[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 138 (Saturday, October 28, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1982]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    THE HOME AMENDMENT, H.J. RES. 39

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 27, 2000

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to bring to your 
attention an amendment which I introduced the first session of the 
106th Congress. H.J. Res. 39, The Home Amendment ``would provide for a 
Constitutional amendment requiring that all citizens of the United 
States shall have a right to a home, which shall not be denied or 
abridged by the United States or any State.''
  Despite the economic growth that has brought unprecedented prosperity 
to the nation, we are still faced with shortages of housing and 
affordable rents, particularly in larger cities such as New York. 
Indeed, many people have not been included in the economic windfall of 
the 1990's.
  I first introduced this amendment during the 104th Congress, and 
again in the 105th at the request of Reverend Dr. M. Moran Weston, who 
was actually the inspiration behind the development of this 
legislation.
  Weston, who for many years served as pastor of St. Philip's Church in 
my 15th Congressional District of New York, is the Founder and long 
time President of the National Association for Affordable Housing. One 
of our community's greatest religious leaders, his genuine concern for 
people who lacked the most basic need, a descent place to live, 
inspired him to do more.
  This renowned Harlem pastor responded as an example to others, by 
playing a leading role in renovating a block on Harlem's 135th Street. 
As a member of the original board of directors of Carver Federal 
Savings & Loan in my congressional district, he was the sponsor of a 
federal government guaranteed renovation project, a 198-unit 
development, which he viewed as an early step in the creation of a 
``New Harlem.'' It was his inspiration and way of desire for a better 
life for all people, that led to my introduction of this amendment.
  Though Reverend Weston no longer resides in my congressional 
district, his many contributions to our community over the years, have 
not gone unnoticed or have been forgotten by this Congressman or the 
people of New York.
  Only last year that Dr. Weston was named with a Distinguished 
Lectureship in Urban and Public Policy established in his name by 
Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs. The 
first two speakers in the lecture series were Chairman of Fannie Mae 
Franklin Raines and Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban 
Development Andrew Cuomo.
  It is my hope that on behalf of Reverend Dr. M. Moran Weston, and 
millions of people who would benefit from H.J. Res. 39, that we support 
this amendment, and look forward to its enactment.

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