[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 11, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H4400]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CELEBRATING NATIONAL HOMEOWNERSHIP MONTH

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, June is National 
Homeownership Month, and it is the time when we celebrate and recognize 
the many benefits of owning a home.
  For generations of Americans, owning a home has been an essential 
element in achieving the American Dream. But since the Great Recession, 
we have seen homeownership rates dip to historic lows.
  Young families often find themselves unable to save for a down 
payment or gain access to adequate credit, and that is especially true 
for those living in rural areas.
  The U.S. Department of Agriculture places emphasis on helping rural 
Americans buy homes. USDA provides mortgage loan guarantees through 
partnerships with private-sector lenders to help low- to moderate-
income rural home buyers. USDA has helped more than 4.4 million rural 
residents buy homes since the National Housing Act was passed 70 years 
ago.
  Mr. Speaker, homeownership has widespread benefits: It fortifies 
communities, creates jobs, and strengthens the local businesses that 
support our towns.
  I thank USDA for its commitment to providing affordable housing for 
rural Americans. By helping hardworking Americans achieve this dream, 
it provides a strong foundation for more prosperous rural communities.

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