December 18, 2007 (LPAC)--A Resolution urging the U.S. Congress to enact the Lyndon LaRouche-originated Homeowner and Bank Protection Act passed the Indianapolis City-County Council last night by a 15-9 vote. The Indianapolis City-County Council represents approximately 866,000 people. (See the Indianapolis resolution, here.)

The HBPA was also voted up by the Irvington, New Jersey City Council (population 60,000) on Dec. 17, and will be forwarded to the U.S. Congress. On Dec. 17 as well, the city of Farrell, Pa. (population 6,000) became the 15th Pennsylvania municipality to support the HBPA, joining, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and others.

Indianapolis Council Member Vice-President, Joanne Sanders, the HBPA's sponsor, told the Council the HBPA is being circulated nationwide, and that it is a "[D]ifferent kind of idea to deal with both homeowners and bank protection." Republican Lance Langsford next argued that "[A]s a Federal issue, it shouldn't be before the Council," and, that the proposed moratorium on foreclosures constitutes "[A] slap in the face to those who do pay their mortgages."

After some pessimistic, anti-LaRouche rhetoric, in her final motivation, Councilor Sanders acknowledged that she had concerns about the origination of the resolution, but "When we take the oath of office, we swear to support the general welfare. And I personally believe this is part of promoting the general welfare." Councilor Rozelle Boyd noted that similar resolutions had been passed in numerous other cities. The resolution passed 15-9, and now goes to the Mayor.

In Irvington, New Jersey, the City Council passed the resolution on Dec. 16. Afterward, the President and Second Vice-President of the Council presented representatives of LaRouche PAC with a framed copy of the resolution, with the City's gold seal. Nine of the council members expressed their appreciation for the efforts of LaRouche PAC, especially its work in going from city to city with the HBPA. The resolution has now passed in three New Jersey cities: Newark, East Orange, Irvington. It is notable that Irvington is near the circulation base of the Bergen County Record, which recently ran articles targeting a New Jersey state legislator for his support of the HBPA during the election campaign. The legislator won, with the same vote margin as in his previous election.

Archive video of the event is available.  The debate on the HBPA begins at 1:51:11 (1 hour, 51 minutes, 11 seconds).