Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell issued the following statement in response to H.R 3899, which was introduced in the House of Representatives to amend the Voting Rights of 1965 in response to the Supreme Court’s decision in Shelby County v. Holder:

“While I am encouraged by the bi-partisan effort to find a legislative solution to reinstate the pre-clearance provision of the Voting Rights Act, I cannot support this bill in its current form. I am deeply concerned that the State of Alabama is not protected under the bill’s new coverage formula. Federal oversight has proven to be highly effective in giving Alabama voters the security they deserve throughout every stage of the electoral process.  Although progress has been made, the need for federal oversight still exists in Alabama.  As recent as January 13, 2014, a federal judge in Alabama reinstated federal oversight over the voting practices in the City of Evergreen, Alabama, using Section 3 of the VRA which allows jurisdictions that have intentionally discriminated against minority voters to be “bailed in” to the oversight requirements. 

No right is more fundamental to our democracy than the right to vote.  We must be vigilant in our efforts to find a legislative solution that will address the Supreme Court ruling in the Shelby case. This bill in its current form falls short in providing adequate protections.  I look forward to working with my colleagues to strengthen the VRA Amendment Bill so that it ensures all vulnerable communities, like those in Alabama, are included under the preclearance provision.”

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Contact: Hillary Beard

202.225.2665

Hillary.Beard@mail.house.gov