[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 111 (Thursday, July 31, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S8533]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. ALLARD:
  S. 1094. A bill to authorize the use of certain public housing 
operating funds to provide tenant-based assistance to public housing 
residents; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.


          THE CRIME VICTIM HOUSING VOUCHERS BILL JULY 30, 1997

  Mr. ALLARD. Today, Mr. President, I would like to introduce a bill 
that would provide for more public housing vouchers. I have been 
working on this issue in the Housing Subcommittee, and it is my hope 
that a similar provision will be placed in the Public Housing bill.
  The original intent of the Federal housing assistance program was to 
provide temporary housing to poor individuals and families. Since their 
inception, federal housing programs have grown dramatically. Today they 
provide $25 billion per year in housing assistance.
  In my view, the voucher program is the best means for low-income 
families to find secure affordable rental housing. The voucher program 
first began in 1974 and has grown to serve over 1.5 million low-income 
families today. These families are empowered with the choice of where 
they want to live and are given the freedom to determine what 
surroundings they desire. Vouchers are the preferable means of 
providing affordable housing to low-income individuals.
  Vouchers enjoy wide support, including past Republican and Democratic 
administrations. In fact, the current Secretary of HUD, Secretary 
Andrew Cuomo supports an expanded voucher program.
  Vouchers are very popular, which is demonstrated by the 1.5 million 
families who are currently using vouchers or certificates. Vouchers 
empower individuals and promote competition within Public Housing 
Authorities and within the community, thereby lowering costs and 
improving conditions for the residents. Vouchers or other alternatives 
can be less expensive than the current public housing program; they can 
save the government money, and improve conditions for the tenants.
  Studies have indicated that project-based housing assistance costs 
more on average than the voucher housing program. In fact, the findings 
of the June 1995 GAO report indicated that housing vouchers cost 10 
percent less than project-based housing. This study clearly 
demonstrated that on a national average, the section 8 tenant-based 
housing program is cheaper than the public unit-based housing program. 
In fact, one can say that the savings from the movement to vouchers 
would amount to $640 million per year which could add additional 
housing assistance.
  Under this legislation, ten percent of the public housing operating 
funds that are distributed to each public housing authority would be 
made available for those who currently live in the public housing unit 
and wish to be given a voucher. Nothing would be required or mandated; 
it is simply a choice given to the resident. In fact, we make clear 
that any unexpended amounts set aside for vouchers would be used by the 
PHAs for normal operating funds.
  Quite frankly, I really don't know how anyone could oppose this 
provision unless they are just opposed to giving people a choice and an 
opportunity.
  The language that I have proposed also establishes a preference for 
crime victims. It states that a voucher will be made available to any 
resident of public housing who is the victim of a crime of violence 
that has been reported to law enforcement. People should have the 
option of vouchers when their housing is unsafe.
  My strong belief is that we should increase the pace at which we move 
ahead with the conversion of housing from the old central planning and 
concentrated public housing model, to one of choice and opportunities 
through the use of vouchers.
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