Congressman Cleaver Marks 51st Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act

KANSAS CITY, MO – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05) today marked the 51^st anniversary of the signing of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) and called on his colleagues in Congress to pass bipartisan legislation to restore the VRA. Three years ago, in Shelby County v. Holder, the Supreme Court invalidated a key component of the VRA that prevented discrimination before it occurred.  Since then, the right to vote has been under coordinated attack around the country.  New restrictions have been put in place in 22 states since 2010, making it harder for millions of Americans to exercise their right to vote.

"Actions speak louder than words," said Congressman Cleaver. "We cannot continue to say we as a body support voting rights, while refusing to restore the Voting Rights Act.  This is why I am proud to have signed a discharge petition to bring to the Floor and force an immediate vote on bipartisan legislation to restore and strengthen the Voting Rights Act.  In the greatest democracy on earth, the path to the ballot box should be clear and unfettered.  We must renew our commitment to protecting the right to vote for all Americans."

In Shelby County v. Holder, which has been called "a dagger in the heart of the Voting Rights Act," Chief Justice Roberts acknowledged the ongoing persistence of voter discrimination and invited Congress to come up with a new coverage formula based on current conditions.  Two bipartisan bills in Congress would do so, but neither has been brought to the Floor for a vote.

"The Voting Rights Act is the most successful piece of civil rights legislation in history," said Congressman Cleaver. "Its serious weakening and the coordinated attack on voting rights around the country are a direct threat to the strength of our democracy.  Congress has an obligation and the responsibility to address this threat through federal legislation to restore and strengthen the Voting Rights Act.  I call for an immediate vote on the bipartisan Voting Rights Advancement Act."

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Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee, the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, and also a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.

For more information, please contact Heather Frierson at 816-842-4545 or Heather.Frierson@mail.house.gov.