Phil Gingrey: “I thank the distinguished vice chairman of Rules for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the rule, and I…”

“I thank the distinguished vice chairman of Rules for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the rule, and I would ask my colleagues to join me in supporting it. I am pleased that our committee allowed the opportunity to consider four very important amendments that will fine tune the underlying legislation, ensuring that it is equally applied to all States and addresses the world as it is in 2006, rather than 1964. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my support for the amendment offered by my colleagues from Georgia, Representatives Norwood and Westmoreland. These amendments would ensure the constitutionality of the underlying bill. And I would also like to encourage everyone to support two very good amendments offered by Representative King of Iowa and Representative Gohmert of Texas. The underlying bill, as drafted now, aims to address voting patterns and the world in 1964. Mr. Speaker, a lot has changed in 40-plus years. Every State has seen changes in population and voter participation, and we should have a law that fits the world of 2006. In 1964, my home State of Georgia not only was behind other States in voter participation, but also employed discriminatory tactics to suppress minority voting rights. And therefore, Georgia was justifiably subject to Voting Rights Act, section 5. However, in 2006, the landscape of voter participation and the number of minority individuals holding elective office is dramatically different. In 1970, Mr.…”