This is the last chance for Congress to vote on eminent domain reform, SUPPORT HR 4128/S 3873

ACU ^ | 12.05.06 | J. William Lauderback

[Coleus]

Fellow Conservatives: This is the last week Congress is expected to be in session, and eminent domain reform has yet to be brought to a vote.  It's time for a final, full-court press to get federal eminent domain reform passed before the 109^th Congress adjourns.   

As you know, H.R. 4128 passed the House over a year ago by an extraordinarily bipartisan vote of 376-38.  There is no reason this bill should be stonewalled in the Senate, but there has been no vote until now.  The Senate needs to understand that federal protections against eminent domain abuse are important to the American people.  Every poll done in the wake of Kelo shows overwhelming disapproval of seizing private property for economic development.  34 states have passed legislation in just over one year limiting their powers of eminent domain.  And both state courts that have heard this issue since Kelo  - Oklahoma and Ohio - disagreed with the Supreme Court’s decision and ruled in favor of the property owners.  It is clear that this abuse of power will no longer be tolerated, nor will Congress’s support of it.

There is going to be an effort to get eminent domain reform passed this week, but it requires that EVERY senator agree to it.  Consequently, your senators' support for this legislation is essential to its passage.  We urge you to contact both of your senators TODAY and TELL THEM TO SUPPORT H.R.4128/S.3873.  Then call Senator Frist’s office and let him know that you talked to your senators. Lastly, tell all of your friends and family to do the same.  Every additional person that makes their voice heard increases the chances that this bill will pass, so please - take a few minutes today to spread the word.   

1. CONTACT BOTH OF YOUR SENATORS.  You can find their phone numbers here: http://www.castlecoalition.org/legislation/senators.html.  Or you can e-mail them through this link: https://action.popuvox.com/default.aspx?actionID=286.

2. Contact Senator Bill Frist at (202) 224-3344.
3. Forward this e-mail to your friends and family. This is the last chance for the 109^th Congress to pass eminent domain reform.  If they don't, we will have to start all over again next year - so let's make this week count. 

Thank you,

J. William Lauderback
Executive Vice President
American Conservative Union

[KoRn]

What I'd like to know is why they haven't already done this.....

[o_zarkman44]

don't hold your breath.

The senate has not voted on many worthwhile laws that easily passed the house. Immigration was one that comes to mind.

Half of the senate is thinking about running for president. why should they be concerned with their current job??

[mysterio]

What's the odds they'll pass it? 150,000 : 1?

[ellery]

BUMP!!

[Eastbound]

"There is no reason this bill should be stonewalled in the Senate,..."

There is no good reason to stall it. But there are many bad reasons to stall it. Think of all the highways they plan to build across the country.

[PGalt]

Thanks for posting. BTTT!

[OldFriend]

Guess I'm alone here in thinking this is a states' rights issue.

[Coleus]

eminent domain is in the 5th amendment.

[OldFriend]

?

[Coleus]

Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

[OldFriend]

Quite a stretch my friend. This amendment pertains to self incrimination and the punishment that might derive from a criminal act.

[DH]

What I'd like to know is why they haven't already done this.....

Apparently, you are unaware of how the system works.

1.  The fledgling politician comes from a wealthy or high income family.  This means he/she has plenty of stroke and money.

2.  The  politician gets elected.

3.  Through the course of the politician's career, he/she insures the fact that he/she becomes even more richer through graft and corruption, designed to line his/her pockets currently while in office and certainly, as a later investment after leaving office.  This is done by pandering to any (and all) who will help him/her stay in office (get votes.)

4. At the end of his/her service to their country (if you want to call it that), they leave office fantastically wealthier than when the entered, even though the job did not pay well, and then begin to enjoy the true fruits of their labors....the financial result of the bills they passed while in office.

Why do you think that bills like this passed?  Well, there's the reason.

 

[teeman8r]

??

have you read the 5th amendment lately?

it has everything to do with eminent domain and public use and just compensation... of which the people who own the property should decide what is 'just' for their property.

teeman