March 02, 2005
(Washington, DC) – Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-09) asked tough questions of HUD Secretary Alfonso Jackson and described the proposed cuts in the Bush administration’s housing budget as lacking morality during testimony before the House Financial Services Committee today.
“We keep hearing about the religious values of this President and this administration, yet this budget does not reflect any sense of morality. It is the opposite,” said Rep. Lee.
“Given this unethical budget, I’d like to know what standards of morality did you use in putting it together?” Rep. Lee asked.
Rep. Lee highlighted cuts to programs that impact the disabled and people living with HIV/AIDS. The President’s budget cuts funding for Section 811 by 50 percent, programs that make existing housing accessible and provide funds to build new units for the disabled. The budget also cuts Housing for People with AIDS (HOPWA) by 5 percent.
“Mr. Secretary, how can the administration claim that it cares about the poor, the elderly and the disabled? You are punishing the disabled with a 50 percent cut. You are punishing people with AIDS by making them choose between their health and their housing.”
Rep. Lee also highlighted cuts to programs that help provide affordable housing for native Americans and eliminate the risk posed to children by lead paint.
“What is moral about cutting housing for native Americans by 15 percent, or a 28 percent cut in grants to get rid of lead paint that will only lead to more sick children?” asked Rep. Lee.
“The effect of this budget will be to create blighted neighborhoods and wreak havoc on vulnerable people,” said Rep Lee.
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Rep. Lee Slams HUD Secretary on Bush Housing Budget
Tells Jackson the Budget Lacks Morality
(Washington, DC) – Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-09) asked tough questions of HUD Secretary Alfonso Jackson and described the proposed cuts in the Bush administration’s housing budget as lacking morality during testimony before the House Financial Services Committee today.
“We keep hearing about the religious values of this President and this administration, yet this budget does not reflect any sense of morality. It is the opposite,” said Rep. Lee.
“Given this unethical budget, I’d like to know what standards of morality did you use in putting it together?” Rep. Lee asked.
Rep. Lee highlighted cuts to programs that impact the disabled and people living with HIV/AIDS. The President’s budget cuts funding for Section 811 by 50 percent, programs that make existing housing accessible and provide funds to build new units for the disabled. The budget also cuts Housing for People with AIDS (HOPWA) by 5 percent.
“Mr. Secretary, how can the administration claim that it cares about the poor, the elderly and the disabled? You are punishing the disabled with a 50 percent cut. You are punishing people with AIDS by making them choose between their health and their housing.”
Rep. Lee also highlighted cuts to programs that help provide affordable housing for native Americans and eliminate the risk posed to children by lead paint.
“What is moral about cutting housing for native Americans by 15 percent, or a 28 percent cut in grants to get rid of lead paint that will only lead to more sick children?” asked Rep. Lee.
“The effect of this budget will be to create blighted neighborhoods and wreak havoc on vulnerable people,” said Rep Lee.
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