Congressman Robert C. "Bobby" Scott | Official U.S. House headshot
Congressman Robert C. "Bobby" Scott | Official U.S. House headshot
WASHINGTON - Representatives Bobby Scott (VA-03), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Marc Veasey (TX-33) and Nikema Williams (GA-05), the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus, issued the following statement after the Supreme Court issued their decision in Allen v. Milligan, striking down Alabama’s racially-gerrymandered congressional map.
“This decision affirms key provisions of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, the Crown Jewel of the Civil Rights Movement that so many of our friends, mentors, and role models paid a high price to see enacted.
“While we may not be counting jellybeans in a jar anymore, modern racial barriers to the ballot box have the same goals and purpose. This decision recognizes that racial discrimination in voting is still a dangerous force in America, and the protections in the Voting Rights Act are as important as ever.
“As we approach the 10th Anniversary of Shelby County v. Holder’s evisceration of the Voting Rights Act’s preclearance formula, the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus is hard at work ensuring Americans of color are treated as full and equal citizens in our democracy, no matter their bank account, native language, age, disability status, or ZIP Code.
“The Court’s decision in Milligan is a victory for Black voters in Alabama, who will now have the opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice. It is a victory for those who view Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act as a critical bulwark against racial discrimination in our elections. But it is not the end. We look forward to this decision forecasting favorable results in several pending voting rights cases. And we look forward to the passage of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to restore the full power of the Voting Rights Act, and getting into some Good Trouble while we are doing it.”
Original source can be found here.
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