From the Office of Utah Congressman Jim Matheson

MATHESON NEWS
Second Congressional District

For Further Information
Alyson Heyrend: (801) 455-5593 (cell)
www.house.gov/matheson

July 13, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Matheson: No Weakening of Voting Rights Act

Washington D.C.-Congressman Jim Matheson today voted for HR 9 -  the Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks & Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act Reauthorization. The legislation extends-for 25 years--the landmark Voting Rights Act.   Matheson voted against a series of amendments designed to weaken the protections afforded by the civil-rights era measure.

"The foundation of our democracy relies on the right of every American to vote, and for those votes to be counted.  The Voting Rights Act, originally enacted in 1965, has helped eliminate discriminatory voting practices across our country.  It helped empower citizens from all ethnic backgrounds to have their voices heard in elections.  I am proud to support the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act to extend these protections and to strengthen representation for all Americans, "said Matheson.

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Alyson Heyrend
Communications Director
240 East Morris Ave. #235
South Salt Lake, UT 84115
(801) 486-1236 (phone)
(801) 455-5593 (cell)
(801) 486-1417 (fax)