Shadegg moves to give veterans housing preference

U.S. Rep. John ShadeggThe Neighborhood Stabilization Act passed the House yesterday by a vote of 239-188, and, if also passed by the Senate and signed by President Bush - who has indicated he will veto the legislation - will establish a program whereby state, local and non-profit entities could receive grants to purchase foreclosed properties and sell or rent them to low-and-middle income purchasers at a price "as close to cost as possible."

Rep. John Shadegg (R-3), however, offered a motion to recommit that would have barred drug dealers, sex offenders and those who've committed mortgage fraud. Instead, said Shadegg, priority should be given to disabled veterans.

"...the least we can do is give those who have served our nation the highest priority in receiving housing assistance," said Shadegg on the floor of the House.

"Every Member of this body knows that tragically, American soldiers, our fighting men and women, are returning with horrific wounds," Shadegg continued. Like many of you, I have visited these soldiers at Landstuhl Hospital in Germany and I have visited them right here at Walter Reed…This Motion to Recommit recognizes their sacrifices."

Shadegg's motion was defeated narrowly by a vote of 210-216.

According to CQ Today:

"House Financial Services Chairman Barney Frank, D-Mass., said the motion to recommit could stall the bill. He noted that an amendment from Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, R-Mich., adopted Wednesday by voice vote, added priority treatment for veterans and members of the armed forces."

When the bill came up for a full vote, Shadegg joined 186 Republicans and one Democrat in voting against it.