VRA debate starts early
Ganett News Service reports: Debate over the future of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which changed the political fortunes of minorities, already is in full swing, two years before important elements of the act expire.
"The Voting Rights Act created an historic rise in Latino and African-American elected officials all around the nation, but it is not enough,'' said Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz. "It is unfortunate that after 40 years, voter inequities, disparities and obstacles still remain for far too many minority voters."
The act, which marks it 40th anniversary today, will be the subject of congressional hearings this fall. Lawmakers plan to vote next summer on renewing the measure, which expires in 2007.
Congressional debate is all but certain on the Supreme Court's interpretation of some of the act's most important provisions in September, when the Senate Judiciary Committee holds hearings on the nomination of John Roberts to replace retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. -- CITIZEN-TIMES.com: New battle begins over Voting Rights Act before it expires