Floor Statements
Floor Statement on H.R. 1461, the Federal Housing Finance Reform Act of 2005
Washington, DC,
October 25, 2005
Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this legislation. I support increasing oversight of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. It is a worthwhile goal, one that the recent scandals at these institutions and on Wall Street illustrate is sorely needed. And I support the creation of a budget-neutral Affordable Housing Fund. Indeed, that this kind of program should be created, given the proclivity of this Republican House of gutting programs for the poor, is nothing short of miraculous. However, I cannot support a program whose benefits come at the expense of the rights of nonprofit organizations. The provision in question would disqualify any nonprofit group that engages in voter participation activities, such as voter registration and get-out-the-vote efforts, from applying for a grant under the Affordable Housing Fund. This would apply even if the activities are non-partisan and even if they are paid for with non-federal monies. This provision would have a chilling effect on the Constitutional speech and association rights of all nonprofits. How can the Republicans, in good faith, claim to work with us on the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act, and turn around and tie the hands of those groups who are trying to incorporate the disenfranchised into the democratic process? What's worse, this provision is entirely superfluous. Nonprofits are already prohibited from using federal funds to lobby. However, they are free to engage in lobbying and nonpartisan voter registration with non-federal dollars. This bill is a slap in the face to those groups who need this money most. What's more, this restriction only applies to non-profit organizations, not any for-profit entities seeking grants from the Fund. This bill also essentially bars non-profits whose mission extends beyond the provision of affordable housing. Many organizations develop and manage effective affordable housing programs alongside programs that provide food, closing, counseling, and other health and social services. Those who claim to work on behalf of the faith-based community should take a close look at this bill, and should watch this vote closely. By voting aye you are barring church groups from affordable housing funds if their primary mission goes beyond affordable housing. This is a typical piece of Republican legislation. Once again, my friends from across the aisle have poisoned legislation that would otherwise have received bipartisan support by picking on those who can least afford to defend themselves. I encourage my colleagues to join me in opposing this bill, and supporting the motion to recommit. We can and should do better.
|