[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 11]
[House]
[Page 14525]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      NATIONAL HOMEOWNERSHIP MONTH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the order of the House of 
January 4, 2005, the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Harris) is 
recognized during morning hour debates for 2 minutes.
  Ms. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of National 
Homeownership Month. I am a strong advocate of homeownership, not only 
because it is a key component of the American dream but also because it 
is vital to America's economic security. Statistics show that higher 
levels of homeownership translate into safer and stronger communities, 
communities in which people feel more rooted and engaged, in which they 
feel stronger stakes in their local schools, civic organizations, 
businesses as well as their churches and synagogues. Additionally, 
children who are raised in families that own their own homes have shown 
greater academic success as well as greater levels of self-esteem.
  Two years ago, we passed the American Dream Downpayment Act which I 
introduced to help more American families enter the market for quality, 
affordable housing. This was an important step on the way toward making 
homeownership available to everyone, but it was only a first step. We 
still have much more work to do.
  I am proud to have been a cosponsor of the resolution we passed 
yesterday in honor of National Homeownership Month and I look forward 
to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to bring the 
American dream of homeownership to more families across this country.

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