PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 9, FANNIE LOU HAMER, ROSA PARKS, AND CORETTA SCOTT KING VOTING RIGHTS ACT REAUTHORIZATION AND AMENDMENTS ACT OF 2006 -- (House of Representatives - July 13, 2006)
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Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in strong support of H.R. 9, the Voting Rights Act, as passed by the Judiciary Committee, and in strong opposition to any amendments which would attack Americans' right to vote.
The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy. The Voting Rights Act has advanced the rights of all Americans. Latinos and other minority voters have greater voice today because of the Voting Rights Act.
In 2004, a record number of 7.5 million Latinos cast a ballot for President, compared to 2 million in 1976.
We must continue protecting the rights, including section 203, which provides tax-paying U.S. citizens with limited English proficiency with needed language assistance. Section 203 ensures that all citizens have a right to cast an informed ballot and integrates non-English-proficient citizens into a system of democracy. It protects voters from discrimination and ensures a fair and equal voting process for all voters.
I urge all of my colleagues to support the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act, as passed by the Judiciary Committee, and I oppose any amendments.
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