On the recordFebruary 11, 1998
I am concerned because this rule makes in order H.R. 1428, a bill that I think is probably one of the worst examples of legislation that I think I have seen since I have been here. I say that not as a matter of overstatement, but really just stating a fact. The fact is, number one, the bill is unnecessary. We have current laws regarding voter eligibility. When a voter registers or when a prospective voter registers, he signs at the bottom that he is a U.S. citizen. That system of self-certification has worked for decades. We have a system to create criminal penalties if, in fact, someone is lying. It is called voter fraud. It is punishable today. We do not need a new law. This bill is unnecessary. But second and probably most important, what I think repels me the most is that this bill is vindictive. It is an attempt by the Republicans to intimidate and discourage Hispanic, Asian, and other minority voters.
Source
govinfo.gov
