From Rep. Vernon Ehlers 3rd District

Last week, I co-sponsored a bill, which the House passed, to stop sending federal funds to the organization “Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now” (ACORN). The group is accused of, and has been captured on audio and videotapes engaging in several unethical and illegal activities.

I became concerned about the organization’s activities after allegations and media reports of voter fraud against ACORN during the 2008 Presidential Election. I joined my colleagues in the House of Representatives in urging the Department of Justice to investigate this issue, and for the House to hold hearings to find out more.

You may be aware that more recently, additional evidence of fraud and unethical dealings involving ACORN has surfaced. I knew it was time to act to remove the federal government from dealing financially with this questionable organization, so I cosponsored and voted for H.R. 3571, a bill defunding ACORN of all its federal funding. The bill passed in the U.S. House last week. The U.S. Senate has also voted to defund the group of federal housing and transportation money.

Voter registration organizations are very important to promoting participation in the democratic process, and I support efforts to do so ethically and legally. I also know that efforts to improve access to housing are critical, and I know of several ethical and effective organizations that operate with this mission in West Michigan. ACORN has made it clear that they have little regard for either of these standards, which their peer organizations make great efforts to follow.

You can be sure that I will continue to advocate for responsible use of taxpayer funds through all my work in Washington.
Best Wishes,
Vernon J. Ehlers
Member of Congress