[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 58 (Wednesday, March 29, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E728]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                             HOPWA FUNDING

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                            HON. RICK LAZIO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 29, 1995
  Mr. LAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
commend the House of Representatives for decisively moving to control 
this country's destructive spending patterns and moving toward a 
balanced budget.
  As Members of Congress, we all know the need to control Federal 
spending. However, we must be careful not to cut those programs that 
are both cost effective for taxpayers and meaningful and effective for 
their beneficiaries. Specifically, I am deeply concerned about the 
rescission of funds for the Housing Opportunities for People With AIDS 
Program [HOPWA].
  It is imperative that we take great care to protect the most 
vulnerable members of our communities. We did this by maintaining 
funding levels for both the section 202 housing for the elderly and the 
section 811 funding for disabled persons programs, and we should do the 
same for the HOPWA Program. People suffering from AIDS often don't have 
the financial resources necessary to care for themselves. This 
population needs the dedicated housing assistance this program 
provides.
  Some may argue that this money is not needed because there is already 
other Federal housing assistance available. I disagree. The fact is 
that this rescission will result in no new incremental section 8 
vouchers, placing those with AIDS on a waiting list for a voucher, 
condemning some to the streets. The HOPWA money can provide instant 
relief in communities where people suffering from AIDS desperately need 
housing assistance.
  We cannot turn our backs. Without this funding, people with AIDS will 
be forced to depend on high-cost emergency care facilities for housing 
or live on the streets. Consequently, American taxpayers will end up 
paying over $1,000 a day for those afflicted with AIDS who are housed 
in skilled facilities versus $40 to $100 per day per person under 
HOPWA. Retaining this funding simply makes financial sense to the 
taxpayers, as well as demonstrates our concern for those already 
crippled by this devastating disease.


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