Washington – Congressman Bobby Jindal has authored a motion to a bill that deals with the controversial “right to return” issue that could have interesting political significance and even legal implications as his race for Governor ramps up.Specifically, his motion denies the right of return to public housing for individuals who “have been convicted of dealing drugs, a sex crime, or a crime of domestic violence, or who pose a direct threat to public safety, such as gang members”.However, the motion and the bill has passed a Democratic-controlled House of Representatives.
Congressman Bobby Jindal (LA-01) today successfully offered the Republican motion to recommit on the Gulf Coast Hurricane Housing Recovery Act (H.R. 1227). According to Jindal, “the motion, which passed by a vote of 249-176, calls for common sense reforms to the bill's right-of-return language, which will give priority to law-abiding returning residents and make public housing safer for everyone. It was attached as an amendment to the full bill, which passed the House by a margin of 302-125.”
"We must work to keep drugs and violence out of our public housing system, and to ensure that the residents of our public housing are put in a position to succeed," Jindal said. "To repeat the same mistakes that led to the problems of the past would be irresponsible and unacceptable. Many of our public housing residents are hardworking people, and their families should not be forced to have drug dealers or gang members as neighbors. Louisiana has a bright future, and we must ensure that all Louisianians have the opportunity to participate in that future."
Specifically, the motion to recommit requires the Housing Authority of New Orleans, or any other manager of replacement dwelling units, to deny the return of individuals who have been convicted of dealing drugs, a sex crime, or a crime of domestic violence, or who pose a direct threat to public safety, such as gang members. It will also provide right-of-return priority to any individual or household who is in compliance with existing public housing resident requirements, including community service and work requirements, or for the purpose of family reunification.
H.R. 1227 has now been sent to the U.S. Senate for further action.
When Jindal was asked what change in the law this "motion to recommit" provided for, he could not answer. Is that what you Jindal supporters want? Someone who cannot answer a straightforward question and who submits unneeded legislation?
Written by Dan
on 4/4/2007
Jindal for Governor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Written by Lori
on 3/22/2007
This insistent preoccupation with the "right to return" is less an example of liberal kindheartedness, fairness, and altruism than it is a tactical political maneuver to ensure that New Orleans is once again the deciding voting bloc in Mary Landrieu's and other Democrats' upcoming campaigns.
Written by jackamo
on 3/22/2007
How is this controversial?
Somehow controvery arises because convicted felons want free stuff? Huh? Only in LA-LA land is this controversial.
And why are billions of tax dollars being spent to rebuild a city that will be destroyed in the next 10 years when a category 5 hits it straight on?
Written by Duh
on 3/22/2007
Great idea but probably unconstitutional.
Written by John G. DeRussy
on 3/22/2007
If you lived in public housing and the house was destroyed, then you have no right to return to a house that can't be lived in. The City cannot afford to house people until the projects are rebuilt just because they they think they have a right to return.
Maybe I just don't understand this "right to return" thing.
Written by David W. Breedlove
on 3/21/2007
Someone has to tell the truth. New Orleans can ill afford to once again be a haven for criminals of all sorts. New Orleans needs to be rebuilt as a working city. Law enforcement must be a big part of the rebuilding. No way should the taxpayers of this country be saddled with the bill for a "right to return" for gangters, thieves, and murderers.
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