Congressman Carson Statement Regarding Supreme Court’s Decision on Voting Rights Act

Carson Statement Regarding Supreme Court's Decision on Voting Rights Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman André Carson released today the following statement after the Supreme Court issued its opinion in Shelby County v. Holder, invalidating Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act :

I am deeply disappointed in the Court's decision today, which deals a significant blow to the voting rights progress we've made over the last several decades. But this decision does not imply that voter discrimination issues have been solved. Rather the Court has made clear that it falls on Congress to address the challenges that remain and ensure fair and equal access to the polls for all Americans. I will work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to formulate legislative proposals that address voting rights discrimination. Congress must act to restore protections that can and will pass in this session.

Members of both parties benefit from a fair and equitable election process, and there is no reason that this should run into the type of obstruction that has blocked other issues. This is a discussion about the foundation of our democracy, and Speaker Boehner should immediately bring the necessary reforms to a vote.