The resolution originated in the office of Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.), who wanted to find a way to pay his respects to Lewis and honor the history of the civil rights movement that reached a fever pitch in the month of March, 47 years ago.
Also consulting with Democratic leadership, Cantor worked with Lewis on developing the language of the resolution, and he worked with Sewell and Roby to bring the measure to the floor, in their capacity as Members representing the region in which the historic events took place.
“Act[s] of leadership, courage and bravery culminated in Congress passing the Voting Rights Act of 1965,” Cantor said this morning. “At that time, there were just six black Members of Congress; now I am proud to serve with 44 black colleagues.
“Their stories are an important part of our nation’s heritage and will serve as a reminder of the determination and sacrifice,” he said.
Lois Lerner, director of exempt organizations for the IRS, arrives for a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on the investigation of the IRS' targeting of political groups. Lerner invoked her Fifth Amendment right to not testify and caused a protest from some committee members when she offered an opening statement and engaged in dialogue with members before invoking the right.
Roll Call has launched a new feature, Hill Navigator, to advise congressional staffers and would-be staffers on how to manage workplace issues on Capitol Hill. Please send us your questions — anything from office etiquette, to handling awkward moments, to what happens when the work life gets too personal. Submissions will be treated anonymously.
