WASHINGTON   –  U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) has joined legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives calling for the appointment of a federal Special Counsel to investigate malfeasance, voter registration fraud, tax fraud, tax evasion, the illegal use of federal funds for campaign activities and the promotion of criminal activity by ACORN.

“The possibility that any federal taxpayer funds have been abused or diverted to support illegal activities is very concerning,” Emerson said.  “ACORN needs to be independently reviewed and these matters should be brought into the light of day and resolved once and for all.  I would hope everyone involved wants that to happen and that the Attorney General would appoint a Special Counsel.”

Emerson said the legislation, H. Res. 911, would allow Attorney General Eric Holder to supplement an effort already underway by Inspectors General at the U.S. Treasury and the Department of Justice, in addition to several states’ Attorneys General.

“The allegations against ACORN span several states and involve funds from the U.S. Treasury, so it is highly appropriate that the Attorney General would appoint a Special Counsel.  Congress and the American public deserve a full report on ACORN’s alleged activities.  These are serious questions about the behavior of an organization and its affiliates, and a full federal investigation is highly warranted,” Emerson said.

The U.S. Attorney General has the authority to appoint a Special Counsel without specific instruction from Congress, but thus far one has not been appointed.  Earlier this year, Emerson voted to block any further federal funds from ACORN through December 18, 2009.  If no comprehensive investigation is completed by that time, then Emerson says that prohibition should be extended.