http://www.nclr.org/content/news/detail/42246/

Sep 21, 2006



SORRY, CHARLIE, THE CLEAR ACT IS STILL BAD LEGISLATION

Washington, DC – In response to an ad hominen attack today by Rep. Charlie Norwood (R-GA), the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) reiterated its opposition to the CLEAR Act, legislation that will compel overworked, untrained law enforcement personnel into enforcing complex federal immigration laws, in addition to fulfilling their other duties.

“The CLEAR Act undermines the ability of law enforcement to do its job and compromises public safety. That stance has earned us yet another hit piece from Congressman Norwood in which he calls us ‘radical’ and ‘un-American.’ In a Dear Colleague letter today, Congressman Luis Gutierrez listed more than 100 law enforcement organizations and officials who also oppose the CLEAR Act for the same reasons we do. Surely Rep. Norwood doesn’t believe that they are ‘radical’ and ‘un-American,’ too.” said Janet Murguía, NCLR President and CEO.

“In a series of letters, we have patiently explained to Congressman Norwood who we are – an American institution founded nearly 40 years ago to help open the door to the American Dream to all Latinos – and educating him about our history, our network of community-based organizations serving millions every day of the year, the work we do in housing, health care, and education, and even what our name actually means. He has yet to give the courtesy of a reply or to respond to our request for a meeting, yet he continues to mischaracterize our organization and its work,” noted Murguía.

“Given recent news reports, we are not surprised by Congressman Norwood’s failure to acknowledge our request. With all due respect to Rep. Norwood, he has a record of attacking those who disagree with him,” continued Murguía.

Murguía cited an article in the Gainesville Times which quoted Norwood as stating at a hearing, “What I wanted was witnesses who agree with me, not disagree with me,” after a Congressional Research Service official testified that research does not support the Congressman’s view on the impact of immigrants. Rep. Norwood told the official that he planned to complain to her superiors.

“At the end of the day, Congressman Norwood can call us and everyone else who disagrees with him all the names he wants, but it doesn’t change the facts – the CLEAR Act is still bad legislation that will adversely affect the safety of not just the Latino community, but all Americans,” continued Murguía.

“Finally, it is our understanding that ethics rules prohibit House members from using taxpayer funds to carry out electioneering activities. We note in this context that Rep. Norwood’s press release, which was released on his congressional office letterhead, urges voters to threaten to ‘throw out’ members of Congress based on their votes on this issue. This has the appearance of a violation of House rules, and we therefore request that the appropriate body investigate. If it is confirmed that Rep. Norwood violated House rules, we urge him to reimburse the U.S. Treasury for this misuse of funds and issue a public apology,” concluded Murguía.