Improves elderly housing, protects journalists, limits contractor abuses
WASHINGTON, DC – Last Thursday, Congressman Alan Grayson (DFL09) won a different kind of Triple Crown: the full House passed five Grayson amendments, in two different appropriations bills. The Grayson amendments protected for journalists from being forced to reveal their sources, restored cut funding for housing for the elderly, increased funding for bilingual housing counseling, and (in different two measures) make irresponsible government contractors ineligible for bonuses or future government work.
“I’m proud to have gotten these important amendments passed,” Congressman Grayson said. “So many people believe that gridlocked Congress accomplishes nothing. But in just one day, a junior member of the minority party won approval of five different progressive amendments that will benefit my constituents, the state of Florida, and all of America. We are getting good things done, and showing Democrats how to win.”
Four of the five amendments were added to H.R. 2577, The Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The journalism shield amendment was attached to H.R. 2578, The Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, and it drew 71 House GOP votes.
The H.R. 2577 amendments will:
· increase funding for elderly rental assistance by $2.5 million, restoring 42 percent of the amount cut;
· increase funding for Fair Housing Programs that support persons with limited English proficiency by 50 percent;
· prohibit funds from being used to enter into contracts with organizations or individuals that have committed crimes;
· prohibit funds from being used to make bonus payments to contractors who are behind schedule or over-budget.
The H.R. 2578 amendment will “prohibit funds from being used to compel journalists or reporters to testify or reveal sources they deem confidential.”
Congressman Alan Grayson represents Florida’s 9th Congressional District, which includes Osceola County, as well as parts of Orange and Polk counties.
