[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 30 (Monday, February 27, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E253]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     H.R. 1433, THE PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS PROTECTION ACT OF 2012

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                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 27, 2012

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, I strongly oppose H.R. 1433, the 
``Private Property Rights Protection Act of 2012.'' This bill is a 
solution in search of a problem. Its sweeping prohibition against the 
use of eminent domain for economic development that would cripple 
community efforts at a time when they're needed more than ever.
  There are time honored principles for the exercise of eminent domain 
by State and local governments. I support the Constitutional 
protections already in place to prevent taking of private property 
without fair compensation. Governments should certainly exercise great 
care in using eminent domain.
  Many major economic and ecological initiatives would be difficult, if 
not impossible, without eminent domain. I believe economic development 
is a legitimate use of this tool; my community has used it for a number 
of critical developments, including key high tech projects that have 
laid the foundation for decades of prosperity.
  I would support action to prevent abuse and capricious use of eminent 
domain. But this bill would make it nearly impossible for communities 
to use it. This bill is too restrictive and will become an impediment 
to economic development. Its financial penalties could bankrupt 
communities and even the risk of potential future violation of the law 
could affect a jurisdiction's borrowing power today.
  I urge my colleagues to reject this bill.

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