[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 120 (Wednesday, July 25, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1616]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE McKINNEY-VENTO HOMELESS 
                             ASSISTANCE ACT

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                               speech of

                             HON. AL GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 23, 2007

  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I believe the greatness of our 
country will not be measured by the number of tractors it produces. But 
rather, I believe the greatness of our country will be measured by the 
number of persons it feeds. I believe the greatness of our country will 
not be measured by the number of skyscrapers it builds. But rather, I 
believe the greatness of our country will be measured by the number of 
persons it shelters.
  Today, more than three quarters of a million people are homeless on 
any given night. There are as many as 189,000 homeless persons with 
disabilities. More than 98,452 families are homeless. If we are to end 
homelessness, rather than just reduce it, we must provide our Nation 
with right tools to fight homelessness. If we are to end homelessness 
within 10 years, rather than just reduce it, we must ensure that we 
support the programs that work well. That rests in our ability to fully 
fund them so that they achieve their true potential.
  That is why I am a proud co-sponsor of H. Res. 561, which recognizes 
the 20th anniversary of the passage of the McKinney-Vento Homeless 
Assistance Act. The McKinney-Vento programs have successfully provided 
housing (e.g., shelter, transitional housing) and supportive services 
to tens of thousands of men, women and children experiencing 
homelessness. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is an 
important asset in our battle against homelessness. I commend my 
colleague, Mr. Shays, for introducing this important resolution.

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