Senator Coons chaired Tuesday’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on oversight of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, saying in his opening statement that, “It underpins our entire way of life because, where civil rights are not protected, equality, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are denied.”
The Civil Rights Division is responsible for enforcing the laws that protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of race, creed, religion, sex, or national origin.
During the hearing, Chris asked a number of questions on the measures the Division is taking to protect service men and women, specifically concerning the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act. He highlighted the passage of the Mathew Shepard Hate Crime Prevention Act and the rights of gay, lesbian, and transgender Americans to fully participate in our country without fear. Chris also underscored his commitment in such matters as lending and employment discrimination cases.
While Chris praised all of the work the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division has done with the Fair Housing Enforcement Act and efforts to combat human trafficking, he challenged his colleagues to recognize that there are still a number of anti-discriminatory federal laws that omit protections based on gender identity and sexual orientation.
The hearing’s lone witness, the Honorable Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, happily reported great success in the Division. Throughout the hearing, Attorney General Perez cited several statistics to illustrate the significant strides the Division has made in fulfilling its mission to protect the civil rights of all individuals; however, Hon. Perez and Sen. Coons both agree that, ultimately, it is not about the numbers, it is about the people.
“Congress has an important role to play in oversight of all Executive Branch activities,” Chris said. “But when it comes to civil rights, it is critical that both branches are on the same page—that we are working together, hand in hand, to fight for that more perfect union.”