Us Department Of Justice Official Release - 01778-06 Ag 456

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2006 WWW.USDOJ.GOV

AG (202) 514-2007 TDD (202) 514-1888

Attorney General Hails Passage of the Voting Rights Act Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales released the following statement today regarding Congressional passage of the Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, and Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006: "The Department of Justice is proud to have supported the passage of this historic legislation. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a critical chapter in the stillunfolding story of American freedom. As President Johnson said when he signed that bill, the right to vote is the lifeblood of our democracy. The reauthorization of this act is an important and proud American moment, and I know that President Bush looks forward to signing the bill. The Department of Justice stands ready and looks forward to continuing, vigorous enforcement of its protections." The Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, and Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006, passed with the overwhelming, bipartisan support of members of both houses of Congress. President Bush, the Attorney General, and the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division have all publicly stated the Administration's support for this important legislation. Wan J. Kim, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, made the following statement this afternoon: "The Voting Rights Act is one of the most effective pieces of civil rights legislation ever enacted. The Civil Rights Division has been privileged to enforce the Voting Rights Act for the past 41 years. With the legislative reauthorization process now complete, we look forward to continuing this important work." ### 06-456