Voting-Rights Extension Put on Hold in House
Republicans lead the House to postpone a vote on a bill renewing the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The act has been reauthorized several times, most recently in 1992. The measure, which ended literacy tests and poll taxes that had been used to keep blacks from voting, is due for renewal again in 2007.
The House was scheduled to vote on a 25-year renewal, the product of a bipartisan effort. But a revolt among House Republicans knocked it off the agenda. The breakdown was spurred by criticism of singling out some states for tighter oversight, as well as a provision for bilingual ballots.
Related NPR Stories
Congressmen Look to Extend Voting Rights Act May 3, 2006
Ohio City Investigated for Voting Discrimination March 24, 2006
Study: Voting Rights Violations Still a Problem Feb. 23, 2006
Political Tumoil in DOJ's Civil Rights Division Dec. 9, 2005
Roundtable: Voting Rights Act, Iraq Propaganda Dec. 2, 2005
Comments
Discussions for this story are now closed. Please see the Community FAQ for more information.