Police, give them the fortitude to carry on with peace in all of their hearts and understanding and acceptance and peace in the hearts of the protesters as well. And to the people who have rioted, give them understanding that there are better ways to go about their lives. Amen. I would like to start this hearing. The committee on the judiciary subcommittee of constitution, civil rights, and Civil Liberties will come to order. Without objection, the chair has authorized to declare a recess at any time. I welcome everyone to todays hearing on protecting the rights of voters during the covid19 pandemic. I thank all of our witnesses for joining us today and i thank my colleagues for conducting in this new format and continuing to serve the American People during these challenging times. This is the First Committee conducted under the new house remote rules. So we might have a few spots, but we will get through them. I would like to remind members we have established an email address and distribution list dedicated to circulating exhibits or other materials members white members might want to offer today. If you would like to submit materials, send them to at mail. Docs house. Gov. The gentleman from georgia, mr. Collins, our former Ranking Member will be joining the subcommittee for the remember for the remainder of this congress. Since the full come at he has not been able to meet to ratify the subcommittee assignments he will be assuming, without objection, mr. Collins will be designated as a Voting Member of this subcommittee for the purpose of todays hearing. Welcome back, mr. Collins. I will now recognize myself for an Opening Statement. We are in the midst of one of those moments in our nations history where confronting a confluence of crises, the way we respond to them will shape fundamentally who we are as a people. To begin with, we meet virtually today because we are in the middle of a Global Pandemic that has taken the lives of over 100,000 of our fellow citizens. Preexistingated inequalities, disproportionally affecting africanamericans among other historically disadvantaged people. This impact reflects americas original sin a sin that is , recognized in our founding document, the constitution, and that is slavery. Pervasive antiblack, white supremacist ideology that undergirded it and continued on through jim crow laws and today,nce to change even resulting in unequal opportunities and other consequences we are still grappling with. And tragic manifestation of this racist poison is the pattern of practice of Police Violence against africanamericans and the justifiable rage americans feel. We have seen that on the seat on the streets all over america with Peaceful Protesters. In the past week, thousands have taken to the streets across the country to call for an end to Police Violence and affirm that black lives matter. I stand in solidarity with all Peaceful Protesters and will do everything in my power as chairman to do a better and more just america, which i have dedicated my entire book life too, starting back in 1977. Too, entire public life starting back in 1977. The issue we are here to discuss, the right to vote during the covid19 pandemic is intrinsically tied to the protests across this nation. Police violence against black americans and suppressing the right to vote are two sides of the same coin. The coin of systemic racism that has plagued our country since before its founding, in 1619 when africanamericans were first brought to this country as slaves. Inc. About it 1619. That was 250 years for we became a nation. We had slavery. Presence w to the to the present, in my home region in the south, but elsewhere as well, has sought to deny the ability of black americans and other people of color to vote. Disabilities, language minority voters, and native americans among others also had their right to vote undermine throughout our history. Now we are dealing with a viral pandemic threatening the ability for most people to vote safely in our elections. It disproportionally affects voters of color. Will they adapt to this new reality and ensure that everyone can vote safely in november, or they fail to act in the face of this historic challenge. Must et their ballots by mail if they choose and they shouldnt have to go through this endless bureaucratic way to do it. President trump said theres an inherent fraud. Thats been backed by every in addition study this past election from utah, oregon, washington two yesterday in pennsylvania. But he also said when he made that message recently without this case thinking about politics. The fact is many republicans support the mailin voting and benefited from it. States must proactively send out ballots to voters or at least for the mailin ballots to make it easy for people especially if there is a spike come november for even worse conditions and more reasons to be concerned. For Many Americans such as those that have changed address, voting by mail is not a realistic option. The most obvious way to ensure the polling places is to spread out the Voting Period and allow people to cast their ballots early. The act that passed the house is now sitting before the senate and we mandate each of those things. It gives the funding they desperately need to carry all of those out. The if we can afford to give the treasury 500 billion to bail out corporations, we can certainly afford the 3. 6 billion but it will cost to safeguard the very unique system of government was the source of power and people. No american should have to choose between their health and their right to vote. Democracy including the right to vote is the way our founders respond to whatever challenges we place. Its been and will be the characteristic of who we are as a nation. I look forward to hearing from each of the witnesses gathered here today and thank them for agreeing to appear and testify on this subject. And at this point, it is my pleasure to recognize the Ranking Member of the subcommittee, the gentleman from louisiana, mr. Johnson for his Opening Statement. Thank you, mr. Chairman, and thanks to everybody. Thank you everyone for joining us this morning. This is an important subject and i appreciate the prayer. Everybody needs that right now. The facts show that mr. George appears to have been murdered. I do not think the footage can lead anyone to believe anything else. The tragedy spotlights, as you have said, the tragedy in our country. That the Senate Reconciliation and Transformative Solutions has a change and we all agree those are long overdue. So that we boldly declare this that and that we are all endowed by god himself with the same inalienable rights. Everybody has volume and then to contribute to society it is inherent. Any fool that contends any natural right of supremacy over his neighbors violates not only the creed of america any fool that contends any natural right of supremacy over his neighbors violates not only the creed of america that is articulated in because addition, and thats important to acknowledge. We also pray that he protects the brave, honorable men and women who risk their lives every day on the front line for lawenforcement because they, too, are in jeopardy right now. Violence on our nations streets needs to stop, and i am sure we know we all, agree on that. The second thing i want to say is that the covid19 pandemic has affected our country in countless ways. We want to express our condolences to those who have lost their battle with this invisible enemy, and we want to applaud the First Responders and doctors and nurses and the trump administration, too, for taking crucial steps to help to stem the spread any further. I am glad that President Trump instituted an early travel ban from china, despite chinas efforts about the effect of the virus. I am glad the president instituted sanitation protocols in a task force and along with Vice President pence. With decades in Public Health has been very important for the country in our response. We are all adjusting to the new normal. We have to say we are disappointed the committee is not meeting in d. C. Right now to conduct this important hearing. We believe that if Grocery Store workers and healthcare personnel employeesessential can show up in person to do their job, we should do the same thing. That on the issue of the hearing today, i just want to say, and i will be brief, we all believe in the importance of the election that is essential to republican or democratic form and the one. We want every eligible american to participate in every vote we. We just dont believe the suggestions proposed on the other side of the aisle are in the best interest of the election system. Unfortunately. What has been proposed with the vast and broad federal mandates on how state should run the election. We believe the mandate is in the constitution itself. The election clause gives them ability to administer within their jurisdiction. Congress does have the authority to override the state laws but , but, much like everything else, states are in the best position to determine based on each states individual needs. In our nation byducting elections only mail, the hardest to be legalized nationwide. And to increase at the worst possible time and increase susceptibility to fraud. Times hasew york concluded that there is a bipartisan consensus voting by mail is more easily abuse than d than other forms. Similarly the Bipartisan Commission cochaired by former president jimmy carter and secretary of state bakers said in their final report in 2005 that, quote absentee ballots is , the largest source of potential voter fraud in american elections. In addition to voting fraud absentee voting also has , practical problems compared to in person voting on election day or early voting. We need to discuss those implications on the elections , and putting aside the logistical concerns this close to november, we need to seriously examine the accuracy of state Voter Registration law. Roles. There are several states whose outnumber the actual citizens in the state. And those that can deliver ballots on time and to the right people in the state. While i acknowledge concerns about the pandemic and the election, now is not the time. There is too much at risk. We should be discussing how to vote in person safely in light of the new circumstances when you consider how the federal government can make our own decisions regarding the election and respond to the unique circumstances. I look forward to listening and hope we can have a thoughtful discussion. I thank you again, mr. Chairman, for the opening and the tone, and i yield back. You are welcome. Thank you for your statement i. I would like to recognize the gentleman from the Judiciary Committee for his Opening Statement, and i thank you to all of the witnesses for joining us today. Nadler i want to note the committee has been hard at work since the outbreak of the pandemic, and then we discussed issues such as price gouging during the covid19 crisis and those in prisons and jails at the pandemic. And then to include measures in the cares act in response to what we learned and with that covid19 crisis in many standards to individuals is a nice detention and those that do not pose a risk to Public Safety , so when the heroes act for the protection of homeowners and significant funding and the violence against women act and the Legal Services corporation. We have also produced legislation to ensure Public Safety officers that have died or become disabled as a result of covid19 will receive the benefits that they deserve. And next week, as i announced over the weekend, we will hold the hearing to address issues of accountability. Even though we are spread across the country, this committee is hard at work, and we appreciate all the members during these challenging times. I also need to acknowledge these profoundly painful moments of our nation with violence against black americans once again have been torn open. And in response, thousands of americans have peacefully taken to the streets for their Constitutional Rights that are long overdue. We have a proud history of protests and demonstration in this country, but even at the most basic level, we govern ourselves at the ballot box. Our leaders, from local sheriffs and members of congress are the president are supposed to be chosen by popular will. That is what makes the country a democracy. That is at the very core of governance for by the people. Some in the face of the Global Pandemic in fact business as usual with hours long lines and andrges of voter rolls, those designed to suppress americas right to vote is at the heart of the system of selfgovernance. And today, it might even be deadly, and the question if we can call ourselves even a democracy at all. If this sounds alarming, consider this. If people did not vote because of their race or income or disability or the way they live. The response to play games the way that they may hold power is not a democracy, it is something else. Thathat is a government makes us choose between exercising the most fundamental soht, the right to vote, and i would like to say directly to the American People there is no sitting this out, that for the democracy and then with the right this november and then protecting your own health and in speaking to all the voters to vote by mail this november and to have those resources to ensure and also have in person voting for those who choose not to vote by mail. Provided federal resources to ensure that this happens smoothly. We must also preserve voting options for those who choose not to vote by mail or are unable to do so, so that no one is disenfranchised. We can rise to these unprecedented challenges and carry out carry out free and Fair Elections in despite the november, pandemic. We know what needs to be done , but it will not happen without our focus and vision. Todays hearing is the first step in that process. Thank you for holding this hearing, and i yield back the balance of my time. We would normally note to the Ranking Member he does not have a statement so the state straight to the witnesses think it is a for this hearing and allow to have each of the witnesses and their introduction. We will recognize that witness for statement and then to be in their entirety. And then we encourage you to limit those remarks so we have the maximum amount of time to ask questions. I will bang my gavel and also there will be a timer on your screen. Please be mindful. I will be strict in the fiveminute rule. I would remind all of our witnesses you have a legal obligation to provide a truthful statement to the subcommittee in , and any false statement could subject you to prosecution. Witness is the 47 secretary of state to ensure that elections are secure and accessible to michigan voters and the secretaries of state call the democratic process the first role as secretary of state is to enforce Campaign Finance law. Receiving her jd from Harvard Law School and from University School of the law in detroit, michigan, which i visited with chairman conyers in past years. She is an expert on civil rights and election law. Met up secretary, you are recognized for five minutes. Thank you. Thank you for the opportunity to testify today. I started my career in montgomery, alabama, and it was there i developed and solidified my own commitment for those that sacrifice and work that everyone is protected and secure today as. It was there as the secretary of state chief election officer i am informed and inspired by many colleagues and advocates around the country many of whom im honored to speak alongside today. As a whole, secretaries of state are working across party lines are accessible and secure in the midst of the pandemic into the 2020 election , but we need your help. Democracy is a team sport. We need a sustained and committed partner in the federal government to ensure voters have the clarity that elections will be held and their rights are secure. The 11. 2 million received in funding is welcome, but it was not enough with a 40 million gap with those new challenges for our state importantly that h. E. R. O. E. S. Act will address these effectively, and i urge everyone support in the district of columbia. 41 states voters can vote to by mail. If not, then it is implemented with various degrees of effectiveness federal funding and standards will be written in my testimony. It goes a long way to help avoid variations in the fall. Voters need clear choices how to close this year, and states need clear guidance and support for providing those choices. This need is acute and to be disenfranchised communities across the community. It is an additional challenge to overcome. I want to close by sharing a Success Story of michigan. We have had two Success Stories this year. Locally may, we held elections, again, at the height of the pandemic, and demonstrated that even in this moment, safe and secure elections are possible to succeed. We know every registered voter is an application and instruction on how to request the ballot through the mail and vote from home. We also provided a safe option for voters seeking to cast their ballots in person on election day could we aggressively recruited new election workers to ensure no one had to work on election if they felt uncomfortable doing so, and we provided every jurisdiction with ppe, masks, gloves, etc. , and insured clear and explicit protocols how to have 6 feet of distance between election workers and voters. They could choose to safely exercise their vote. That turnout was double and 99 percent of voters who particip