[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 139 (Wednesday, September 30, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2403]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               ACORN DESERVES EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER THE LAW

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                       HON. CAROLYN C. KILPATRICK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 30, 2009

  Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I oppose the final version 
of the Legislative Branch Appropriations bill, which includes language 
that would ban funding for the Association of Community Organizations 
for Reform Now (ACORN). While ACORN has fallen under media scrutiny for 
actions reported by the media, no criminal charges have been filed 
against ACORN, no indictment has been reached against ACORN, and no 
trial by jury has taken place regarding ACORN.
  I support an investigation of ACORN, and ACORN has already moved 
forward with an objective, unbiased investigation of these allegations. 
Instead of acting on factual data, Congress is reacting based on media 
reports of alleged wrongdoing. All Americans have the presumption of 
innocence. With this vote, Congress has ignored this presumption, and 
the Constitution, as well. This vote against ACORN--or any liberal, 
conservative, or independent organization without merit--is wrong. In 
these economically and socially difficult times, Congress must utilize 
leadership, reason, sense, and sanity. This vote is not sound 
leadership, and it is not what the American people expect or need.
  Congress should not, and must not, start punishing individuals, 
businesses, or groups without a fair trial. Congress must not assume 
guilt based on media reports, Internet chat rooms, or anything less 
than a complete and full investigation of the facts by the appropriate 
law enforcement agency. Some Members of Congress have even questioned 
the Constitutionality of Congress' refusing funds to inflict punishment 
on individuals without a fair trial. While I am not an expert on the 
Constitution, I do know that we must protect the rights of all 
individuals. The language in this bill, which would ban federal funds 
for ACORN for the length of any Continuing Budget Resolution, is wrong. 
It is wrong to punish organizations or individuals without a trial, and 
it is wrong because it totally obscures the good work that groups like 
ACORN have done for years. It is wrong because Congress must lead and 
not follow.
  ACORN has operated for almost 20 years fighting for poor people. The 
organization has registered voters and attained housing for low income 
individuals and families.
  This vote sets a very chilling precedent of acting first and asking 
questions or investigating later. I do not know the merits, or lack 
thereof, of ACORN's alleged wrongdoing. I do know that when Congress 
acts without the complete set of facts and does not consider the 
ramifications that this precedent sets, it hurts all Americans.

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