[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 33 (Thursday, March 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E490]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCING A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE GOAL OF INCREASED HOMEOWNERSHIP 
 IN THE UNITED STATES AND RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF HOMEOWNERSHIP 
 PROGRAMS, FAIR LENDING LAWS, AND FAIR HOUSING LAWS IN ACHIEVING THIS 
                                  GOAL

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 17, 2005

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a 
resolution that supports the goal of increased homeownership in the 
United States and recognizes the importance of homeownership programs, 
fair lending laws, and fair housing laws in achieving those goals.
  This resolution specifically urges the President to designate April 
2005 as National Fair Housing Month. It also urges the House of 
Representatives to recommit itself to making fair housing and 
homeownership a legislative priority in the 109th Congress.
  We owe it to our constituents and the American people to support 
first-time homeownership programs, which help families who have never 
owned a home experience the benefits of home ownership.
  Mr. Speaker, this resolution contains the importance of first-time 
homeownership, combating disparities in minority home ownership, and 
fighting the scourge of predatory lending. As the land of opportunity, 
we must ensure that all U.S. citizens are given a fair opportunity to 
achieve the American Dream, a significant component of which is 
homeownership.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. As 
Members of Congress, it is our moral responsibility to ensure that all 
citizens have the opportunity to purchase a home, no matter their 
ethnicity, race, or religion. I look forward to working with my 
colleagues and moving this promising resolution forward.

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