[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 42 (Tuesday, March 7, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H2731]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    GOOD NEWS FOR SENIOR COMMUNITIES

  (Mr. GOSS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GOSS. Mr. Speaker, this week we expect some long-overdue good 
news for seniors. The Department of Housing and Urban Development will 
release its new rule defining the ``significant facilities and 
services'' requirement for senior communities under the Fair Housing 
Act. We well remember HUD's first attempt to set such standards--a 
disaster that sparked vigorous and legitimate protest from seniors 
across the country. From what we have seen, it appears HUD learned its 
lesson the second time through. I thank all those who made themselves 
heard. It made a difference. The new rule recognizies the unique social 
and physical characteristics of senior communities. And it will enable 
existing senior-only communities to qualify for the exemption without 
great expense. It is about time the bureaucracy acts to alleviate the 
unnecessary fears and anxiety caused by the vagueness in current law. I 
hope the millions of Americans impacted by this proposed new rule will 
take a close look and let us know what they think.


                          ____________________