Congresswoman Barbara Lee Introduces Resolution to Increase Access to Affordable Housing
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee introduced H. Con. Res. 74, reaffirming that all people deserve access to safe, affordable, and decent housing. The resolution supports expanded federal funding of affordable housing programs and affirms expansion of renters’ rights because housing is a basic human right.
“Housing is a basic human right. For far too long heartless budget caps have prevented us from making the necessary investments to ensure all Americans, especially the most vulnerable, have access to safe and affordable homes,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee.
“In Oakland, the average renter would spend a staggering 70 percent of their income on housing if they had to move tomorrow. This is unacceptable. Our nation’s families deserve better.
“Congress must work harder to protect every American’s right to housing. That is why I hope my colleagues will cosponsor this resolution and pledge to work together with me to remove the burdensome budget caps that are devastating our communities.”
Diane Yentel, President and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, added, "I applaud Congresswoman Lee for her bold and sustained commitment to ensuring that the lowest income people have safe, accessible and affordable homes. As a nation, we know the solutions to end homelessness and housing poverty – we only lack the political will to invest in them at the scale necessary. This resolution builds off the success of the “Our Homes, Our Voices” National Housing Week of Action and the work of advocates around the country.”
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