WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), issued the following statement on the decision to pull reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act from today’s legislative calendar:

“As Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I am seriously concerned about the decision to withdraw Voting Rights Act reauthorization from today’s legislative calendar. Universal suffrage is America’s most fundamental and cherished right. The VRA ensures its permanence and integrity. I have been heartened by consistent bipartisan support for the VRA, and am very worried that today’s decision may be used to politicize an issue that should remain inviolate to partisan squabbling. I urge my colleagues to renew this crucial legislation, immediately and completely.”