Defending Voting Rights

Floor Speech

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Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished gentleman from Illinois and the distinguished gentlewoman from Florida for the opportunity to speak.

The late Congressman John Lewis once said: ``Your vote is precious, almost sacred. It is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have to create a more perfect union.'' Few truer words have been spoken.

Over the weekend, I had the privilege of joining President Biden and my colleagues in Alabama to commemorate the 58th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. We traced the steps of incredible brave soldiers. What a blessing to feel their heartbeats in the wind.

I will make my thoughts on this trip concise. We must protect the right to vote. Fair representation is a cornerstone of our democracy. A war was fought to give every American of every race one vote. For voters today, voters tomorrow, and all of those who sacrificed for the sacred right to vote, we must pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to restore the vote for all.

In every fashion, in every avenue, we will continue to battle to protect this sacred right and strengthen the very foundation of our democracy.

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