[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 7 (Thursday, January 17, 2008)]
[House]
[Page H335]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HOPE VI AND DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION

  (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, yesterday we revisited the 
question of the Defense Authorization bill. I think it is important to 
remind my colleagues that in our appropriations bill that was passed 
and signed by the President, we took care of a number of issues dealing 
with our soldiers, including an increase in their compensation, 
including a recognition of traumatic brain injury, and a number of 
other concerns.
  This bill yesterday was a disappointment because it continued to 
include money for Iraq, and it is time to bring our soldiers home.
  I also want to commend the debate today on HOPE VI, another issue 
that addresses the issue of homelessness and those who are without 
homes. This legislation was provocative and important because it is an 
economic stimulus when you provide housing for those in public housing 
who cannot be housed.
  It is innovative because it suggests we should have green buildings, 
meaning more efficient, and it is innovative because it protects the 
elderly who may have those young people in their homes who have had 
some run-in with the law, that those individuals go but not the elderly 
who would be evicted.
  This is a good piece of legislation. I supported HOPE VI. I am 
disappointed I could not support the Defense Authorization bill.

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