Zoe Lofgren: “I have heard a lot of very excited comments today about misbehavior and horrible things that are happening with the…”

“I have heard a lot of very excited comments today about misbehavior and horrible things that are happening with the representation of bad people across the country by legal aid societies. However, I think it is important to note that there are restrictions on the use of Federal funds that are made available. This amendment has no effect on them. Legal aid societies who take Federal funds cannot accept juvenile or criminal law cases. They cannot do legislative or political advocacy. They cannot do lobbying. They cannot do class actions. There is no evidence that I have seen as a member of the Committee on the Judiciary, and we held hearings, that indicates that any of that is happening. The gentleman from Indiana said earlier there are shell organizations that have been created, and that there is something illegal or wrong about this. I am sure he spoke sincerely, but I am from Santa Clara County. He did mention the Santa Clara County situation, and I am personally familiar with it. His comments were not accurate. He mentioned a comment from a man who said, ``That is why we are lawyers, not social workers.'' That person is not a he, it is a she. Her name is Liz Shivell, and she practices law in San Jose.”