Deborah Koff Ross: “The rule before us provides for consideration of three landmark pieces of legislation. First and foremost, we are here…”

“The rule before us provides for consideration of three landmark pieces of legislation. First and foremost, we are here to assume our duty to protect our American democracy. Just this year alone, 18 States have enacted 30 voter suppression laws. In response, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act would reinvigorate section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, restore geographic preclearance requirements eliminated in the Shelby decision, and take other steps to block discriminatory voting measures before they are implemented. The history of the fight for voting rights in America is long and painful. But at crucial forks on that difficult path, Members of this body from both parties have set politics aside and done the right thing. We are meeting here today at another pivotal juncture in the struggle for voting rights, and it is up to us to meet the urgency of the moment, live up to our constitutional responsibilities, and pass this critical legislation. Madam Speaker, I also rise in support of our $3.5 trillion Build Back Better budget resolution. By taking real action on climate change, expanding the child tax credit, and supporting universal pre-K and free community college, this budget represents an investment in all of our people, especially our children and grandchildren. For the sake of our constituents and our country, let's approve this vital funding.…”