Steny Hoyer: “I believe this bill is one of the most important bills that we will vote on and pass this year. I am disappointed that…”

“I believe this bill is one of the most important bills that we will vote on and pass this year. I am disappointed that the rule did not allow a substitute to be offered. I asked for that in the Committee on Rules. I urged that that be allowed. Frankly, if the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers), who is the sponsor of a very significant bill that is pending in the House Committee on the Judiciary, had wanted to offer his substitute, I would have been even more adamant. Having said that, I want to see this bill move forward. I regret this rule did not allow a substitute, but I believe it is important that we pass this bill and pass it today. It provides...very substantial resources for States to get us to a point where votes will not only be cast, but will be accurately counted; where votes will be counted, having made sure that every American was able to cast their vote properly; that state-wide registration would make sure that we knew who was registered; that provisional ballots would make sure that, even if we made a mistake in the system, that people would be allowed to vote; where, if the technology allows in 2002, citizens will be told they made a mistake, and if they want to change it, voters have an opportunity to do so. This bill brings some very significant reforms.”