Senate Votes to Extend Voting Rights Act

[CatWoman]

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Senate voted 98-0 to renew the landmark 1965 Voting Rights Act for another quarter-century Thursday, with Democrats joined in supporting the once-controversial law by Republicans hoping to improve their party’s election-year standing with minority voters.

The legislation, which now goes to President Bush for his signature, opened voting booths to millions of minorities after its passage at the height of the civil rights movement.

The Senate approved the legislation after Bush told the NAACP earlier in the day that he looked forward to signing it. The House passed the bill last week.

“It’s a lot easier to change a law than to change a human heart,” Bush said. “I understand that many African-Americans distrust my political party.”

http://www.11alive.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=82264

[pepperbear]

1. how magnanimous of them.....

the very idea that it was even in question is reprehensible.

ps: too cynical for silver linings at the moment. maybe later.

:hi:

[alfredo]

2. does it have enough votes in the house to override a veto?

[UrbScotty]

4. Oh yeah - it passed the house by about 400-30 (or thereabout)

290 is 2/3 of the House.

[alfredo]

6. that's good to know.

[nebula]

3. An empty gesture.

How about a vote to ban e-voting machines instead.

[TrogL]

5. Watch Dubya veto it

Now that he's figured out how.

[UrbScotty]

7. He'll probably sign it

35% is low enough for him, I think. Besides, veto a popular bill so close to an election?

Oh wait, he just did.

[meow2u3]

9. Watch for the infamous signing statement

Anyone want to bet Bush will sign the Voting Rights Act with a signing statement/disclaimer which would read "void in Florida, Ohio, and anywhere else that would pose a conflict of interest?"

[nealmhughes]

8. Actually, he said he couldn't wait to sign it...

Is Nelson Rockefeller channeling him now?