Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis (CA-32) made the following remarks on the House floor in favor of reauthorizing key provisions of the Voting Rights Act:

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 9, the Voting Rights Act, as passed by the Judiciary Committee and in strong opposition to these amendments which attack Americans’ right to vote.

“The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy.

“The Voting Rights Act has advanced this right for all Americans.

“Latinos and other minority voters have a greater voice today because of the VRA.

“In 2004 a record 7.5 million Latinos cast a ballot for president, compared to 2 million in 1976.

“We must continue protecting these rights, including section 203, which provides tax – paying U.S. citizens with limited English-proficiency with needed language assistance. 

“Section 203 ensures that all citizens have a right to cast an informed ballot and integrates non-English proficient citizens into our system of democracy.  

“It protects voters from discrimination and ensures a fair and equal voting process for all voters.

“I urge my colleagues to support the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act as passed by the Judiciary Committee and oppose all amendments which are attacks on the very fabric of this nation’s democracy."