Terri Sewell: “I understand the point of order; but I rise today in support of this amendment by my fellow colleague from Alabama…”

“I understand the point of order; but I rise today in support of this amendment by my fellow colleague from Alabama, which adds critical funding to assist communities devastated as a result of last year's severe weather. This bipartisan amendment would add $200 million to the underlying bill and direct it towards communities that received CDBG disaster assistance in FY 2012. Prior to awarding of these new funds, this amendment directs HUD to establish a formula of funding that would give preference to applicants based on a county's unmet housing need, including renter-occupied units. Currently, there is still an ongoing and urgent need for housing options, particularly rental units, across several parts of my district as well as my colleague's district. This amendment would help communities like Tuscaloosa, Alabama, receive adequate funds to help repair and rebuild the rental housing units that were destroyed by the April 27 tornadoes. This would help to provide rental housing units that will provide critical shelter for women, children, and families. {time} 1450 A recent report released by HUD estimated that the amount of unmet housing needs for Tuscaloosa County alone would exceed $56 million. Most of this figure was associated with unmet rental housing need. The devastation and destruction that was caused by the April tornados across the State of Alabama is still being felt, especially in places that already have economically disadvantaged areas.…”