voting Rights Act has played an essential role in helping our country become more accountable and more responsive by protecting citizens' right to vote and be represented, which is the foundation of our democracy. Today's decision is a major setback for voting rights, and it will have very real, negative consequences for voters.

"When Congress reauthorized the Voting Rights Act in 2006, it did so with enormous bipartisan support: over 390 members of the House of Representatives voted for its passage, along with 98 members of the Senate. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to come together in a similarly bipartisan fashion to strengthen the Voting Rights Act, and redouble our efforts to make sure that every American citizen has the opportunity to make their voice heard at the polls."


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