[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 39 (Monday, October 4, 1999)]
[Pages 1882-1883]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on Rental Assistance Vouchers

October 1, 1999

    The Department of Housing and Urban Development yesterday released 
$280 million in rental assistance vouchers to help 50,000 families in 35 
States move from welfare to work. These housing vouchers are an integral 
part of our efforts to reform welfare, reward work, and provide 
affordable housing for low-income families. They will help families move 
close to a job, reduce a long commute, or secure more stable housing 
that will help them get or keep a job.
    Today, our economy is strong, incomes are up, and poverty is at the 
lowest rate in 20 years. But there are still more than 5 million low-
income families who need affordable housing. That is why I have asked 
Congress for an additional 100,000 rental assistance vouchers to meet 
the critical housing needs of families moving from welfare to work, the 
homeless, and the elderly. As Members of

[[Page 1883]]

the House and Senate meet in conference to debate this year's budget for 
the Department of Housing and Urban Development, I want to underscore my 
strong commitment to this initiative. Congress should not turn its back 
on families that are playing by the rules and moving from welfare to 
work. A budget without new vouchers would shortchange the American 
dream.