For the People Act of 2021

Floor Speech

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Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia. Madam Speaker, it is our duty to not only do the work of the people, but to ensure that people have a voice in our democracy.

H.R. 1 amplifies the voice of the people, empowers individuals to shape our democracy, and breaks down barriers to voting. It is historymaking by design, as a portion of H.R. 1 was written by my predecessor, Congressman John Lewis. We must honor his legacy and take this necessary step forward because Georgians and all people in this country deserve to retain their right to accessible elections.

Madam Speaker, I have added provisions to this bill that underscore not only the importance of voting, but making it easier for hardworking people to do so. And making it easier, not harder to vote, should always be our main concern.

Madam Speaker, this week, Georgia's legislators moved forward to further restrict Black and Brown communities from voting by enacting new ID laws for absentee ballot applications and limiting the use of ballot drop boxes--old tactics, but the same tricks. We cannot let self-serving politicians stack the deck through voter suppression and discrimination.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the passage of H.R. 1 so that we can make it easier for people to cast their ballots and have their voices be heard.

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