Summary of Bill HR 14
Bill 118 hr 14, also known as the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of protecting and expanding voting rights for all Americans. The bill is named after the late civil rights leader John R. Lewis, who dedicated his life to fighting for equal voting rights for all citizens.
The main purpose of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act is to strengthen and restore key provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which was a landmark piece of legislation that aimed to eliminate discriminatory voting practices that disenfranchised minority voters. The bill seeks to address recent challenges to voting rights, such as voter suppression tactics and restrictive voting laws that disproportionately impact marginalized communities.
Some key provisions of the bill include:
1. Restoring the preclearance requirement: The bill would reinstate the preclearance requirement, which was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2013. This requirement mandated that certain states with a history of discriminatory voting practices obtain federal approval before making changes to their voting laws.
2. Expanding federal oversight: The bill would expand federal oversight of voting practices in states with a history of voter suppression, ensuring that all citizens have equal access to the ballot box.
3. Providing resources for voter education and outreach: The bill would allocate funding for voter education and outreach programs to ensure that all citizens are informed about their voting rights and how to exercise them.
Overall, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2023 aims to protect and strengthen voting rights for all Americans, particularly those in marginalized communities who have historically faced barriers to voting. By restoring key provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and expanding federal oversight of voting practices, the bill seeks to ensure that every citizen has equal access to the fundamental right to vote.