[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 199 (Thursday, December 14, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2370]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 2099, DEPARTMENTS OF VETERANS AFFAIRS AND 
HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS 
                               ACT, 1996

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                               speech of

                       HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 7, 1995

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the 
VA-HUD appropriations conference report.
  Unfortunately, the conferees wasted their opportunity to improve this 
bill and once again present us with legislation that makes dangerous 
and unnecessary cuts to environmental and housing programs that protect 
American families and communities.
  For example, the bill cuts environmental program funds by 21 percent, 
crippling the EPA's ability to enforce laws which help ensure the 
safety of the water we drink and the air we breathe.
  The bill also cuts housing program funding by 21 percent, including 
cuts to many vital public housing programs and homeless services.
  The cuts in public housing operating and modernization funds, will 
significantly hamper the ability for housing providers to deliver safe 
housing for American families.
  Furthermore, by reducing the number of newly available section 8 
housing vouchers, the bill increases the potential for increased 
homelessness among the thousands of families and children who are 
waiting for housing assistance.
  I urge my colleagues to reject this bill and the potential pain and 
suffering it will inflict on many American families. Vote ``no'' on the 
conference report.

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