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REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque - Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) listens to remarks from Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (L) as House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi (C) looks on during an event held to support the reauthorization of expiring provisions of the 1965 landmark Voting Rights Act on Capitol Hill in Washington May 2, 2006

Opinion | Strengthening American Democracy

Reading Congressional Tea Leaves from the 2006 Renewal of the Voting Rights Act

July 1, 2013, Sarah A. Binder

The Supreme Court's controversial ruling on Shelby County v. Holder has stimulated debate over the likelihood that Congress will succeed in developing a new formula for the Voting Rights Act. Sarah Binder examines the political process surrounding reauthorization of the Act in 2006, questioning the notion that the law enjoyed bipartisan support.

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  • In the News

    Whether you agree with it or not, the Supreme Court has become almost as much a political institution as it is a legal one...For one, the cases that come before the Court are very often politically charged. Furthermore, you have nine justices that are there for life and can, for all intents and purposes, act with impunity

    October 1, 2012, Russell Wheeler, Erickson Tribune

  • Expert Q & A

    Preview of New Supreme Court Term

    September 28, 2012, Russell Wheeler

  • In the News

    Actual repeal of health care reform on “day one” of a Romney administration is not possible, but a President Romney—assisted by a Republican House and Senate—could put into motion the steps necessary to pursue repeal over the course of 2013. Technically, Romney’s success would depend on whether or not Republicans gain control of both the House and Senate, and on the byzantine rules of the budget process in Congress.

    July 2, 2012, Sarah A. Binder, Washington Post

  • In the News

    …[D]on't be too surprised if [Chief Justice] Roberts [in his] next terms looks like a conservative again. He actually did not stray very far from where the other four conservatives ended up in this [ACA] case — just over a consequential line.

    July 1, 2012, Benjamin Wittes, Bloomberg Businessweek

  • In the News

    The Supreme Court decision [on the Arizona immigration law] puts the onus back on Congress, but it doesn't dissolve the political and ideological differences that were keeping Republicans and Democrats from coming to a melding of the minds on immigration in the first place.

    June 25, 2012, Sarah A. Binder, U.S. News & World Report

  • In the News

    It's hard to know what explains the dearth of Obama nominees compared to recent predecessors, but I have to think that increased threats by home-state senators to withhold blue slips is part of the answer.

    June 18, 2012, Russell Wheeler, The National Law Journal

  • Podcast

    @ Brookings Podcast: Targeting U.S.-Born Terrorists Abroad

    October 28, 2011, Benjamin Wittes

  • Podcast

    @ Brookings Podcast: The Supreme Court and the Presidential Election

    October 7, 2011, Russell Wheeler

  • Expert Q & A

    Does America Need More Lawyers?

    September 28, 2011, Clifford Winston

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    @ Brookings Podcast: Obama's Nominees to Federal Judgeships Lag

    December 24, 2010, Russell Wheeler

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