NCJW Applauds Passage of Voting Rights Extension

July 13, 2006, Washington, DC -- The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) applauds today's vote by the House of Representatives to reauthorize the Voting Rights Act for another 25 years. NCJW President Phyllis Snyder released the following statement:

"It is heartening to see such a broad bi-partisan majority of the House of Representatives support renewal of the Voting Rights Act. The right to vote and to have one's vote counted are fundamental building blocks of a democratic society. The act's full name -- the "Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, and Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006" -- reminds us of the heroism, not only of these civil rights giants, but of those who continue to fight for the fundamental rights of full citizenship.

"The continued need for this legislation is sadly all too apparent. While literacy tests and poll taxes are now relics of history, inequities and obstacles still impede voting for many minorities, requiring vigilant enforcement of the law. It is especially gratifying that the House overwhelmingly rejected proposed amendments that would have weakened important existing provisions, including protections for language minority groups. NCJW calls on the Senate to quickly move this legislation to the floor, and to ensure that it becomes law by the end of this session of Congress."

NCJW is a volunteer organization, inspired by Jewish values, that works to improve the quality of life for women, children, and families and to ensure individual rights and freedoms for all through its network of 90,000 members, supporters, and volunteers nationwide.

Contact:
Vanessa Schnaidt
212 645 4048 x179; vschnaidt@ncjw.org