Update: The vote against the Stearns amendment was 167-254.  Unfortunately, 164 Republicans voted for the amendment -- that's a 'majority of the majority' and that complicates the effort to push the Republican leadership to move ahead with the Voting Rights Act.

Tonight the US House voted down an amendment that would have forced the Justice Dept. to stop enforcing the language minority provisions of the Voting Rights Act (Section 203).

This was a test vote for the small band of Rep's. who are trying to stop HR 9, the bill that would renew and strengthen the Voting Rights Act - it appears the opponents failed. (Note: I have not seen the vote tally yet, so not sure if enough Republicans voted against it -- check back.)

We need to keep up pressure on the House to put that legislation on the floor and bring it to a vote. Call 202-224-3121, ask for your Rep. and tell them to urge the House leadership to allow a vote on HR 9.