Private Property Rights Must Be ProtectedJuly 11, 2005

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Rep. Lincoln Davis recently voted to deny federal funds to any city or state project using eminent domain to force people to sell their property to other private profit making interests. At the same time, Davis co-sponsored a more stringent measure restricting the federal government or any authority of the federal government from using the banner of economic development as a justification for exercising its power of eminent domain.

"The right to private property ownership is one of our core freedoms," said Davis. "Historically, eminent domain has been used mainly for well served public purposes such as highways or schools, but this decision sets a dangerous precedent for uprooting families simply to accommodate wealthy developers."

The legislation would also prohibit any State or municipality from using economic development as a justification for exercising its power of eminent domain whenever federal funds would contribute in any to (1) any project for which the State's or municipality's power of eminent domain is exercised; or (2) the exercise and enforcement of the eminent domain power over any such project.

"Our Founding Fathers understood private property rights are tied directly to liberty and freedom and this legislation seeks to restore those rights for all Americans."