[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 103 (Thursday, June 25, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S4640]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS V. INCLUSIVE 
                       COMMUNITIES PROJECT, INC.

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, this morning, the Supreme Court also 
announced its decision in Texas Department of Housing and Community 
Affairs v. Inclusive Communities Project, Inc.
  In a major victory for the millions of Americans who rely on the 
protections of the Fair Housing Act to challenge unfair, discriminatory 
housing practices, the Court held that disparate impact claims are 
permissible under the law.
  The Fair Housing Act was a landmark civil rights bill passed in 1968 
to combat widespread housing discrimination. Under the disparate impact 
doctrine, the law allows plaintiffs to challenge housing policies that 
have a ``disproportionally adverse effect on minorities,'' without 
proving discriminatory intent.
  Housing discrimination is rarely as overt today as it was in the 
1960s, and disparate impact claims thus play an important role in 
preventing housing segregation. Federal appeals courts across the 
country have long held that these types of claims are permissible and 
constitutional. Today, the Supreme Court rightfully affirmed this 
principle.
  As Justice Kennedy acknowledged in the opinion, the Fair Housing Act 
plays a ``continuing role in moving the Nation toward a more integrated 
society.''
  This past week has reminded us that we have much to accomplish in 
creating a more just and equal society. On issues ranging from voting 
rights to mass incarceration, there are fundamental disparities that we 
must address.
  Thankfully, the Court's ruling today ensures that the full 
protections of the Fair Housing Act remain intact. We must continue to 
work to prevent discrimination in housing and give all American 
families access to safe, affordable homes in inclusive, prosperous 
communities.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the quorum 
call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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