Bruce F. Vento: “it is ironic that on the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, the Republican Leadership in the House of Representatives is…”

“it is ironic that on the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, the Republican Leadership in the House of Representatives is bringing to the floor a proposal that says if you are African American, if you are Hispanic American, if you are Asian American, the Republican Party does not trust you to vote. The measure before us builds barriers and creates a coercive environment with the election and voting process. In its worse manifestation, H.R. 1428, the ``Voter Suppression Act,'' could return us to the ``good old boys'' days of Jim Crow laws. It is a proposal that has the effect of intimidating minority voters and creating a double standard that makes it more difficult for American citizens, who do not meet these new Republican superimposed criteria, to vote. For the Party of Lincoln, the Party of ``states' rights'' to interject this unprecedented level of big brother, big government is a shame. Minnesota has led the nation in voting participation for the past few decades by providing election day registration and extended absentee ballot procedures. To date, there have been no examples of widespread scandal or voter fraud. At a time that we should be doing more to empower new voters and facilitate the voting process, this measure moves backwards to a process which is a proven failure. Mr. Speaker, none of us condone illegal voting. But this is an issue that has been and should continue to be addressed at the state and local level.”