Johanns Commends Colleagues On Passage Of His ACORN Amendment

Press Release

Senator Mike Johanns today praised his colleagues for sending a strong bipartisan message against fraudulent and illegal use of taxpayer dollars. His amendment to block federal funding to the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) in the transportation and housing appropriations bill passed in the Senate, 83-7.

"With so much in the air about the need for bipartisanship, I'm very glad my colleagues rose above partisan differences to say 'no' to sending more tax dollars to ACORN-whose employees have multiple convictions of undermining our democratic process, our laws, and our good faith," Johanns said. "This is a strong message by the Senate, and I hope this vote, which rises above partisanship to do what is right, becomes the rule rather than the exception. I will continue to work to see that Americans' tax dollars will not go to support fraudulent organizations or activities."

If this amendment had failed, ACORN would have been eligible to receive millions more in taxpayer funds from several programs. It could have received money through mortgage counseling, Community Development Block Grants, the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, and other programs.

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