50th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965

Floor Speech

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Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in recognition of the upcoming 50th anniversary of the signing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Our Nation took an important step forward 50 years ago when, on August 6, 1965, President Johnson signed into law this landmark legislation. It was a moment that brave men and women, like our colleague John Lewis, marched for and were willing to die for as they dared to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama.

Unfortunately, 2 years ago, the Supreme Court struck down section 4, and preclearance and Federal protections for vulnerable communities went away. When the Supreme Court struck down section 4, it did not say that protections were not needed. Rather, it issued a challenge to us here in this House to come up with a modern day formula. I see that as a challenge for all of us in this great House--to come up with a modern day formula to provide protections for vulnerable communities.

On this 50th anniversary of the landmark Voting Rights Act, let us answer this call to action. It is a call worthy of all of our attention. On this recess, let us remark about how wonderful it was that we all came together on March 7, 1965, in order to do what was right. I ask all of you to please consider restoring the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It is important for all Americans.

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