House passes "Helping Families Save Their Homes Act of 2009"

On a near party-line vote, the House passed the "Helping Families Save Their Homes Act of 2009" 234-191, with 7 Republicans crossing party lines to vote in favor of the bill, and 24 Democrats voting against. No big surprise that Pete Sessions was not one of the 7 Republicans who voted in favor--he voted no. See H.R. 1106, Roll No. 104.

One of the Republican cross-over voters was Mario Diaz-Balart, representing Florida's 25th Congressional District. Diaz-Balart's 53% win over Democrat Joe Garcia is considered "unimpressive" by Florida pundits, so he's one to watch for future votes like this one, which keep the interests of the constituents in mind, over party loyalty.

Florida is one of four states hardest hit by foreclosures and, according to E-Foreclosure Magazine, foreclosure rates in Florida are expected to increase 100% in 2009.

Mario Diaz-Balart's brother Lincoln Diaz-Balart, also a Republican member of Congress, representing Florida's 21st Congresional District, was another member of the GOP who voted in favor of this bill.