[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 147 (Thursday, October 15, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2209]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E2209]]
                  AMERICAN HOME OWNERSHIP ACT OF 1998

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. EVA M. CLAYTON

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 13, 1998

  Mrs. CLAYTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3899, the 
American Homeownership Act.
  Passage of this act is intended to allow working Americans the 
opportunity to own a home who otherwise would not have been able to 
afford one.
  There are many hard-working citizens whose income does not stretch 
far enough to fulfill the dream of homeownership. Despite their 
efforts, their dreams and hopes are shattered. They work as hard as 
other citizens, but the cost of ownership is out of reach. H.R. 3899 
will begin the process of restoring hope to those in our society who 
are not looking for a free ride, but are hoping for freedom of choice 
as to where they live. Passage of the bill will be a demonstration that 
hard work is not in vain.
  It is also important to recognize that the American Homeownership Act 
will have a positive impact on future generations of working families.
  Millions of children are witnesses to the hardwork performed by their 
parents.
  Many of these children are living in substandard apartment buildings, 
because their working parents have been denied the opportunity to own 
the homes that they have hoped and worked for year in and year out.
  H.R. 3899 changes that.
  This bill will help move families from over-crowded and dilapidated 
houses that destroy lives into houses that sustain lives.
  How will H.R. 3899 do these things?
  This Act requires federal agencies to promote homeownership by 
encouraging and expanding the production of affordable homes.
  Agencies are required to closely monitor any impact of their 
practices and policies on the availability of affordable housing.
  When there is a negative impact, alternatives to reverse the impact 
must be pursued.
  H.R. 3899 grants states and local governments funding to reduce the 
barriers of accessibility of homeownership. Under the bill, the FHA 
must take a more proactive role in servicing potential home buyers.
  These measures are necessary, Mr. Speaker, to ensure that working 
families are afforded the same opportunities as any other families in 
this country.
  The United States Census Report of 1990 documents that there are 
202,736 households in my District.
  Of this figure, 76,632 units are rental households, and there are 
23,866 vacant housing units. The low income families in my District 
continue to be challenged by many housing problems. These include 
overcrowding, physically inadequate housing due to incomplete plumbing 
and kitchen facilities, high rent burdens, and high owner costs.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe that successful passage of H.R. 3899 will 
alleviate some of the major housing problems of my District. This will 
include a reduction not only in the vacant housing units.
  We must not overlook that it is well-known that stable housing will 
always have a positive impact on children.
  I also believe that passage of H.R. 3899 will have a long term, 
positive impact on the children of families who will be able to buy and 
move into a home as a result of this Bill. I believe, in the long run, 
with passage of this Act, children will stabilize in the school 
setting, grades will improve, neighborhoods will grow and we will give 
children the greatest opportunity, a chance to live and a chance to 
experience what this Nation offers.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3899 is a bill that will benefit all of society.
  I support this measure, and encourage the support of my colleagues.

                          ____________________