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Pallone Speaks to Long Branch High School Government & Politics Students

March 10, 2015

Discusses 50th Anniversary of Selma Civil Rights Marches and Women’s History Month

LONG BRANCH, NJ – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-6) spoke to students in the AP American Government & Politics class at Long Branch High School about the latest news from Congress and other current events. Congressman Pallone answered questions from students, recounted his recent experience at the commemoration of the Selma to Montgomery civil rights marches in Alabama, and discussed Women’s History Month.

“As a former Long Branch High School student myself, it is always such a pleasure to get to come back to my alma mater and speak with the next generation of students,” said Congressman Pallone. “I’m glad to be here today to talk about extraordinary Americans who have shaped the way we discuss government and politics to this day. On the historic 50th anniversary of the civil rights marches from Selma to Montgomery and during Women’s History Month, we honor exceptional individuals who got involved and, ultimately, changed our society for the better. But there is still much work left to be done. From reauthorizing the Voting Rights Act to ensuring equal pay for equal work for all Americans, we must continuing working to build on the legacy of those that came before us.”

This past weekend, Congressman Pallone joined fellow lawmakers, civil rights leaders, and community activists in Alabama to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery civil rights marches. The marches helped spark the civil rights movement in the United States and, ultimately, led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) of 1965.

Pallone explained the ongoing debate in Congress regarding the reauthorization of the VRA to the government and politics students. Originally signed in 1965, the VRA banned discriminatory voting practices based on race, including the enforcement of poll taxes and literacy tests designed to keep African Americans from voting. However, in 2013, the Supreme Court struck a major blow to the landmark legislation, striking down a key provision that designates which parts of the country must have changes to their voting laws cleared by the federal government or in federal court.

March is also Women’s History Month, and Congressman Pallone highlighted the extraordinary contributions women have made to our society over the years, but also discussed the challenges that women across the country still face today. He emphasized the need for all Americans to finally receive equal pay for equal work in 2015 and ensure that all women are given equal opportunity to succeed.