David Price: “the Voting Rights Act reauthorization appropriately carries the names of civil rights pioneers Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa…”

“the Voting Rights Act reauthorization appropriately carries the names of civil rights pioneers Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, and Coretta Scott King. Along with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act was the major legislative expression of that great movement that inspired and challenged so many of us, whites and blacks alike, and that brought the liberty and justice that our Nation professes closer to realization. Now, many Republicans say the Voting Rights Act is too burdensome or that pre-clearance is no longer needed. But listen to the testimony of North Carolina election officials. ``I would hate to operate without it,'' says one. ``Pre-clearance requirements are routine, and do not occupy exorbitant amounts of time, energy or resources,'' adds another. ``The history of X County causes our operations to be scrutinized and rightfully so,'' says a third official. And a fourth adds, ``The Voting Rights Act allows us an opportunity to assure the public that minority rights are being protected and that someone is independently validating those decisions.'' Mr. Speaker, the Voting Rights Act works, and we must pass it at full strength. ____________________”