"In one Southern State, it is estimated that some 600,000 voters were basically precluded from voting in an election because of new voter ID requirements."
"These were people who had a right to vote, and it troubles me that, amidst all the celebration of the civil rights movement, we are finding a reversal of the most fundamental principle in preserving t..."
"I introduced with Senator Lee from Utah, who may be still here today, a bipartisan measure with 32 cosponsors, in an effort to take a look at the reality that not only does the United States have more..."
"Today's hearing is going to deal with a serious issue. I trust that members of the public here will take them seriously as we all do."
"I have often said this Committee needs to focus on legislation, not lamentation."
"When unarmed African Americans, men and boys, are killed--names like Trayvon Martin, Jordan Davis, Michael Brown, Eric Garner--bring tears to our eyes, there is still more work to do."
"When States around the country draw up laws that make it harder for minority communities to vote, there is still more work to do."
"When our Government still believes it is acceptable, in the name of security, to profile people based on race, national origin or religion, there is still more work to do."
"When protestors take to the streets to shout out 'Hands up. Don't shoot. I can't breathe. Black lives matter.' There is still more work to do."
"Let us get together, all of us interested in those two bills, and make sure it is a priority in our new Congress."
"You have been a champion on issues of vital importance to the civil and human rights community for years."
"What message are we sending by using weapons of war to police American communities?"