[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 18]
[House]
[Page 24868]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      A VICTORY FOR ALL AMERICANS

  (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, our country has been built 
by innovative men and women who have devoted their lives to owning 
their homes and businesses. As a former real estate attorney, I know 
firsthand that ownership is an important component of the American 
dream.
  In June, the rights of property owners recently came under attack 
when the Supreme Court issued a decision giving local governments the 
power to seize private property from one private party and give it to 
another. By valuing potential tax revenues and economic development 
over the private rights of American citizens, the court delivered a 
dangerous decision that misinterprets our Constitution and threatens 
our core values.
  Led by sponsor Henry Bonilla and Chairman Bob Goodlatte, the House of 
Representatives acted last night to restore power to American citizens. 
By passing the Private Property Rights Protection Act of 2005, Congress 
voted to ensure property owners truly have control over their homes, 
businesses, and organizations. This legislation is an important victory 
for all Americans.
  In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget 
September 11.

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