[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 52 (Monday, March 26, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E643]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           GULF COAST HURRICANE HOUSING RECOVERY ACT OF 2007

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                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 20, 2007

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 1227) to 
     assist in the provision of affordable housing to low-income 
     families affected by Hurricane Katrina:

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Chairman, I rise to speak on the 
amendment offered by Mrs. Biggert. The region affected by Hurricane 
Katrina could use additional affordable housing units beyond those 
occupied at the time of the hurricane. However, this is a problem that 
exists for many communities across the country and should be addressed 
in a comprehensive manner by adequately funding the Department of 
Housing and Urban Development.
  In the 4th Congressional District of Minnesota, the average wait time 
for public housing is over 5 years, and most waiting lists are closed. 
There is a deficit of 12,635 affordable housing units for very low-
income families. It is a serious problem when too many families do not 
have safe, stable housing.
  The Administration's response to this problem was to flat fund the 
Section 8 program, ensuring that our communities cannot address the 
waiting lists that currently exist, and to propose significant cuts to 
Community Development Block Grants.
  We need a comprehensive solution to affordable housing needs--both in 
the Gulf Coast Region and across the country. I strongly support the 
Gulf Coast Hurricane Recovery Act, and will support efforts to increase 
access to safe affordable housing for all Americans.

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