Egregious Affordable Housing Fund language to be voted on today Washington, DC (October 26, 2005) -- Today, 690 national, state and local organizations, from housing and community development to faith-based and civil rights groups, signed-on to a letter sent to every Member of the U.S. House of Representatives opposing the anti-advocacy provisions that will be added to H.R. 1461, the Federal Housing Finance Reform Act of 2005. Attempts to offer an amendment to remove the language were stymied by the House Committee on Rules yesterday. The legislation, which forbids non-profit agencies from applying for money from an Affordable Housing Fund to build low income housing if they engage in any voter registration or other non-partisan voter participation work, will be voted on today. The sign-on letter is intended to make House Members aware of, and accountable for, the unconstitutional language that would restrict nonprofits that engage in any voting related activities in the 12 months prior to applying for funds or while receiving grant funds, even when using the organization's private funds. The bill also bars organizations that "affiliate" with groups who fail to meet the criteria from applying. The restrictions are only imposed on non-profit groups and for-profits are specifically exempted. The overwhelming response from a wide-range of groups illustrates the disbelief and outrage of the nation’s second largest employer, the non-profit sector. The letter asks all House members to vote in favor of any motion offered that will cause this language to be removed "Such sweeping prohibitions are illogical," the letter said. "It is unsound on both public policy and constitutional grounds." By attempting to prohibit constitutionally protected activities, this bill strikes at the heart of core First Amendment values. Another key issue with the bill is the contradiction with "Motor Voter" laws. Some states require non-profits who receive any state funding to facilitate voter registration. This bill would force non-profits to choose between state and federal funding. The letter emphasizes that the language is unnecessary. There are ample provisions in law governing the non-profit sector that prohibit partisan activity. Sign-on Letter Resource Center # # #