H1228 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 Administration, the Federal Motor rect fashion for 1,922 career profes- Whereas the courage, discipline, and sac- Carrier Safety Administration, the Na- sionals in transportation of the U.S. rifice of these marchers caused the Nation to tional Highway Traffic Safety Admin- Department of Transportation. respond quickly and positively; istration, and the Research and Inno- Again, I express admiration for Sec- Whereas eight days after Bloody Sunday, President Lyndon B. Johnson called for a vative Technology Administration. retary LaHood for taking the initiative comprehensive and effective voting rights These employees were furloughed to bring this issue forward and to find bill as a necessary response by Congress and through no fault of their own. They be- a funding solution for it as well. the President to the interference and vio- came unwitting victims of an arcane We have got to be able to pass this on lence, in violation of the 14th and 15th practice in the upper Chamber that al- a voice vote and to do good by these Amendments, encountered by African-Amer- lows one Member’s objection, irrespec- 1,922, and we need to set a good exam- ican citizens when attempting to protect and tive of merit, to grind to a halt the ple for the other body as well. exercise the right to vote; work of the American people. I yield back the balance of my time. Whereas a bipartisan Congress approved The SPEAKER pro tempore. The the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and on August As my colleagues will recall, an ob- 6, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed jection by one Senator from Kentucky question is on the motion offered by this landmark legislation into law; led to the lapse of authorization for the the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Whereas the Voting Rights Act of 1965 Highway Trust Fund despite the objec- OBERSTAR) that the House suspend the stands as a tribute to the heroism of count- tions of 21 of his Republican colleagues, rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4786. less people in the United States and serves as a majority of the Republican caucus, The question was taken; and (two- one of the Nation’s most important civil who supported the ultimate extension thirds being in the affirmative) the rights victories, enabling political empower- on a 78–19 vote. rules were suspended and the bill was ment and voter enfranchisement for all peo- This bill does two simple things: It passed. ple in the United States; A motion to reconsider was laid on Whereas the Voting Rights Act of 1965 ef- authorizes those workers who were fur- fectuates the permanent guarantee of the loughed to be compensated at their the table. 15th Amendment that ‘‘the right of citizens normal rate of pay for the 2 days in f of the United States to vote shall not be de- which they were laid off, and it ratifies nied or abridged by the United States or by b 1045 actions taken by DOT during those 2 any State on account of race, color, or pre- days to maintain minimum essential COMMEMORATING THE 45TH ANNI- vious condition of servitude’’; services. The Congressional Budget Of- VERSARY OF BLOODY SUNDAY Whereas the Voting Rights Act of 1965 has fice says this legislation has no new increased voter registration among racial, Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to ethnic, and language minorities, as well as costs associated with it, as the chair- suspend the rules and agree to the con- enhanced the ability of those citizens to par- man indicated, as the funding will current resolution (H. Con. Res. 249) ticipate in the political process and elect come from existing expenses. By tak- commemorating the 45th anniversary representatives of their choice to public of- ing action now, this Congress will pre- of Bloody Sunday and the role that it fice; and vent a 20 percent cut in the next bi- played in ensuring the passage of the Whereas the citizens of the United States weekly paycheck for these dedicated Voting Rights Act of 1965. must not only remember this historic event, public servants. The Clerk read the title of the con- but also commemorate its role in the cre- There is a clear precedent for this ation of a more just society and appreciate current resolution. the ways in which it has inspired other type of restorative action dating back The text of the concurrent resolution movements around the world: Now, there- to the much longer government shut- is as follows: fore, be it down in the late 1995-early 1996 period H. CON. RES. 249 Resolved by the House of Representatives (the during the Clinton administration. Whereas brave people in the United States, Senate concurring), That Congress— During that period, there were two known and unknown, of different races, (1) commemorates the 45th anniversary of funding gaps totaling 26 days which af- ethnicities, and religions, risked their lives Bloody Sunday; fected more than 800,000 Federal work- to stand for political equality and against (2) observes and celebrates the 45th anni- ers. As part of the final appropriations racial discrimination in a quest culminating versary of the enactment of the Voting in the passage of the Voting Rights Act of Rights Act of 1965; bill for FY 1996, the Republican-con- (3) pledges to advance the legacy of the trolled Congress restored compensation 1965; Whereas numerous people in the United Voting Rights Act of 1965 to ensure its con- for those employees. It was the right States paid the ultimate price in pursuit of tinued effectiveness in protecting the voting thing to do then, and it is the right that quest, while demanding that the Nation rights of all people in the United States; and thing to do now. live up to the guarantees enshrined in the (4) encourages all people in the United I thank Chairman OBERSTAR for his 14th and 15th Amendments to the United States to reflect upon the sacrifices of the leadership and for his collaboration States Constitution; Bloody Sunday marchers and acknowledge and generosity on this important legis- Whereas the historic struggle for equal that their sacrifice made possible the pas- lation. I urge my colleagues to vote voting rights led nonviolent civil rights sage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. ‘‘yes.’’ marchers to gather on the Edmund Pettus The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, in Bridge in Selma, Alabama, on March 7, 1965, ant to the rule, the gentleman from a day that would come to be known as Tennessee (Mr. COHEN) and the gen- closing, I wish to express my great ap- ‘‘Bloody Sunday’’, where their bravery was tleman from Texas (Mr. POE) each will preciation to Mr. MICA, the senior Re- tested by a brutal response, which in turn publican on our committee and my sent a clarion call to the Nation that the ful- control 20 minutes. partner and good friend and co-partici- fillment of democratic ideals could no longer The Chair recognizes the gentleman pant, in all of the works of our com- be denied; from Tennessee. mittee. Whereas, March 7, 2010, marks the 45th an- GENERAL LEAVE I share with him this tragic fact of niversary of Bloody Sunday, the day on Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- the loss of pay for these 1,922 employ- which some 600 civil rights marchers were imous consent that all Members have 5 ees. He immediately said, We have to demonstrating for African-American voting legislative days to extend their re- rights; fix that. We have got to make it right Whereas Congressman John Lewis and the marks and include extraneous material by them, and he volunteered to cospon- late Hosea Williams led these marchers on the concurrent resolution under sor the legislation, which he has done. across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, consideration. I am delighted he designated the gen- Alabama, where they were attacked with The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there tleman from North Carolina, Mr. billy clubs and tear gas by State and local objection to the request of the gen- Speaker, who a great advocate for our lawmen; tleman from Tennessee? committee, a great participant in all of Whereas during the march on Bloody Sun- There was no objection. our work and who is also a very good, day, Congressman Lewis was beaten uncon- Mr. COHEN. I yield myself such time scious, leaving him with a concussion and as I may consume. fair and decent-minded Member. countless other injuries; Today, we will do something really Whereas footage of the events on Bloody Mr. Speaker, just this past Sunday, good and decent. We can all go home Sunday was broadcast on national television on March 7, we commemorated the 45th and feel we have accomplished some- that night and burned its way into the Na- anniversary of Bloody Sunday, one of thing useful in a very specific and di- tion’s conscience; the most significant moments in the

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:33 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.012 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1229 civil rights movement. It was a day in versary of Bloody Sunday that forced Congress, when too many times we do which I was in Selma, Alabama, with this Nation to live up to its ideals of work on military solutions rather than JOHN LEWIS, one of the heroes of this justice, freedom, and equality in soci- peaceful solutions, and we worry about United States of America, one of the ety, generally, and in the realm of vot- materialism rather than spiritual great saints and heroes of this United ing rights, specifically. goods. We worry too much about people States Congress. Other Congress people The pilgrimage was one of the best who have and not people who don’t were there from both sides of the aisle. experiences I have had. I am from have enough. That is part of Dr. King’s We first went to Brown Chapel in Memphis, Tennessee, where Dr. King dream and part of the legacy that has Selma for a prayer service, where Rev. was slain on April the 3rd. There were not been fulfilled in this country, and C.T. Vivian led us with a wonderful ser- times when Mr. LEWIS and other Mem- this Congress needs to do more. That is mon. It was a civil rights pilgrimage bers came up to me and asked me to go why jobs bills are so important, to give that the Faith and Politics Institute on the pilgrimage. I thought, I was people opportunities, and job training put on. from Memphis. I had spoken at Mason bills that we are working on. The culmination of that, after going Temple. I had been to Mason Temple. I So it was fortunate that we had this to Birmingham, where we went to the had been to the Civil Rights Museum. I opportunity to participate in the pil- 16th Street Church and the Civil Rights had been to the Lorraine Hotel so grimage. This country needs to reflect Institute, and to Montgomery, where many times, and I knew about civil back on what happened 45 years ago, we saw the Rosa Parks Museum and rights history. understand that the promise is not ful- went to Rev. Ralph Abernathy’s church But nobody really knows it until filled, pay homage to those individuals at the First Baptist Church and the they go to the battleground, where this that participated and made this coun- Dexter Avenue Church, the church of country’s future and its promise was try a better country, but know that the Dr. Martin Luther King, as well as the turned around and brought to bear be- dream is not finished, the dream en- Center for Poverty Law headed up by cause of a group of students and min- dures. We need to fulfill that destiny, Morris Dees, culminated in Selma, and isters, both black and white, who came and there are opportunities to do it it was significant. together to march for civil rights and here on this floor with jobs, with tax JOHN LEWIS marched there 45 years to make this country fulfill its destiny policy, and with other issues. earlier. Alabama State troopers and and its promise. I urge my colleagues to support this Alabama police, the government, Mr. LEWIS is a man we are lucky to important resolution. stopped them with horses and sticks serve with, and I am lucky to serve I reserve the balance of my time. and gas and all other means of oppres- with, and I appreciate him getting me Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I sion to stop people who were marching to go, and for what I learned this week- yield myself such time as I may con- simply to have the right to vote and end from being with him on the Ed- sume. participate in this country’s great de- mund Pettus Bridge where the first Mr. Speaker, I support House Concur- mocracy. march ended in violence, and later rent Resolution 249. This resolution Voting is essential, and African started on the long struggle to Mont- commemorates the 45th anniversary of Americans were denied voting. After gomery and to freedom and to voting Bloody Sunday and the role it played the Civil War, they had the right to rights. Six hundred civil rights march- in ensuring the passage of the Voting vote up until about the turn of cen- ers stood strong in solidarity in the Rights Act of 1965. tury. But then Jim Crow laws came march to Montgomery 45 years ago. On Bloody Sunday, March 7, 1965, into place, and the effort to protest Our democracy reflects a government JOHN LEWIS, now Congressman JOHN those, with JOHN LEWIS being a leader, of the people and by the people, a prin- LEWIS and Chairman JOHN LEWIS, and culminated in Selma, where they were ciple that had been articulated by the late Hosea Williams, led a march in beaten. After that and the retreat to Brown President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. Selma, Alabama, to demand racial and Chapel, the government came to the But until Bloody Sunday and Dr. political equality in the United States. King’s participation and the successful They led 600 civil rights marchers aid of JOHN LEWIS and others and saw to it they could march, and Dr. King march and the passage of the Voting east out of Selma, Alabama, toward joined that march and Ralph David Rights Act by Congress, it wouldn’t the State’s capital in Montgomery. Abernathy joined that march. They have happened. They got as far as the Edmund Pettus marched down Highway 80 from Selma It had not been a government of the Bridge six blocks away, where State to Montgomery, culminating just people and by the people. It was a gov- and local lawmen attacked them with across from the capital, going straight ernment of the white people. It was a clubs and tear gas and forced them to the capital. Just around the corner government of the wealthy people, the back into Selma. Congressman LEWIS is the Dexter Avenue Church of Dr. propertied people. In Alabama, there was beaten unconscious, leaving him Martin Luther King. were literacy tests and there were with a concussion and many other inju- Eventually, the Voting Rights Act taxes, and these stopped people from ries. was passed, which Lyndon Johnson, in having the right to vote. There were The events on Bloody Sunday were a speech to this Congress right from intentional impediments to letting televised nationally, and the Nation re- that lectern, said was the most impor- people participate in a democracy that sponded to these actions. As a result, tant legislation that that Congress had you wouldn’t have thought would hap- within eight days, President Lyndon passed and one of the most important pen in a country with our great Con- Johnson called for a comprehensive pieces of legislation ever passed by this stitution. But the words in our Con- voting rights bill to protect African House. stitution were simply words. They Americans and other citizens’ right to It was fought by a lot of people, needed to have purpose and a spirit put vote, which is already guaranteed in fought by a lot of people from the behind them and a fulfillment, and the 15th Amendment. South. But that voting rights act was that didn’t happen until Montgomery Bipartisan majorities in both Houses so important, and it started because a and Alabama. of Congress approved the Voting Rights group of people said, We are not going Besides voting rights, that march led Act of 1965, and President Johnson to stand it anymore. We are going to to other issues. There is economic jus- signed this historic legislation into law stand up for our freedom. We are going tice as well as social justice, and we on August 6, 1965, less than 5 months to march and bring attention to this are working in those areas. Access to after Bloody Sunday. issue and participate in this democracy education, housing, health care, and I totally support this resolution’s ob- and start a change that is going to ful- more have not been available to all. Dr. servance and celebrate the 45th anni- fill America’s purpose and promise. King, in his famous speech in New versary of the Bloody Sunday march- That started in Selma. It started with York at the Riverside Church, talked ers, whose sacrifices made it possible JOHN LEWIS, and it culminated with about not only racism, but militarism for the Voting Rights Act to come into that great march. and materialism. being. I urge my colleagues to join in So it is important that this Congress There are still problems in this world supporting this resolution. take time to recognize the 45th anni- today and problems that affect this I reserve balance of my time.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 02:33 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.015 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE H1230 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2010 Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 en, subjected to hate, spit upon, sub- tion 249 to commemorate the 45th anni- minute to the majority leader, the gen- jected to prejudice and division and versary of Bloody Sunday and the role tleman from Maryland (Mr. HOYER), segregation and rejection. But still, that it played in ensuring the passage who joined us on this civil rights pil- Christ-like, JOHN LEWIS, following of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. grimage. I was so proud to be with him. Gandhi’s example, turned the other Today, we remember a momentous He is one of the most constant cheek and said, I seek justice, and I occasion in our history. On March 7, attendees, and it reflects on his char- will continue to seek justice for myself 1965, 600 marchers, led by my esteemed acter that he goes and participates. and for others, no matter the opposi- colleague from Georgia, Congressman Mr. HOYER. I thank my friend for tion. JOHN LEWIS, were savagely attacked by yielding, and I thank the ranking Re- b 1100 State and local police as they at- publican for his comments. I thank Mr. tempted to cross the Edmund Pettus COHEN for his leadership on this issue. I will not do so violently. I will not Bridge into Selma, Alabama. These ‘‘We hold these truths to be self-evi- do so by assaulting those who assault brave marchers used the power of non- dent, that all men are created equal, me. But I will appeal to the conscience violence to demand that most basic of that they are endowed by their Creator of the Nation. I will appeal to the democratic rights of a citizen: the promise in our declaration, in our Con- with certain unalienable Rights, that right to vote. In return, the marchers stitution, and in the principles for among these are Life, Liberty and the were met with billy clubs and tear gas. which this Nation stands. And it was a pursuit of Happiness.’’ But the marchers confronted terror powerful appeal. So spoke our Founding Fathers. Our with courage. Their dignity in the face Founding Fathers spoke, however, This weekend, I and others—Mr. CAO was with us—were privileged to walk of brutality moved this House to pass without a clear understanding of the the Voting Rights Act, which re- impact of their words. Even as great as with that giant of a man, JOHN LEWIS, across that bridge. It is a bridge across affirmed this Nation’s commitment our Founding Fathers were, they did that every citizen has the right to par- not live out the promise of those words a river, but it is also a bridge to broth- erhood; a bridge to a realization of ticipate fully in the political life of the in this land. Some were slave owners. Nation. Clearly, the contradiction between our America’s promise; a bridge to a better America; a bridge to a better country; This past weekend, my family and I words and the actions of our day-to- traveled to Selma to honor the 45th an- a bridge, as my friend and brother JOHN day lives were a contradiction from our niversary of Bloody Sunday. Kate, my LEWIS would say, to the beloved com- stated values to our practices. wife, our two daughters, Betsy and So- Martin Luther King, Jr., called munity; a bridge, then, over troubled phia, and I marched from Brown Chapel America’s attention to that paradox, waters, who have to some degree been to the top of Edmund Pettus Bridge. to that contradiction, to that schizo- stilled, but not silenced. Along the way, not only did we learn of phrenic life that we had led. Martin There is still prejudice in this land. the significance of the march, but also Luther King, Jr., had a lieutenant who There is still division in this land. was a giant of a leader in his own right, There is still not the reconciliation the love and admiration that the peo- and we are honored to serve with him; that America still strives for. And that ple still have for the historical march- in my view, the most historic figure is why I return almost every year with ers. Among those was JOHN LEWIS. I that serves among the 535 of us who my friend JOHN LEWIS to walk over commented then and firmly believe have been given the privilege to rep- that bridge, to remind myself—and I today that I owe so much of my per- resent our people and defend the Con- have taken my granddaughter to re- sonal and political success to the stitution and protect and preserve our mind her as well—that although the struggles of the African American com- democracy. JOHN LEWIS is a giant mission of Martin Luther King, Jr., munity. Because of their perseverance among us; a quiet, self-effacing, hum- was extraordinarily successful, and the and sacrifice, doors have been opened ble giant, but a giant nonetheless. mission of JOHN LEWIS, which con- permanently to every minority com- Forty-five years ago, civil rights ac- tinues to this day, has been successful, munity in America. tivists attempted to march from Selma it is not over. The mission and the Mr. Speaker, it was an honor to have to Montgomery to demand that their commitment must continue. That is been a part of this momentous com- Governor honor their right to vote and what we must remember on this anni- memoration, to work with dedicated their God-given equality. Remember versary of March 7, 1965, when a group public servants like my good friend Jefferson’s words, that our rights are of our fellow citizens peacefully walked from Georgia, and I ask my colleagues not given by the majority. They are to register to vote. Is there any more to support this important resolution. not given by Congress. They are not sacred right in a democracy than Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield even given by the Constitution. They that—the ability to express your opin- such time as he may consume to the are given to us by a power higher than ion, unbowed by government or un- gentleman who responded to Martin us. That is the glory of America, that bowed or dissuaded by threats? That Luther King when he first met him as every individual is an important being, was JOHN LEWIS’s mission then. He was a young man in Alabama, the gen- endowed by their Creator with certain so successful. But the mission is not tleman from Georgia (Mr. LEWIS). unalienable rights. over. And as we vote on this resolution, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. I want to The world knows what happened to we ought to all commit ourselves to thank my friend and colleague, the those marchers; how they were stopped walking with the wind of justice, of gentleman from Memphis, Tennessee, by State troopers at the Edmund which JOHN LEWIS spoke, of which he Mr. COHEN, for yielding. Pettus Bridge in Selma, how they were has written. But, much more impor- Mr. Speaker, 45 years ago, on March savagely beaten with nightsticks, and tantly, the life that he has led teaches 7, 1965, Hosea Williams and I led 600 how this 23-year-old giant, whose name us the power of conscience, the power peaceful, nonviolent protestors at- was then not known, this young man of peacefully standing up for the rights tempting to march from Selma, Ala- from Troy, Alabama, JOHN LEWIS, who of which Jefferson spoke: the bama, to the State capitol in Mont- was helping to lead the march from the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and gomery to dramatize to the world that front with Hosea Williams, was beaten the pursuit of happiness. people of color wanted to register to to the ground and took life-threatening God has blessed America through the vote. We left Brown Chapel AME injuries. life of JOHN LEWIS and so many others Church that afternoon on a sacred mis- Today, as a Member of Congress, whose courage and convictions have sion, prepared to defy the dictates of JOHN LEWIS still bears those scars, but made us better. Support this resolu- man to demonstrate the truth of a he does not bear resentment. What a tion. But, more than that, live out its higher law. Ordinary citizens with ex- lesson for all of us who suffer the promise for all of our citizens. traordinary vision walked shoulder-to- verbal slings and arrows almost daily Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I shoulder, two-by-two, in a silent, in this public profession which we pur- yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from peaceful protest against injustice in sue. Louisiana (Mr. CAO). the American South. But JOHN LEWIS took more than rhe- Mr. CAO. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise We were met on the Edmund Pettus torical slings and arrows. He was beat- in support of House Concurrent Resolu- Bridge crossing the Alabama River by

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:40 Mar 11, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.016 H10MRPT1 smartinez on DSKB9S0YB1PROD with HOUSE March 10, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1231 a sea of blue—Alabama State troopers. mingham. We ended our time together curred, those noble 600 that walked Some were mounted on horseback, but in Selma by crossing one more time on through the streets of Alabama, and all of them were armed with guns, tear the Edmund Pettus Bridge, crossing thus, the Civil Rights Act, as we have gas, billy clubs, and beyond them were that bridge. today. deputized citizens who were waving I know at times here in this body we So I yield back the balance of my any weapons they could find on that talk, we debate, maybe sometimes in time, totally supporting this resolu- day. Some even had bullwhips. not such a nonviolent way, but on this tion. Then we heard, ‘‘I am Major John bridge we didn’t see ourselves as Demo- Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, in closing, Cloud. This is an unlawful march. You crats or as Republicans or adversaries. I want to thank each of the speakers, cannot continue. You have 3 minutes We saw ourselves as Americans on a particularly Mr. LEWIS, whom we are to go home or return to your church.’’ journey to discover not just our his- privileged to serve with and I was priv- We were preparing to kneel and pray tory but to help create a more perfect ileged to go to Montgomery with; and when the Major said, ‘‘Troopers ad- union to help move us closer to a truly Leader HOYER, who made such eloquent vance.’’ And these troopers came to- beloved community, truly closer to a remarks; and the other gentlemen and ward us, beating us, spraying tear gas, multiracial democracy. We all come ladies who were on the trip, Mr. BAR- chasing us. I was hit on the head by a away from this journey with a deeper ROW, Dr. MCDERMOTT, Mr. FILNER, Ms. State trooper with a nightstick and I appreciation of our democracy and the KIRKPATRICK, and others. fell unconscious on the bridge. On that power of people to make a difference in I want to remind, Mr. Speaker, this day, Mr. Speaker, I thought I was our society. House that this is an important event going to die. I thought I saw death. The Mr. Speaker, with this resolution we to remember. And there are people that most brutal confrontation of the mod- honor the sacrifice and courage of go to Montgomery and go to Selma and ern-day civil rights movement became those brave and courageous souls who go to Birmingham to reflect on their known as Bloody Sunday. It produced a used the power of peace, the power of history. And in Brown’s Chapel, there sense of righteous indignation in this love, the power of nonviolence to re- was a full church in Selma on Sunday, country and around the world that led deem the soul of our democracy; to re- including Ms. Ruby Wharton, a distin- this Congress to pass the Voting Rights mind ourselves that freedom is really guished attorney in my city and the Act of 1965. not free; and that we must continue to mayor’s wife of my city, AC Wharton. Eight days after Bloody Sunday, struggle every day. She goes every year. Also there was President Lyndon Johnson addressed a On this 45th anniversary of Bloody John Nixon, district court judge in joint session of the Congress and made Sunday, we must use this occasion to Middle Tennessee and then a Sixth Cir- what I believe is the greatest and most renew our pledge to protect the right cuit Court judge. He goes every year meaningful statement of speech any to vote for every American citizen. We because he was with the Civil Rights President has ever made on the impor- have come a distance. We’ve made a lot Division in 1965 when the march that tance of voting rights in America. He of progress. But there’s still a distance succeeded with Dr. King took place. began by saying, ‘‘I speak tonight for to travel. There are people that go back every the dignity of man and for the destiny year to renew their thoughts and their b 1115 of democracy.’’ President Johnson experiences because we shall overcome went on to say, ‘‘At times, history and Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I someday, and I submit that day hasn’t fate meet at a single time, in a single yield myself such time as I may con- occurred yet, Mr. Speaker. place, to shape a turning point in sume. The 110th Congress passed a resolu- man’s unending search for freedom. So I think it’s well said, as our majority tion apologizing for slavery and Jim it was at Lexington and Concord. So it leader pointed out, that in the Declara- Crow. And in that resolution, passed by was a century ago at Appomattox. So tion of Independence, the basis for who voice vote by everybody up here, we it was last week in Selma, Alabama.’’ we are, states ‘‘that all men are cre- said that we’re going to rectify the lin- In this speech, President Johnson ated equal, that they are endowed by gering effects of slavery and Jim Crow. condemned the violence in Selma, and their Creator with certain inalienable And lingering effects include seeing called on the Congress to enact the Rights.’’ In other words, we get our that life, liberty and the pursuit of Voting Rights Act. He closed his rights from the Almighty. We don’t get happiness are truly part of the Amer- speech by echoing the words of the our rights from government or from ican Dream. And you can’t have life civil rights movement, and he said over others or from the king. We get our without health care, and many of the and over again, ‘‘And we shall over- rights because we get them from the people without health care don’t have come. And we shall overcome.’’ I was Almighty. And as it states in the Dec- it because they’ve been denied the op- sitting next to Martin Luther King, laration of Independence, that govern- portunities to participate in the eco- Jr., in the home of a local family in ments are instituted to secure those nomic dream of America, to have jobs Selma, watching President Johnson on rights. And first it was the 15th that give them insurance and to afford television as he said, ‘‘And we shall Amendment, and yet there needed to that opportunity. That’s part of what overcome.’’ And tears came down Dr. be more legislation. Because of the Bloody Sunday was about. King’s face. He started crying. And we events that occurred on Bloody Sun- To pass this resolution is so impor- all cried a little to hear the President day, ironically a President from the tant, but to pass it and not to carry say, ‘‘And we shall overcome.’’ And Dr. South signed the Civil Rights Act of out what will happen someday and King said, John, we will make it from 1965, President Lyndon Baines Johnson overcoming the obstacles that have Selma to Montgomery, and the Voting from Texas. This was a bipartisan piece been placed before so many because of Rights Act will be passed. Congress did of legislation in that in this House of the horrific institution of slavery and pass the Voting Rights Act, and on Au- Representatives, the majority of the those laws that were subsequent to it gust 6, 1965, it was signed into law by Democrats, 217, and the majority of the throughout this country of Jim Crow the President. Republicans, 111, voted for this legisla- that denied people’s rights is wrong. So Mr. Speaker, this past weekend we tion with about 20 percent or less in we must commit ourselves to someday, have heard from the majority leader both parties voting against it. Bipar- and that day is now—the fierce ur- and my colleagues, Mr. COHEN and Mr. tisan legislation passed with a vast ma- gency of now that Dr. King talked to us CAO, that we went back to Selma, jority of both the Republicans and the about—and fulfill that life, which in- along with MIKE PENCE and Senator Democrats, a sign that bipartisanship cludes health care, and liberty and the BROWNBACK and several others with the on important pieces of legislation is pursuit of happiness, which gives peo- Faith and Politics Institute on the necessary, and it is effective. ple a job and an opportunity to partici- journey. During this journey, we So I totally support this resolution. I pate. So I would ask all of the Members brought our fellow Members of Con- commend those folks 45 years ago when to vote ‘‘aye,’’ to pass this resolution gress on this unbelievable trip of the you and I, Mr. Speaker, were just in— today and move passage. historic Civil Rights Act, not just in I guess you’d be in elementary school. Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Selma, but Montgomery and Bir- I was in junior high. And this event oc- Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of

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The Clerk read the title of the resolu- minded of the pain and hardships that the Afri- Mr. Speaker, in the century following recon- tion. can-American community faced prior to the struction, African Americans faced tremendous The text of the resolution is as fol- enactment of the Voting Rights Act. The use obstacles to voting. Despite the Fourteenth lows: of intimidation, literacy tests, and poll taxes and Fifteenth Amendments to the U.S. Con- H. RES. 1081 throughout the South ensured the disenfran- stitution, which had enfranchised black men Whereas dating, domestic, and sexual vio- chisement of most blacks, and while we have and women, southern voter registration boards lence affect women regardless of age, and a difficult time fathoming these realities today, used poll taxes, literacy tests, and other bu- teens and young women are especially vul- these practices were very common in the pe- reaucratic impediments to deny African Ameri- nerable; riod before this historic legislation became law. cans their legal rights. Southern blacks also Whereas approximately 1 in 3 adolescent It is often regarded that the marches from risked harassment, intimidation, and physical girls in the United States is a victim of phys- ical, emotional, or verbal abuse from a dat- Selma to Montgomery in 1965 were key in violence when they tried to register or vote. As a result, African Americans had little if any po- ing partner, a figure that far exceeds victim- bringing about the Voting Rights Act, and per- ization rates for other types of violence af- haps the first march, which took place on litical power. Sunday, March 7, 1965 was cer- fecting youth; March 7, 1965, or Bloody Sunday, was the tainly a milestone for the United States. I am Whereas nationwide, 1 in 10 high school most important of these. On that day, roughly proud to say we have come a long way from students (9.9 percent) has been hit, slapped, 600 people led by Hosea Williams and JOHN that time. It is an honor to be an African Amer- or physically hurt on purpose by a boyfriend LEWIS were beaten and bombarded with tear ican representative from Georgia and to be a or girlfriend; gas at the Edmund Pettus Bridge on the Ala- legacy of the day on which 600 civil rights Whereas more than 1 in 4 teenagers have been in a relationship where a partner is ver- bama River. From this, two subsequent marchers were demonstrating for African- American voting rights. It is through the work bally abusive; marches took place that culminated with the of leaders like Representative LEWIS and the Whereas 20 percent of teen girls exposed to gathering of roughly 25,000 people on March late Hosea Williams—who was a DeKalb physical dating violence did not attend 25, 1965 on the steps of the Alabama capitol. school on 1 or more occasions during a 30-day County Commissioner, reverend, political ac- A few short months later, on August 6, 1965, period because they felt unsafe either at tivist, and science teacher from Georgia—that the Voting Rights Act was signed into law by school, or on the way to or from school; helped to codify civil rights in both the law and President Lyndon B. Johnson to outlaw dis- Whereas violent relationships in adoles- the heart of America that I am able to have criminatory voting practices. cence can have serious ramifications for vic- Mr. Speaker, I would also like to mention the privilege of representing the great State of tims, including higher risk for substance Georgia in the House of Representatives abuse, eating disorders, risky sexual behav- briefly how privileged I am to work with an ior, suicide, and adult revictimization; American Hero and civil rights leader, Con- today. Mr. Speaker, as the 45th anniversary of Whereas teen girls who are physically and gressman JOHN LEWIS. His dedication to civil Bloody Sunday has come to pass, let us not sexually abused are up to 6 times more likely rights is unfaltering, and I am so fortunate to forget the work of the 600 men and woman to become pregnant, and more than 2 times as likely to report a sexually transmitted consider him a dear friend. who marched across the Edmund Pettus Mr. Speaker, Bloody Sunday and the march disease, than teen girls who are not abused; Bridge in Selma, Alabama, and what they did Whereas nearly 3 in 4 children, ages 11 to 14 on Selma will continue to be infamous sub- for America and the world and let us recog- jects in American history, and it is important (hereinafter referred to as ‘‘tweens’’), say nize the importance of this anniversary. that dating relationships usually begin at for us to reflect on these events with solemn I applaud Congressman LEWIS for his lead- age 14 or younger, and approximately 72 per- hearts. However, we have never been a na- ership in bringing this important legislation to cent of 8th and 9th grade students report tion to forget the future either, and as we con- the floor. Furthermore, I commend him for ‘‘dating’’; tinue to look towards tomorrow, we must not leading those brave marchers across the Ed- Whereas 1 in 5 tweens say their friends are disregard our hope for that which is to come. mund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama to victims of dating violence and nearly 1⁄2 of For this reason, I ask my fellow colleagues to stand up for political equality and fight against tweens who are in relationships know friends who are verbally abused; join me in commemorating the 45th anniver- racial discrimination. This resolution recog- sary of Bloody Sunday so that we can honor Whereas more than 3 times as many nizes the heroism of these freedom fighters tweens (20 percent) as parents of tweens (6 the civil rights leaders of yesterday and en- with respect to the events that occurred on percent) admit that parents know little or courage the generation of tomorrow to con- Bloody Sunday and their commitment to en- nothing about the dating relationships of tinue to work towards a more democratic suring equal voting rights for all Americans. tweens; America. I strongly support H. Con. Res. 249. Whereas teen dating abuse most often Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I Mr. COHEN. I yield back the balance takes place in the home of one of the teens rise today to express my strong support for H. of my time. in the dating relationship; Con. Res. 249 which honors the 45th anniver- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Whereas a majority of parents surveyed be- sary of Bloody Sunday and acknowledges the question is on the motion offered by lieve they have had a conversation with role that it played in ensuring the passage of the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. their teen about what it means to be in a healthy relationship, but the majority of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. I would also COHEN) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent reso- teens surveyed said that they have not had a like to commend Representative LEWIS, the conversation about dating abuse with a par- sponsor of this resolution, for his continued lution, H. Con. Res. 249. ent in the past year; commitment to preserving the importance of The question was taken. Whereas digital abuse and ‘‘sexting’’ are The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the Bloody Sunday and to also acknowledge the becoming new frontiers for teen dating opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being unwavering courage of Congressman JOHN abuse; in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Whereas 1 in 4 teens in a relationship say LEWIS, and all of those men and women who Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, on that I suffered the brutality of Alabama State Police they have been called names, harassed, or demand the yeas and nays. put down by their dating partner through on that Sunday on March 7, 1965. Much blood The yeas and nays were ordered. cellular phones and texting; was shed when all white troopers and sheriff’s The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Whereas 3 in 10 young people have sent or deputies used tear gas, nightsticks and whips ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the received nude pictures of other young people to break up the march. I urge my colleagues Chair’s prior announcement, further on their cellular phones or online, and 61 per- to support this resolution. proceedings on this motion will be cent who have ‘‘sexted’’ report being pres- The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is pertinent postponed. sured to do so at least once; Whereas targets of digital abuse are almost today as it continues to provide much needed f protection for minorities in my District and 3 times as likely to contemplate suicide as SUPPORTING NATIONAL TEEN those who have not encountered such abuse Americans across the country. Because of (8 percent versus 3 percent), and targets of Bloody Sunday and the Voting Rights Act of DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH digital abuse are nearly 3 times more likely 1965, all of my constituents in the Fourth Dis- to have considered dropping out of school; trict of Georgia have the opportunity to exer- Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to Whereas the severity of violence among in- cise their rights under the Fourteenth and Fif- suspend the rules and agree to the reso- timate partners has been shown to be greater

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