[JURIST] The US Senate [official website] moved Wednesday to cut federal funding for projects that seize peoples' homes for private development, continuing a backlash to a recent controversial ruling [JURIST report] by the US Supreme Court [official website]. The amendment to HR 3058 [bill summary], the Transportation-Treasury Appropriations Bill, offered by Sen. Kit Bond [official website] and approved Wednesday by a voice vote, cuts funding under the bill that would be used in any private development projects that require the use of eminent domain. The amendment also requires the Government Accountability Office [official website] to study the use of eminent domain. In Kelo v. New London [PDF opinion; JURIST report], the Court held that private property could be taken by eminent domain for private redevelopments that would benefit communities by providing jobs and economic growth. The ruling has triggered a wave of backlash, with state legislatures responding by stiffening private property rights [JURIST report] and federal legislation being proposed. Bond's office has a news release on the amendment. AP has more.

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