Xavier Becerra: “I consider myself someone who is the fruits of much of the work of people like the gentleman from Georgia [Mr. Lewis]…”

“I consider myself someone who is the fruits of much of the work of people like the gentleman from Georgia [Mr. Lewis], and I think it is only a tribute to the folks like him that we have a chance to come before here, and speak and say how things really are. So to the gentleman from Georgia and those like him who have fought and continue to fight, Mr. Speaker, I say, ``Thank you for giving me the opportunity to stand here today and speak on behalf of voting rights for all Americans.'' Clearly the Voting Rights Act was a landmark piece of legislation for our country and for our history. The Voting Rights Act made it possible for people for the first time to truly participate in America's democracy, and of course now that we see the 30th year of the Voting Rights Act, it is only fitting that we have a chance to discuss its many successes, especially in light of the fact that there are so many obstacles and so many deterrents to its successful implementation that are being placed before us these days.”