OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Voting Rights

Floor Speech

Date: Sept. 8, 2016
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights

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Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of all of those individuals who died or were assaulted trying to register to vote and vote. I rise today in support of all of those individuals who are registering to vote and will vote. I also rise to condemn the assault on Americans' fundamental right to vote.

Across the country, including in my home State of Ohio, we are seeing greater restrictions on voting rights following the Shelby County v. Holder decision. It is no secret these laws are designed to make it harder for Americans to vote, specifically, minorities. They are laws like the one passed by the Ohio Legislature taking away ``Golden Week,'' a week-long period allowing individuals, Mr. Speaker, to both register to vote and cast a ballot at the same time.

Well, I say enough is enough. Our democracy is stronger when all Americans, not just a few select, are able to vote. As our chaplain said today, let us work together so freedoms flourish.

Let us not give up, Mr. Speaker. Let us pass H.R. 885, the Voting Rights Amendment Act, to restore the full power of the Voting Rights Act and right the wrongs created.

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