[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 156 (Tuesday, October 16, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2151-E2152]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           NATIONAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST FUND ACT OF 2007

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. DAVID LOEBSACK

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 10, 2007

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2895) to 
     establish the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund in the 
     Treasury of the United States to provide for the 
     construction, rehabilitation, and preservation of decent, 
     safe, and affordable housing for low-income families:
  Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 2895, the 
National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007. I am extremely 
pleased to see this legislation, which will help thousands of low-
income individuals and families, be considered by the House.
  I praise the goals of this legislation, and thank Chairman Frank and 
his staff for the hard work and advocacy on behalf of the families that 
will benefit from the funding of clean, safe, and healthy environments 
in which to live. One of the goals of this legislation to produce, 
rehabilitate, and preserve 1.5 million affordable housing units over 
the next 10 years is extremely important to not only those families who 
will benefit from the improvements, but also to our nation's economy 
and productivity.
  Individuals and families that have adequate housing can focus their 
efforts on work and raising their families, instead of worrying about 
the state of disrepair of their house or housing unit. Homeownership 
exemplifies the American Dream. This dream is increasingly difficult 
for many to realize, even after years of hard work and strife. The 
National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act will assist those 
individuals who may have believed homeownership to be out of reach by 
helping them with down payments and other costs associated with first-
time home buying.

[[Page E2152]]

  This legislation is specifically targeted to extremely low and low-
income families, meaning those who most need help will receive that 
assistance and improve upon their current living conditions. The 
National Affordable Housing Trust Fund also targets funds to the local 
jurisdictions that have the experience in providing and administering 
affordable housing, and who work within the community with the actual 
residents.
  While Iowa may not have many ``urban'' areas in which poverty issues 
are traditionally highlighted; many rural areas of Iowa have seen good-
paying jobs leave our towns at an astonishing rate, devastating our 
communities. It is estimated there are 305,000 Iowan's living in 
poverty. Of that 305,000, almost 90,000 are children under the age of 
18.
  In 1949, The U.S. Housing Act established the admirable goal of ``a 
decent home and a suitable living environment for every American 
Family.'' The National Affordable Housing Trust Fund is another step 
this Congress has taken to ensure we adhere to this goal. I urge my 
colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this important legislation.

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