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Sen. Cornyn Statement On New Law Honoring Texas Civil Rights Pioneers
President Bush signs Cornyn-backed bill to rename Voting Rights Act to honor two Texans - Congresswoman Barbara Jordan and Dr. Hector P. Garcia
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
DALLAS—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, today issued the following statement after President Bush signed legislation into law that adds the names of former Texas Congresswoman Barbara Jordan and Dr. Hector P. Garcia, among others, to the title of the Voting Rights Act Reauthorization of 2006. Sen. Cornyn was instrumental in adding both Texans' names to the tribute legislation.
“This is welcome news for the families, friends, and admirers of Congresswoman Barbara Jordan and Dr. Hector P. Garcia and a fitting tribute to two Texans who dedicated their careers to fighting for justice in Texas and across the country.
“Congresswoman Jordan worked passionately to put an end to discrimination during her three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. One of her greatest achievements was strengthening the Voting Rights Act to include Hispanics in the Southwest.
“Dr. Garcia made historic strides in the fight to ensure veterans received equal benefits and care regardless of their race or ethnicity. He founded the American GI Forum in 1948 to push for equal treatment. In military service, in medicine, and in the civil rights movement, Dr. Garcia answered the call of duty at every opportunity and made a positive difference in the lives of millions of Americans.”
The new law changes the title of the recently reauthorized Voting Rights Act to: The Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, Coretta Scott King, Cesar Chavez, Barbara Jordan, William C. Velasquez, and Dr. Hector P. Garcia Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006. Sen. Cornyn worked to amend the Senate bill to include Barbara Jordan and Hector P. Garcia in the title.
Sen. Cornyn serves on the Armed Services, Judiciary and Budget Committees. In addition, he is Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Ethics. He serves as the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee’s Immigration, Border Security and Refugees subcommittee and the Armed Services Committee’s Airland subcommittee. He served previously as Texas Attorney General, Texas Supreme Court Justice, and Bexar County District Judge.
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