Voting Rights Act Extensions Pass House Despite GOP Infighting

By Shailagh Murray

Washington Post Staff Writer

Friday, July 14, 2006; Page A01The House yesterday easily approved an extension of key provisions of the landmark Voting Rights Act, after GOP leaders quelled a rebellion within the party’s Southern ranks that threatened to become a political embarrassment. Before the 390 to 33 vote to extend the measure for a quarter-century, the House defeated four amendments that would have diluted two expiring provisions and possibly derailed final passage before the November congressional elections. With the House hurdle now cleared, Senate Judiciary Chairman Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) said he hoped to bring the extension to the Senate floor before the August recess.

Jim Crow was dealt a blow to his return when the Senate voted to extend the Voting Rights Act oover attempts by members of the GOP to emasculate the Act.