Pelosi Statement on 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

San Francisco – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement marking the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964:

"The Civil Rights Act stands as one of the great legislative achievements in our history: a pillar of fairness, justice and equality, and a monument to countless acts of courage that brought it into being.

"This law was built by the daily heroism, dignity, and defiance of millions of Americans crying out for justice – daring to dream of a day beyond the segregation and the discrimination that cleaved our nation. With the passage of the Civil Rights Act, we made America more American, and stretched towards the full promise and power of our founding ideals.

"All acknowledged that the Civil Rights Act was incomplete without the Voting Rights Act. As we observe this anniversary, we must renew our commitment to reclaim the cornerstone of our democracy and pass a renewed, revised, and strengthened Voting Rights Act. Together, we will continue to advance the cause of civil rights in America, and carry forward the legacy of leadership that has made so much of our nation's progress possible."

# # #