[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 37 (Wednesday, March 29, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E458]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HOMELESS ASSISTANCE CONSOLIDATION ACT OF 2006

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                            HON. RICK RENZI

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 29, 2006

  Mr. RENZI. This afternoon I am introducing legislation, by request of 
the Bush Administration, designed to combat homelessness nationwide.
  The Homeless Assistance Consolidation Act of 2006 would consolidate 
three competitive homeless assistance programs within the Department of 
Housing and Urban Development--Supportive Housing, Shelter Plus Care, 
and Section 8 Single Room Occupancy--into a single program aimed at 
alleviating homelessness in this country.
  Consolidation of these programs would provide more flexibility to 
localities, fund prevention of homelessness, and dramatically reduce 
the time required to distribute grant funds to groups combating 
homelessness.
  The legislation would streamline the three programs into one 
competitive program with a single set of eligibility requirements and 
would provide incentives for communities to carry out permanent housing 
activities with supportive services for the homeless.
  I believe that this legislation is a good starting point for the 
House of Representatives in crafting a bill that would help achieve the 
goal of alleviating homelessness in my home state of Arizona, and the 
country.
  I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House, the 
Senate, the Administration, and most importantly, individuals and 
groups throughout the country who have dedicated themselves to fight 
homelessness, to craft legislation in the coming months which will 
authorize the funding and provide the tools needed by advocates of the 
homeless.
  In the past, Congress has provided HUD significant funding over the 
years to distribute to groups to fight homelessness. Millions of 
individuals and families are, or have in the past, faced homelessness. 
They deserve our help, and I am committed to fighting on behalf of the 
homeless, and I am hopeful that this legislation will further this most 
important effort.

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