Blunt-Backed Bill To Cut ACORN Funding Passes House

Press Release

Legislation co-sponsored by Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt to cut all federal funding for the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) passed the House today.

The Defund ACORN Act was introduced Tuesday in the wake of reports of fraudulent and potentially illegal activity by ACORN. House Republicans offered the legislation, designed to block all taxpayer funding of scandal-plagued ACORN, during debate on HR 3221 this afternoon. The legislation passed 345-75.

"I'm glad that the majority in the House got on board with our efforts to stop funding an organization that clearly supports illegal activities while claiming to provide for the public good," Blunt said. "ACORN's abuse of the public trust and disregard for the responsibilities that come with receiving taxpayer funding are disturbing."

Recently eleven Florida-based ACORN employees were charged with falsifying 1400 voter registration cards. And ACORN offices were accused of offering advice on tax evasion, prostitution, and fraud. In 2006, ACORN submitted more than 5,000 questionable voter registrations in St. Louis, Missouri and, over the last several years, has submitted thousands of fraudulent voter registrations to Missouri's county election boards.

Last week, the U.S. Census Bureau ended its association with ACORN, which has received $53 million in federal funds since 1994. The U.S. Senate Monday passed an amendment which would block funding for ACORN in the 2010 Transportation and Housing appropriations bill.

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