Political Quotes

“this marks the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and that historic event in Selma, AL, in March of 1965. So this bill, I believe, is a fitting honor that recognizes the courage and determination of the civil rights marches at Selma 50 years ago. The Selma-to-Montgomery march was a pivotal event in the drive to achieve the right to vote for all Americans, a right which was being systematically denied in that area and other places in the country. This action was historic. It dealt a major blow to deliberate discrimination. It produced a positive and lasting change for Americans. Those who stood tall for freedom on that fateful day deserve to be honored with the Congressional Gold Medal. It is a rare thing. We do not give it out often. But this is a very special occasion. I think these courageous individuals are greatly worthy of this high recognition from the Congress. I would note that two Alabama Congresswomen, new, younger Members of the House of Representatives, Martha Roby, a Republican, and Terri Sewell, a Democrat, introduced similar bills in the House of Representatives, which passed unanimously, 420 to 0. The Senate bill today that Senator Booker and I have moved out of the Senate banking committee, which my colleague from Alabama, Senator Shelby, chairs--it moved out of that committee unanimously. It now has been passed through the Senate. It was a very historic day. It marked an alteration in the history of America.…”