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July 3, 2013
Dear Friends,
June was another busy month and saw both victories and losses for the residents of the 5th Congressional District and across the nation! One in seven Americans receives assistance from the SNAP program across the country. I am proud to say that the Farm Bill did not pass and no family, whether in our district or across the country, will face the repercussions of the proposed 20 billion in cuts to vital programs. These devastating cuts would have affected 23,331 households across our district. The failure of this bill is without a doubt a noteworthy accomplishment this month.
The Supreme Court this month released a flurry of rulings. One in particular though is striking in its blatant judicial activism: Shelby V. Holder. For years the Voting Rights Act (VRA) has been the crown jewel of civil rights legislation. It was passed in 1965 after a brave group of Americans attempted to peacefully march across Selma. The brutal beatings of this peaceful protest are images seared into the American consciousness. The VRA was reauthorized three more times and most recently in 2006 after Congress completed over 16,000 pages of testimony and held 21 different hearings over 10 months. The results of this research, which still to this day involved more effort than any other piece of legislation I have seen in my 20 plus years in Congress, worked actively for decades to prevent discrimination as it protected the rights of minorities.
The Supreme Court, through its ruling delivered by Chief Justice Roberts, simply ignored the extensive research and ruled Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act unconstitutional. This important section was the formula that identified states and areas that required extra scrutiny before changing any set voting routine. Without this formula the pre-clearance provision in certain states is rendered moot. My friend and fellow Congressman John Lewis, who marched on Selma and bore the hits of police brutality, said, “The Supreme Court took a dagger to the heart of the Voting Rights Act.” A mere two hours after the ruling, certain states previously supervised under the pre-clearance provision such as Texas and Mississippi put in motion legislation to enact stricter Voter ID laws that will discriminate against minorities. Florida knows the importance of access to voting given its history from the 2000 election and strict voter laws seen in 2012. This is why I will be urging Congress to fix the formula provision so as to ensure all have access to vote. I remember the wise words of Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., “The arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice!” The work is not yet done but WE SHALL OVERCOME!
History was also made in the Senate where an immigration reform bill passed the chamber. I urge the House to take up this issue. It is time to fix this broken system, in a comprehensive and bipartisan manner.
Whenever this job seems tough, I am given hope by students aka our Leaders of Tomorrow! I spoke last week with UF’s Student Government and was filled with hope upon seeing their passion on various issues affecting them. We spoke of the need to keep higher education within the reach of all. Even though Congress failed to act on the student loan deadline, after speaking with the students I am committed now more than ever to ensuring we keep college affordable and I shall continue to fight for them.
On the Fourth of July, America comes together to celebrate the history and democracy that our great nation is founded upon. Independence Day is a time to honor the patriots who fought for, and individuals who continue to protect our freedom. The United States of America is an example to the world of the importance of democracy and freedom for all. This July 4th, I ask you to join me in celebrating our history, diversity, and patriotism.
Sincerely,
Corrine Brown
Member of Congress
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