[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21320]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



DEPARTMENTS OF VETERANS AFFAIRS AND HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND 
             INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2000

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 8, 1999

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2684) making 
     appropriations for the Departments of Veterans Affairs and 
     Housing and Urban Development, and for sundry independent 
     agencies, boards, commissions, corporations, and offices for 
     the fiscal year ending September 30, 2000, and for other 
     purposes:

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of 
the Nadley/Crowley/Shays amendment to restore HOPWA funding to its FY99 
level--so that AIDS patients are not forced to choose between having a 
home and having their medication.
  In my district alone, 130 fewer homeless and people with AIDS will be 
served without the amendment.
  HOPWA allows communities to design local-based, cost-effective 
housing programs for people living with AIDS.
  It supports patients with rent and mortgage assistance and provides 
information on low-income housing opportunities.
  While basic housing is a necessity for everyone, it is even more 
critical for people living with AIDS. Many AIDS patients rely on 
complex medical regimens and have special dietary needs. Lack of a 
stable housing situation can greatly complicate their treatment.
  We must not forget that while medical science has made important 
advances in treating AIDS, a cure remains elusive. Projections of the 
number of new cases during FY00 indicate that seven additional 
jurisdictions may become eligible for HOPWA funding next year. Without 
the funds in the Nadler/Crowley/Shays amendment, jurisdictions already 
participating in the program will face even greater cuts in order to 
accommodate the newly eligible participants.
  I urge you to vote for this bipartisan amendment in support of the 
75,000 people across the country, in 100 communities, who currently 
benefit from HOPWA.

                          ____________________