Rep. Bachus says government must sever ties with ACORN

Congressman Spencer Bachus, the top Republican on the Financial Services Committee, has called for an end to federal funding for ACORN, a leftwing activist group linked to voter registration fraud and other criminal activity. Bachus became an original co-sponsor of the Defund ACORN Act, which would eliminate all ties, including financial support, between the government and the organization. He also signed a letter to President Barack Obama demanding a termination of taxpayer assistance to the group. Congressman Bachus said, “Taxpayer funding for ACORN’s far left agenda must end now. It is unconscionable to use the hard-earned money of the American taxpayer to support a radical organization that has repeatedly been embroiled in scandal and shady activity. This is an outrageous use of public money and the ties must be cut off immediately and permanently.” According to one analysis of budget data, the federal government has awarded more than $53 million in direct funding to ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now) since 1994. ACORN fraudulently registered thousands of voters during last year’s elections and has been investigated for other potentially illegal activities. Last week, the U.S. Census Department said it would not allow ACORN to officially assist with the 2010 census count, citing a lack of confidence in the organization. As Ranking Member on the House Financial Services Committee, Bachus has spotlighted funding that ACORN has received from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and formally requested Chairman Barney Frank to hold hearings on the group’s alleged abuse of taxpayer funds. To view the letter from Rep. Bachus, click here.