Once and Again: A Plea for Housing

During last year's debate on the Public HousingDrug Elimination Program cuts, I was moved to an passionate plea for muchneeded funds. I have spoken to constituents, lendersand developers-- nation wide on the ills of predatory lending. Ihave hosted affordable housing seminars throughout the District. I am in the leadership of the Congressional Black Caucus W.O.W. Initiative. Once again, I find myself fighting for "Housing."

Just as the House of Representatives prepared to adjourn forthe August recess, my Colleagues and I convened on the House FinancialServices Committee to consider H.R. 3995, The Housing Affordability for America Act. For years, I have sought to elevatethe debate around affordable housing to a pitch audible to the policy makersin Albany and Washington to hear. As an Assemblyman and Member ofCongress- representing the Queens Congressional District with over 25%of the Borough's public housing units, it was a scream that started inmy heart.

In the 106th Congress, I introduced language to supporthousing for elderly and disabled families. The Elderly + Care bill,sponsored by over 100 Members was included in the bill. I was particularlyencouraged by this event, since elderly and disabled housing is the nextfrontier within the affordable housing debate. My unrelenting interesthas always been the creation of affordable rental units and increasinghome ownership.

In hopes of really tackling the affordable housing issue, theneed for a national clearing house on affordable housing issues was bothrecognized and proposed. I stood fast along my colleague, BernieSanders, in support of his amendment to the create the National HousingTrust Fund using excess FHA funds. This measure enjoyedthe support of ACORN; LISC and La Raza-- just to name a few of the 2,730local state, and national organizations in support. Now you mightthink-"who would oppose?" Well, the partisan debate raged in theCommittee and shortly after my making another passionate plea on behalfof those who want housing and cannot afford it, the amendment was adopted.

The battle continues. At this time, although the bill hasbeen successfully reported out of Committee, I pledge to continue to workfor its final passage. This bill-- in tact-- must gothrough final passage in both the House and Senate, conference approvalby both bodies and then off to the President for signing. We, inCongress, can and must do all we can to elevate the debate around affordablehousing to the level of health, education or the environment.

As we look around us in our neighborhood, everything is affected bywhere, how and in whose home we live. Show your support for affordablehousing; we can make it happen; and, we will not stop until homeownership is an attainable dream for all who wish to pursue it.