Pete Domenici: “it is without hesitation that I support the Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, and Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act…”

“it is without hesitation that I support the Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, and Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006, which ensures that the right of all citizens to vote, including the right to register to vote and cast meaningful votes, is preserved and protected as guaranteed by the Constitution. Reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 may be a foregone conclusion; however, I believe that today's debate and vote are of great consequence because we are protecting each citizen's right to vote and preserving the integrity of our Nation's voting process. Passage of this measure is not merely symbolic; it is an essential reaffirmation that we the people are securing the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity. I firmly believe that the right of citizens of the United States to vote should not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of race. The right to cast a vote is fundamental in our system of government, and the importance of each person's voting rights is reflected by the fact that they are protected by the 14th, 15th, 19th, 24th, and 26th amendments to the Constitution. President Ronald Reagan described the right to vote as the crown jewel of American liberties. Like President Reagan, I also believe that the right to vote is a great privilege worth protecting.…”