Russ Feingold: “there is no value we can attach to the most basic right of every citizen living in a democracy. The right to vote is…”

“there is no value we can attach to the most basic right of every citizen living in a democracy. The right to vote is much more than dropping a ballot in a box. The right to vote symbolizes freedom, equality, and participation in the government that creates the laws and policies under which we all live. This is why I rise today, in support of Senator Lieberman's D.C. voting rights amendment. Under our representational democracy, every American is entitled to a voting voice in Congress, a voice that seeks to speak for their interests and present their needs, unless you live in the District of Columbia. When the District of Columbia was created as the United States Capital 200 years ago, its residents lost their right to congressional representation. It is time for us to right this wrong. District of Columbia residents serve in the U.S. armed forces, and some of them are currently overseas fighting in our war on terrorism. D.C. residents fought and died in the Vietnam war. They keep our Federal Government and capital city running, day and night. They pay Federal taxes. And yet they have no voice. We fail to give them a say on even basic administrative matters that other states and cities decide for themselves. D.C. residents can fight and die in the name of their country, but they can't implement a local budget without the approval of Congress.”