Video Town Hall Announced

This Wednesday, September 23rd at 6:40 PM PT, I will hold a video town hall for San Diego County residents through my website. I intend to discuss and take questions on a variety of topics, including health care reform, federal spending and jobs.

To participate in this event, please go to my website on Wednesday evening and click on the “Video Town Hall” button. If you have any questions before then or require assistance, please contact my Washington D.C. office at 202-225-5672. I hope you’re able to join the discussion.

House Votes to Defund ACORN

After repeated revelations of unlawful activity, the House of Representatives voted to cut all federal funding for ACORN. On Thursday, legislation that I have cosponsored, the Defund ACORN Act, was offered during House legislative debate and passed by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 345 to 75. While the Senate voted earlier in the week to restrict specific grant funding for ACORN, the legislation passed by the House prohibits ACORN, as well as indicted organizations under criminal investigation, from receiving any taxpayer dollars.

Altogether since 1994, ACORN has received more than $50 million in federal funds. Over the coming weeks, efforts to enact legislation to deny taxpayer support for ACORN are expected to continue in both the House and Senate.

The most recent example of ACORN misconduct involves reports out of San Diego, where an employee was seen on tape answering questions about human trafficking. After learning about this incident, I immediately reiterated the necessity to defund ACORN and initiate a federal investigation into the organization’s pattern of unethical behavior. My press release responding to this incident is available by clicking here.

In addition to supporting these efforts, I am also in the process of contacting state and local officials to discuss possible courses of action, including an investigation into ACORN’s voter registration activities and consumer services throughout San Diego County. It is vital that we put an end to ACORN’s corruptive practices and overt abuse of the public trust, an effort that I will continue to strongly support.

Constitution and Citizenship Week

September 17, 2009, marked the 222nd anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution. In recognition of this point in our nation’s history, millions of Americans are celebrating Constitution and Citizenship Week, which formally concludes on September 23rd.

The U.S. Constitution represents the basic foundation of our nation, establishing and preserving liberty, justice and opportunity for all while guiding the function of government. These principles have enabled us to thrive as a nation and endure recurring periods of transformation.

Over the course of history, the Constitution has consistently served as a compass for those who create and interpret our nation’s laws. Its provisions – understandably crafted to limit the size and scope of government -- form a framework for representative governance that strives to balance necessary authority with inherent freedom. In the event change is needed, the Founders wisely included a constitutional amendment process that has proven to be a valuable mechanism.

We must also not forget the millions men and women who have defended these values as members of our armed forces or the countless others who have accepted this responsibility through good citizenship and civic responsibility. As we honor our Constitution this week and every day, it is important that we remind ourselves of the generations of service, sacrifice and leadership that has helped build and sustain our nation.