[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 19]
[House]
[Page 26944]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               NATIONAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST FUND ACT

  (Ms. SOLIS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the 
National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act, which the House will 
consider today.
  This bill would create a national affordable housing trust fund to be 
administered by HUD, the Housing and Urban Development Department. The 
trust would increase the supply of decent quality affordable housing, 
especially for low-income families.
  Owning a home is an American value, but many are not able to acquire 
that dream. With rising housing costs throughout the country, 
affordable housing for low-income Americans has become nearly 
impossible.
  For example, in 2006 Los Angeles County residents needed to make at 
least $50,000 a year to afford a two-bedroom apartment. That income is 
significantly more than what social workers, preschool teachers, and 
in-home health care aides earn on average. The gap between wages and 
housing costs in Los Angeles County and nationwide has skyrocketed.
  I urge my colleagues today to vote for the final passage of H.R. 2895 
so we can help all our constituents realize the American Dream.

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