Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to this amendment. Voting is central to our democracy. This is not a partisan issue. The United States has a shameful voting participation rate. In a Presidential year, it is about 66 percent. In a non-Presidential election year, less than half of Americans vote. Compare this to 90 percent in Australia, 76 percent in Germany, or over 90 percent in Uruguay. As Members of Congress, we are active participants in an elected democracy. I don't know what my colleagues are afraid of. Shouldn't we be doing everything possible to ensure that all citizens can participate in our elections, regardless of party affiliation? Like it or not, there are obstacles to getting to the polls to vote, and we should be encouraging all parts of the public and private sector to be creative in its solutions if we really want this democracy to work for everyone. A democracy is at its best when everyone is able to participate and exercise their right to vote. Our Federal agencies have a huge role to play here, which this executive order recognizes. Once again, we are trying to roll back our democratic rights and freedoms. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.”