"No one should be at risk of prosecution, conviction and imprisonment for engaging in actions that are not inherently blameworthy unless he or she knew that the act involved was illegal."
"Fortunately, Congress can solve these problems by updating the Voting Rights Act."
"The Voting Rights Act is the crown jewel of our Nation's civil rights laws."
"I and many of my colleagues, most legal commentators were deeply disappointed by the Court's 5-4 decision in Shelby County v. Holder."
"It is therefore my hope that immediately after this hearing and over the recess we can begin the process of informal discussions with each other in order to protect our citizens' voting rights."
"Without question, the Act has been an unqualified success, helping rid our Nation of legal barriers to voting discrimination."
"We must use this opportunity to promptly craft a legislative solution that enables the Justice Department to effectively enforce the rights of minority voters."
"Mr. Chairman? If I could, before we move on here, I just noticed that Congressman John Lewis was in the room"
"This is unsustainable. It is outrageous and must be stopped immediately."
"Over the past decade, the Members of this Committee have vigorously debated the proper balance between our safety and our constitutional right to privacy."
"We never at any point during this debate have approved the type of unchecked sweeping surveillance of United States citizens employed by our Government in the name of fighting the war on terrorism."