[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 134 (Friday, July 30, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E861]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF 
                  VETERANS AFFAIRS' HOME LOAN PROGRAM

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                            HON. MARK TAKANO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 30, 2021

  Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate 
the 100th Anniversary of the California Department of Veterans Affairs' 
Home Loan Program. For a century, this loan assistance program has 
helped veterans and their families realize the American dream of 
homeownership after returning from their service to our country.
  The Farm and Home Loan Program was created on May 30, 1921, to thank 
California veterans for their service and sacrifice in World War I. 
This program identified homeownership as a foundational step towards 
transitioning to civilian life, establishing credit, and building a 
strong financial future for veterans and their families. Over the 
course of the last hundred years, the Home Loan Program has aided 
veterans throughout times of war and economic crisis, including the 
Great Depression, the Great Recession, and most recently, the COVID-19 
pandemic.
  During its existence, the program has distributed more than $8.5 
billion in loans to over 425,000 veterans and expanded to serve a 
growing and diverse veteran population. Today, the Home Loan Program is 
renowned for some of the lowest foreclosure rates in the country, 
personalized service, and a comprehensive homeowners insurance plan; 
and continues to deliver exceptional customer service to veterans who 
would otherwise not qualify for a loan.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud that my home state has been a pioneer in 
assisting veterans to secure housing and I congratulate the California 
Department of Veterans Affairs on their exceptional work throughout the 
decades. The Home Loan Program has been a lifeline to thousands of 
veterans over the past 100 years, and I know that it will continue to 
help veterans achieve homeownership for the next 100 to come.

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