Max Cleland: “This amendment will change the title of the Equal Protection of Voting Rights Act of 2001 to the ``Martin Luther King…”

“This amendment will change the title of the Equal Protection of Voting Rights Act of 2001 to the ``Martin Luther King, Jr. Equal Protection of Voting Rights Act of 2001.'' I believe that it is appropriate to name this legislation after the man who fought for equal voting rights for all Americans, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a man who had a vast and distinguished record of public service to the American people. As one of the premier champions of basic human rights, Dr. King worked tirelessly to combat segregation, discrimination, and racial injustice. In 1963, Dr. King led the march on Washington, DC, that was followed by his famous address, the ``I Have a Dream'' speech. Through his work and reliance on nonviolent protest, Dr. King was instrumental in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Despite efforts to derail his mission, Dr. King acted on his dream of America and succeeded in making the United States a better place. I believe this is an appropriate time and place to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the foremost leader of the civil rights movement, for his contributions to this Nation in ensuring that all Americans have the right to vote.”