[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 122 (Friday, July 27, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1637]
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. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 23, 2007

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong 
support of H. Res. 561, to recognize the 20th anniversary of the 
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Unfortunately, due to a delayed 
flight, I was unable to make it to the House Floor to speak, but I 
would like to thank Mr. Shays and Chairwoman Waters for their work to 
bring this resolution to the Floor in recognition of the significant 
impact McKinney-Vento has had over the past 20 years, and will continue 
to have on efforts to eliminate homelessness.
  A little over 20 years ago, my predecessor, Congressman Bruce Vento 
visited the Dorothy Day Center in downtown St. Paul, and saw firsthand 
the severity of homelessness and the need for crisis intervention.
  During his more than 20 years in Congress, Representative Vento was a 
leading advocate for the homeless. He worked with Representative 
Stewart McKinney to make homelessness a national concern, and 
ultimately, in 1987, as a result of their work, Congress passed the 
landmark homelessness legislation that now bears both men's names.
  Twenty years later, that legislation continues to provide vital 
assistance to those in need of safe and secure housing.
  I often hear from people in Minnesota and around the country speak 
about what a difference the McKinney-Vento makes to help many overcome 
homelessness.
  Yet we know, there remains more to do to reach the ultimate goal of 
Representatives Vento and McKinney--to eliminate homelessness.
  In Minnesota alone, more than 20,000 people are homeless or lack 
secure shelter and every night, more than 500 children under the age of 
18 are homeless and unaccompanied. Further, 5,000 individuals and 
families are on the waiting list for Section 8 housing in the 4th 
district, which Congressman Vento represented for more than 20 years.
  We must do more to ensure that all individuals and families have safe 
and stable housing.
  Reauthorizing the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, increasing 
access to affordable housing, and expanding access to health care and 
other human services for all Americans are important steps in working 
towards the eradication of homelessness.
  Today, we celebrate the vision of Stewart McKinney and Bruce Vento. I 
look forward to continuing to work together with my colleagues here 
today as well as with the housing advocacy community to prevent and 
eventually end homelessness.

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