Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act

Floor Speech

EDWARD M. KENNEDY SERVE AMERICA ACT -- (House of Representatives - March 31, 2009)

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Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I wish to provide further remarks on the Senate Amendments to H.R. 1388, the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education, GIVE, Act. While I support the goal of the underlying legislation, to provide voluntary service opportunities for Americans to give back to their communities, I oppose the Senate's removal of important taxpayer protections which were intentionally included by the House of Representatives.

The Motion to Recommit, which I supported on March 18, 2009 and which passed the House by a vote of 318 to 105, prohibited taxpayer funds being funneled through programs authorized in this legislation to organizations that have been indicted for voter fraud. Additionally, organizations that provide or promote abortion services, including referral for such services or any organizations that co-locate with such organizations would be ineligible to receive funds through this legislation.

Unfortunately, the Senate removed these protections. If this bill were to be signed into law as it is written today, taxpayer dollars could be used to fund organizations like the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, ACORN, which has a record of carrying out unethical practices aimed at undermining the legitimacy of democratic elections in our nation.

For these reasons, I oppose the passage of this legislation.

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