Jackson Lee Bringing ACORN to CBC Meeting
Updated: Oct. 1, 2:52 p.m.Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) wants to clear up any tension that may exist between the Congressional Black Caucus and the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, the charity group that has become a favorite target of GOP attacks.In a Wednesday letter, Jackson Lee invited CBC members to a “fact-finding meeting— with ACORN CEO Bertha Lewis on Thursday. Lewis will be on Capitol Hill that afternoon to meet with the caucus for 90 minutes in the House Judiciary Committee Library.Jackson Lee also invited all 75 Members who opposed a procedural motion related to ACORN during the Sept. 17 vote on the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act.“Ms. Lewis is prepared to engage in a vigorous discussion,— Jackson Lee wrote. She will be ready “to discuss vital issues about ACORN as we welcome your suggestions and concerns.—In the letter, Lee reminded Members that ACORN was founded as the nation’s largest community organization of low- and moderate-income families, “working together for social justice and stronger communities.— The group has launched several “successful campaigns for better housing, schools neighborhood safety, health care, job conditions, and more,— she wrote. ACORN came under fire earlier this month when a series of hidden-camera videos was released showing two conservative activists posing as a pimp and prostitute being given advice on money laundering and human trafficking by ACORN staff. The videos prompted the House and Senate to vote to halt the group’s federal funding — as well as calls by Republicans to investigate the group’s sources of private funds.