FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AG

THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2006 (202) 514-2007

WWW.USDOJ.GOV 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 still-
unfolding 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