Steve Buyer: “the three-judge panel is important because not only do we have the nexus of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, but we have that…”

“the three-judge panel is important because not only do we have the nexus of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, but we have that nexus the gentleman from California referred to when we have a State referendum. We have voters acting as one voting block, so there is a nexus. And I compliment the gentleman from California for drafting this legislation. This legislation recognizes the nexus and the needs for the three-judge panel. Whether we want to debate this issue about the forum shopping or not, I think when we have the people's voice, we must respect the people's voice under the law. So often, people like to talk about the fact we have a democracy in America. We do not have a democracy, we have a republic, a nation of laws, not of people, for the preservation of the rights of the minority. I think it is important to have that single judge move from that to the three-judge panel so we do not have this debate about whether they are acting as capricious or arbitrary authorities. I think it is imprudent and it would be an imprudent exercise of Federal power. I urge its passage.”