May 12, 2006

Contact: Miguel Gonzalez    (202) 822-7823, 
 

NEA Applauds House Judiciary Committee’s Bipartisan Vote to Renew and Restore the Voting Rights Act

Weaver calls on Congress to follow Committee’s lead

WASHINGTON -- The House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday voted 33-1 to renew and restore the Voting Rights Act.  The bill, the Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, and Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006, could be considered on the House floor as early as next week. 

In a letter to members of Congress last week, NEA expressed its support for the bill, noting that more than 40 years later, the act still safeguards against civil rights abuses.  The bill would renew critical sections of the Voting Rights Act set to expire next year.
 
The following statement can be attributed to Reg Weaver, president of the National Education Association:

“NEA applauds the House Judiciary Committee’s commitment to protect voting rights for all Americans.  The Committee’s bipartisan vote sends a resounding message that the fundamental right to vote is honored by lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.  Issues affecting basic rights--like voting and providing a great public school for every child--should never be subject to partisan battles.  I encourage the House and Senate to follow the Committee’s lead."  

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The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.8 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.