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The Conscience of Congress
Since its establishment in 1971, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) has been committed to using the full Constitutional power, statutory authority, and financial resources of the federal government to ensure that African Americans and other marginalized communities in the United States have the opportunity to achieve the American Dream.
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CBC Chair Fudge's Statement on the Voter Empowerment Act and the 49th Anniversary of the 24th Amendment
Washington, DC,
January 23, 2013
Congressional Black Caucus Chair Marcia L. Fudge released the following statement today on the reintroduction of the Voter Empowerment Act sponsored by Congressman John Lewis, Assistant Democratic Leader James Clyburn, Congressman John Conyers, Democratic
CBC Chair Fudge’s Statement on the Voter Empowerment Act and the 49th Anniversary of the 24th Amendment FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 23, 2013 Congressional Black Caucus Chair Marcia L. Fudge released the following statement today on the reintroduction of the Voter Empowerment Act sponsored by Congressman John Lewis, Assistant Democratic Leader James Clyburn, Congressman John Conyers, Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, and Congressman Robert Brady on the 49th anniversary of the 24th amendment that ended the discriminatory poll tax in federal elections: “I applaud my colleagues within the Congressional Black Caucus and the House Democratic Caucus for reintroducing the Voter Empowerment Act that will further protect the right to vote and offers solutions to improve and increase citizen participation in the democratic process. “Members of the CBC have worked to protect the civil rights of all Americans for more than half a century. In particular, we’ve fought to protect the right to vote. Last year, we faced a battle we thought had already been won when more than 170 pieces of restrictive voter ID legislation was introduced in 41 states. As we commemorate the 49th anniversary of the 24th amendment banning the poll tax, we must remember that this fight is not over. This year, the United States Supreme Court will review Section 5, a key component of the Voting Rights Act that prevents discriminatory practices against minorities in communities around the country. “The Congressional Black Caucus fully supports the Voter Empowerment Act and urges every Member of Congress to do the same. There is no reason or excuse for us not to protect the very foundation on which our democracy stands.” About the Voter Empowerment Act: The Voter Empowerment Act will help ensure equal access to the ballot for every eligible voter, will modernize our voter registration system to help more Americans participate, and takes steps to eliminate deceptive practices and voter fraud that deter voters from casting their ballots. The bill safeguards against barriers to voting for certain groups, including seniors, students, low-income Americans, and members of the Armed Services. The Voter Empowerment Act was reintroduced today with 165 original cosponsors, exactly 49 years after the passage of the 24th Amendment which banned the historically discriminatory practice of the poll tax.
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