Providing for Consideration of Senate Amendments to H.R. 22, Hire More Heroes Act of 2015; Providing for Proceedings During the Period From November 6, 2015, Through November 13, 2015; And Providing for Consideration of Motions to Suspend the Rules

Floor Speech

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Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Speaker, August 6 marked the 50th anniversary of the passage of the bipartisan Voting Rights Act of 1965, historic legislation that prevented State and local governments from denying any citizen the right to vote based on his race, ensuring equal voting rights for all.

In 2013, the Supreme Court struck down a major provision of this law, severely limiting the Federal oversight of State voting laws. My home State of North Carolina passed the most egregious voting law in the Nation immediately after that decision, which slashed early voting, implemented strict voter I.D. requirements, and ended pre voter registration programs. Other States across the country followed suit and also implemented election laws that disenfranchised voters.

All voters should be able to make their voices heard and elect leaders of their choice, and I am proud to join my colleagues today in renewing our call to repair America's broken election system.

I cosponsored the Voting Rights Advancement Act to help restore Federal oversight to jurisdictions which have a recent history of voter discrimination. This bill updates the coverage formula to ensure that States like North Carolina are required to obtain preclearance for changes to voting practices and procedures. It reaffirms our commitment to voter equality, and it creates additional pathways for voter access. Simply put, this bill protects the right to vote.

I urge my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation because every American deserves to have his voice heard. Every American deserves equal access to the ballot box, and every American deserves the right to vote.

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