Memorializes congress to amend and reenact Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act
Impact
The proposed amendments would enhance the ability of federal authorities to monitor and approve changes in voting laws, providing a crucial mechanism to protect the voting rights of millions across the country. By restoring greater oversight of jurisdictions previously subject to the Voting Rights Act, this resolution is framed as a necessary step to ensure fair voting practices and prevent potential regressions in civil rights protections. This could prompt significant changes in state laws concerning voter registration, polling practices, and other election-related protocols.
Summary
HCR77 is a Concurrent Resolution that memorializes the United States Congress to amend and reenact Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act. The resolution aims to restore the enforceability of Section 5, which acts as a safeguard against discriminatory election procedures by requiring jurisdictions with a history of racial discrimination to obtain federal approval before making changes to their voting laws. This change follows the Supreme Court's decision in Shelby County v. Holder, which invalidated the original coverage formula of Section 4(b), significantly weakening the protections previously guaranteed under the Voting Rights Act.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HCR77 appears to be supportive among civil rights advocates who view the reestablishment of Section 5 as essential for safeguarding minority voting rights. However, there could be contention from certain political factions who may critique the bill as an overreach or unnecessary federal intervention in state election laws. Thus, while there is a call for strengthened protections, there is also a risk of partisanship in how such measures are received across different legislative bodies.
Contention
Despite the strong advocacy for the restoration of these protections, there are notable points of contention. Some lawmakers may resist changes citing concerns over state sovereignty and the perceived burdens of federal oversight on local election processes. Additionally, the resolution explicitly states that it should not be interpreted as an endorsement of specific legislative proposals from Congress, indicating a nuanced position that seeks to unify support for the Voting Rights Act while maintaining political neutrality with respect to ongoing federal legislation.
Memorializes the U.S. Congress and the Louisiana Congressional delegation to work towards equitable revenue sharing for Louisiana mineral and gas production
Urges Congress to provide for joint session at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in honor of semiquincentennial of Declaration of Independence.
Removal of the Highway Plan and Building Restriction Line from Lot 9 in Square 5914 along the West Side of Congress Street, S.E., S.O. 22-01642, Act of 2024
Urging the Congress of the United States to propose and submit to the states for ratification a federal balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States and, in the event that Congress does not submit such an amendment on or before December 31, 2011, applying to Congress to call a convention for the specific and exclusive purpose of proposing an amendment to that constitution to provide, in the absence of a national emergency and on a two-thirds vote of Congress, for a federal balanced budget and requesting that the legislatures of each of the several states that compose the United States apply to Congress to call a convention to propose such an amendment.
A resolution recognizing the expiration of the Equal Rights Amendment proposed by Congress in March 1972, and observing that Congress has no authority to modify a resolution proposing a constitutional amendment after the amendment has been submitted to the States or after the amendment has expired.