Speech #890054621

Fortunately. those provisions have been modified. The modifications have made the bill less punitive and vindictive. The measure still contains a provision which I submit is highly punitive and vindictive. that is. the provision which appears at the bottom of page 5 of the amendment in the nature of a substitute. reprinted as a star print dated May 17. 1965. beginning with line 20 and ending with line 24 on page 5. as follows: If the Attorney General determines that he has no reason to believe that any such test or deviceThat is. the literacy testhas been used during the 5 years preceding the filing of the action for the purpose of denying or abridging the right to vote on account of race or color. he shall consent to the entry of such judgment. That refers to the entry of a judgment permitting the political subdivision involved in the action for declaratory judgment to manage its own affairs so far as the registration of voters is concerned. My amendment merely strikes out the words "has been used during the 5 years preceding the filing of the action." and inserts in lieu thereof the words "is being used." This means that if a State or political subdivision covered by the triggering device is not presently engaged in violation of the 15th amendment. the Attorney General would have the authority to consent to a judgment exonerating it from the provisions of the bill.