CAPAC Members Reflect on Second Anniversary of Shelby v. Holder

Washington, D.C. – Today marks the second anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Shelby County v. Holder decision, which gutted key voter protections from the Voting Rights Act.  Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements:

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:

“Two years ago, the Supreme Court gutted a key provision of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 in its Shelby County decision.  Since then, multiple states have enacted harmful voter suppression laws that harken back to the days of writing tests and poll taxes. Fifty years after Selma, we must continue to fight against discriminatory laws that prevent people of color, immigrants, seniors, and students from exercising their fundamental right to vote. That is why earlier this week, I proudly joined my colleagues in the House and the Senate as an original co-sponsor of the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2015. This critical legislation will update and expand the VRA and ensure that all Americans have the ability to fully participate in our democracy.”

Senator Mazie K. Hirono (HI):

“Earlier this year, I joined civil rights leaders in Selma, Alabama, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. I was reminded of the perilous history of the fight for voting rights in the United States. Yet today’s anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Shelby County decision, which gutted key enforcement provisions of the Voting Rights Act, reminds us that this is not a fight relegated to the past. In the last Congress I joined my colleagues in legislation aimed at addressing the Shelby decision, and I will continue to fight for legislation that ensures the right of every American to cast their ballot.”

Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17), CAPAC Chair Emeritus:

“No American should be denied his or her right to vote, especially based on skin color. Two years ago, the Supreme Court set us back in our fight for equal rights and it is important to call attention to this decision. It threw 50 years of progress out the window, and we must restore the full scope of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which is why I was proud to sponsor the Voting Rights Amendment Act last year. It would update the original VRA, putting us on a path to remove barriers to people’s right to vote.”

Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41), CAPAC Whip:

“Two years ago, the Supreme Court struck down several key sections of the Voting Rights Act. In doing so, they effectively made it easier for states to disenfranchise certain communities. Their ruling was misguided and wrong, and I’m pleased to see that several of my colleagues are introducing legislation that would set new standards and aim to prevent voter suppression.”

Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), CAPAC Civil Rights Task Force Chair:

“The Supreme Court’s 2013 ruling in Shelby County v. Holder was a disappointing setback for voting rights. In response to Shelby, Members of Congress from across the aisle have been tirelessly working together to find a bipartisan solution to appropriately update the Voting Rights Act. It is unfortunate that our efforts have been stymied so far, but we remain committed to protecting the right to vote for all Americans.”

Congressman Ami Bera (CA-07):

“The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy, and the Voting Rights Act is our nation’s most important civil rights law in preventing voter discrimination. Unfortunately, two years ago, the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Shelby County v. Holder case was a setback for protecting voting rights. That’s why I continue to fight to strengthen the Voting Rights Act and safeguard our democracy by protecting every citizen’s right to vote.”

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13):

“It’s been two years since the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act and stripped communities of color of critical ballot box protections. After Shelby v. Holder, members on both sides of the aisle agreed that Congress had to act to restore the Voting Rights Act. And yet, for two years Congress has failed to live up to its responsibility and protect voters’ constitutional rights. As we gear up for another election cycle, we simply cannot afford to wait any longer. When voters go to the polls next year, they should have absolute certainty that they will not be disenfranchised. Congress must act now to ensure the preservation of America’s most important right – the right to have a voice at the ballot box.”

Congressman Mark Takai (HI-01):

“I had the honor of participating in this year’s Fiftieth Anniversary of the Freedom Marches from Selma to Montgomery. That experience served as a poignant reminder of the need to finish the work started many years ago. The Supreme Court ruling that struck down a major component of the Voting Rights Act, served as a blow to the progress of our nation. I call upon my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to come together to pass the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2015. This crucial legislation will ensure we protect one of the founding beliefs of our country, the belief that every citizen deserves to have their voice heard.”

Congresswoman Susan Davis (CA-53):

“Too many Americans continue to face discrimination and unnecessary hurdles like language barriers when it comes to voting. A people’s government should be a guardian of voting rights. The Voting Rights Act has had and continues to have a meaningful positive impact on the community, and Congressional leadership should allow a vote on the Voter Empowerment Act to increase protections of this sacred right.”

Congresswoman Marcia Fudge (OH-11):

“Two years ago the Supreme Court ruled Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 unconstitutional and today our nation’s most cherished principle is still under attack. The court’s decision led to many states enacting laws that expand limitations on voter participation and suppress the right to vote. The Supreme Court cannot and should not have the last word on Americans’ most fundamental right. Congress must act to remove barriers to the ballot box and protect our citizens’ right to participate in the democratic process. It has been too long. It is time to act.”

Congressman Charles B. Rangel (NY-13):

“The Shelby County v. Holder decision is a devastating setback for voting rights and a major blow to equality in America. The VRA has been one of the most important pieces of legislation ever enacted and this ruling rolls back the progress we have made in areas of our country with a history of racial discrimination. Congress must act immediately to restore the VRA, and ensure all Americans their sacred right to vote.”

Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12):

“The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy. It should be something we constantly work to expand and strengthen. Instead, that fundamental right—a right for which many Americans had to fight—has been under attack by laws passed in the name of debunked and discredited claims of voter fraud. Until 2013, the Voting Rights Act offered one of the strongest tools to prevent these discriminatory laws. The Shelby v. Holder decision dealt a blow to expanded ballot access for all Americans, but Congress’s failure to reauthorize that law is far more disappointing. In a nation whose founding documents begin with ‘We the people of the United States,’ we must ensure that every single American can make their voice heard with as little difficulty as possible. It is past time we reauthorize the VRA.”

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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.