This legislation is obnoxious for three reasons: Number one, it picks on the District of Columbia because we can, because they are defenseless. We wouldn't do this to any State. Number two, it is a direct contradiction of Roe v. Wade…

Policies such as NYPD's stop and frisk policy would seem to have crossed that line.

Some people said, and Congress decided to the contrary, that Section 5 was no longer necessary because nobody discriminated anymore.

I am especially concerned about efforts around the country to rob duly qualified Americans of their right to cast a vote in a free and fair election.

What is most distressing is that some of the same people who undermined and discredited the Civil Rights Division while they were there have now made a career of making false allegations against the division.

How much time do I have remaining? The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman has 2 minutes remaining.

I strongly oppose the Posey amendment because it makes even worse an already deeply problematic provision. Under title I of this bill, a court is required to award attorney's fees and costs to a ``substantially prevailing small business''…

The division is the guardian of our fundamental values--freedom of religion, the right to be treated fairly, the right to cast a vote in a free and fair election.

if there is voter ID, then Romney wins the presidency.

If our civil rights laws mean anything, and I know that not all Members joined the overwhelming bipartisan majority in voting to extend the Voting Rights Act, then it must be that we have an obligation to protect the right to vote.

I think it behooves us that before scurrilous accusations are made or at least at the same time scurrilous accusations are made, we see the article and the context.

My question to you is, I assume that the department would make a commitment that you are not going to offer a proposal to criminalize protected speech.