Mr. e
San Francisco, California

Dear Mr. e:

Thank you for contacting me regarding a scene in Michael Moore’s
film “Fahrenheit 9/11.” I have noted your concern about the
parliamentary issue in the counting of the 2000 electoral vote in the
joint session of Congress on January 6, 2001.

Virtually all Americans will remember the chaotic few weeks
following the November 2000 election. Immediately after the election,
I spoke out strongly to urge a full and accurate recount of the
Florida vote. At the request of the Gore campaign, I traveled to
that state to voice strong support for an accurate recount.

Shortly after the Supreme Court decision on the Florida vote in
mid-December 2000, Vice President Gore conceded the race and said that
while he disagreed with the Supreme Court decision, he accepted the
ruling and acknowledged that the Congress would certify the Electoral
College vote. Vice President Gore asked his supporters to accept the
result peacefully and in the spirit of reconciliation for the good of
the country.

Many viewers of the Moore film have objected to the fact that no
Senators joined House members in protesting the certification of the
electoral vote. However, Vice President Gore had informed the Senate
leadership that he did not want the vote to be challenged for the good
of the nation. On January 6, 2001, I joined the entire Democratic
caucus in respecting the Vice President’s request.

Subsequent to the 2000 election, I co-sponsored the Equal
Protection of Voting Rights Act, which was incorporated into the Help
America Vote Act (HAVA), which is now law. The HAVA legislation
provides more than $3 billion in federal funds for election reforms to
insure that every vote counts. I have also written legislation, S.
2045, the Secure and Verifiable Voting (or SAVE Voting) Act, that
would require a paper trail and appropriate software security checks
for touch screen voting.

Thank you again for contacting me. I look forward to hearing
from you on this or any other important issue.

Sincerely,

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator