Statement of
Colleen K. Connell, Executive Director
American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois
Re: House of Representatives Passage of the Voting Rights Act
July 13, 2006
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We join all Americans in applauding the United States House of Representatives for passing today - by an overwhelming margin - the Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks and Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006 (H.R. 9). This critical legislation remains necessary to insure that all Americans are able to freely cast their ballots and participate in our democracy. The House advanced the promise of our Constitution today by passing this legislation.

We note with pride that every member of the Illinois delegation voting today opted to support the renewal of the Voting Rights Act. We are pleased that our delegation stood united in rejecting the efforts of a small minority to gut the provisions of this landmark legislation.

We thank all the members of the Illinois delegation for their support.