[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 91 (Friday, July 1, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1437]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, THE JUDICIARY, 
THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 
                                  2006

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. HILDA L. SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 29, 2005

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 3058) making 
     appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, 
     Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, 
     District of Columbia, and independent agencies for the fiscal 
     year ending September 30, 2006, and for other purposes:

  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to oppose cuts for the Community 
Development Block Grant program. CDBG has served communities for over 
30 years as a resource to help cities, counties, Native American 
communities and states meet their community development, affordable 
housing and economic development needs.
  The proposed cuts would hurt my district's economically disadvantaged 
residents, who are the main beneficiaries of CDBG funded services. CDBG 
has helped to revitalize these neighborhoods. In my district, CDBG 
funds have been used for social service programs such as afterschool 
recreational activities for at-risk youth, health care treatment, 
senior services, and job training. Additionally, cities use the funds 
for capital improvement projects, including the development and 
rehabilitation of community centers, homeless shelters, parks, and 
neighborhood improvements, such as lead paint removal and traffic 
safety improvements. Also, CDBG funded services improve the quality of 
life and infrastructure of Native American communities.
  The CDBG program allows communities to identify their own local needs 
and strategies to address them. I strongly believe that it is one of 
the most effective federal programs. It not only helps communities, but 
strengthens our nation's economy as a whole.
  The need for these funds has never been greater as rising housing 
prices complicate efforts to expand affordable housing and stimulate 
economic development. Without the proper funding for CDBG, we risk 
undermining the social and economic well-being of our communities. I 
urge my colleagues to vote for sufficient funding for community 
development that helps the underserved neighborhoods throughout the 
country.

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