[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 56 (Monday, May 5, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E826]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      THE MULTIFAMILY HOUSING REFORM AND AFFORDABILITY ACT OF 1997

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DEBORAH PRYCE

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 1, 1997

  Mrs. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, today I join my colleague from 
Virginia, Congressman Moran, to introduce the Multifamily Housing 
Reform and Affordability Act of 1997.
  Since the 1970's, section 8 rental assistance contracts have helped 
provide private, low cost housing to low income residents. 
Unfortunately, these contracts have begun to expire, and Congress must 
act now to ensure that federally-assisted housing will be available and 
affordable for our citizens with the greatest need.
  The cost of renewing the section 8 contracts is skyrocketing; in 
fiscal year 1998 it will exceed $11 billion, or over one third of HUD's 
entire budget. The legislation that we are introducing brings section 8 
spending under control while preserving this country's low income 
housing. This bill also sends the power to address this problem back to 
where it belongs--to the States and local communities directly affected 
by low income housing.
  My own State of Ohio has the second highest number of expiring 
section 8 contracts in the Nation. Without reform of the program, 
thousands of Ohio residents and millions of people across the country 
face fear and uncertainty as their section 8 contracts begin to expire.
  I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the 
aisle to guarantee our citizens access to affordable housing.

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