William L. Clay: “I rise in support of the Help America Vote Act of 2001. I do this with some reservations. However, it is necessary that…”

“I rise in support of the Help America Vote Act of 2001. I do this with some reservations. However, it is necessary that we pass this bill today. I thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney) and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) for their persistence in bringing this bill to the floor. The election of 2000 disenfranchised millions of voters and illustrated the shambles in which we find our current voting system. The right to vote is sacred and guaranteed by the Constitution. This right was made a mockery during the election of 2000. Congress must act to guarantee that every single vote is counted, and that did not happen in 2000. Many citizens have died trying to secure and protect the right to vote in this country. James Chaney, Michael Schwerner, and Andy Goodman died in Philadelphia, Mississippi, in 1964 because of their efforts to protect the right of others to vote. I will not let their deaths be in vain. I hope that other Members of this body share that sensitivity. The bill is not perfect, but it is a compromise and a work in progress. Let us keep the process alive and vote for this bill. Let us send it to the Senate and allow them to work their will on their side.”