On the recordMarch 26, 2015
there is an estimated 5.85 million citizens who can't vote as a result of criminal convictions and nearly 4.4 million of those have already been released from prison. One out of every 13 African Americans of voting age have lost their right to vote. This amendment creates a deficit-neutral reserve fund in order to consider voter reenfranchisement initiatives. It is not descriptive as to the type. Senator Paul has introduced legislation on this subject. I have introduced legislation on this subject. I would hope this would be accepted by voice vote. It spells out in the amendment that we would like the U.S. attorney to inform during plea agreements the impact on defendants on their rights to vote, and that we would like to have data concerning the impact on minority populations. I hope we could move forward with this, and I would be willing to accept this on a voice vote. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Wyoming.
