[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 100 (Wednesday, July 26, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1548]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  EXPANDING HOMEOWNERSHIP ACT OF 2006

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 25, 2006

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of 
H.R. 5121. I hope that my colleagues will join me in voting for this 
bill to expand homeownership and the American Dream to our fellow 
Americans.
  In my district of Houston, Texas, the U.S. Census Bureau reports that 
approximately 46 percent of housing units are owned by their 
inhabitants. This needs to change and it is our job in Congress to 
extend the opportunities of homeownership and the American Dream to all 
within our Nation.
  I commend those of my colleagues that have brought this issue to the 
floor today and think it is fantastic that we are doing more to help 
those who wish to become homeowners by making the Federal Housing 
Administration more than a last resort. By including 100 percent 
financing for those wishing to purchase housing up to the median 
housing price, we address the needs of more Americans than before. In 
addition, giving attention to middle-income borrowers provides the FHA 
with additional funds to be able to help low-income borrowers as well.
  This bill puts money in the system while helping our Nation's 
citizens become homeowners and I thank my colleagues for working so 
hard on a comprehensive solution to the lack of homeownership in areas 
of our country.
  I look forward to seeing this bill passed and witnessing its positive 
impacts within my own community. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
supporting this important legislation to expand homeownership and 
extend the American Dream to all.




                          ____________________