Chris Dodd: “today the Senate is acting to fill a vacant seat on the Election Assistance Commission EAC with the confirmation of Ms.…”

“today the Senate is acting to fill a vacant seat on the Election Assistance Commission EAC with the confirmation of Ms. Donetta L. Davidson, of Colorado. Ms. Davidson was nominated by President Bush to serve the remainder of the 4-year term of DeForest B. Soaries, Jr, resigned. Her term will expire on December 12, 2007. I want to thank the distinguished Chairman of the Rules Committee, Senator Lott, for facilitating and expediting action on this nomination. By confirming Ms. Davidson at this time, the Senate is ensuring that the Commission will have a full complement of members as it faces action on some of the most important provisions of the Help American Vote Act this fall. Nearly 3 years ago, President Bush signed into law the Help America Vote Act--HAVA. For the first time in our history, this landmark legislation recognizes the need for a Federal partnership in the conduct of Federal elections by the States. While this partnership respects the authority of State and local governments to administer Federal elections, it also provides Federal leadership and support through the establishment of minimum requirements that all States must meet in all Federal elections. One of the primary goals of HAVA is to bolster public confidence in our system of Federal elections by addressing the problems and irregularities that arose in the November 2000 general election.…”