This vote was on an amendment by David Vitter, R-La., that seeks to ensure nothing stands in the way of implementing or enforcing a requirement that most adult residents of public housing projects do eight hours of community service every month.  The amendment was offered to the bill that funds transportation and housing programs in fiscal 2010.

Vitter said his amendment just ensures the continuation of a law on the books requiring able-bodied residents of public housing to perform 8 hours per month of community service.

“It is a modest, reasonable work requirement which has been in the law for years. I urge all Members to retain it through this vote,” Vitter said.

Patty Murray, D-Wash., said she opposes Vitter’s amendment because it is already contained in current law, and also because of the strain the economy is putting on the country’s poor.

“First, it is current law. Secondly, I am concerned, in this economic down turn, when we have a lot of families struggling, the most struggling families, we are putting this requirement on them,” Murray said.

By a vote of 73-25, the amendment was adopted.  Every Republican present voted for the amendment.  Of Democrats present, 32 voted for the amendment and 24 voted against it (including the most progressive members).  The end result is that the measure went forward with language stipulating that nothing should hamper the implementation or enforcement of a law requiring certain adults in public housing to perform eight hours of community service each month.