Mark Kelly: “today I rise to call for all of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to join me in strong support for H.R. 2, the…”

“today I rise to call for all of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to join me in strong support for H.R. 2, the Housing Opportunity and Responsibility Act of 1997. I would like to thank Chairman Lazio and all of the members of the House Committee on Banking for their hard work on H.R. 2 which we passed with a bipartisan vote last week. H.R. 2 is a piece of well thought out, comprehensive legislation that will make a real difference in public housing in America. We have based this legislation upon simple goals that will move our public housing programs in a strong new direction to empower the residents. These goals are: First, personal responsibility that extends to a mutual obligation between the provider and the recipient. One of the ways we accomplish this is through 8 hours a month work requirements for residents, exempting the elderly, the disabled, the employed, those who are in school or are receiving training, and those who are already involved in a welfare reform program. Second, retention of protections for the residents. One way this is accomplished is through the exclusion of income for the first few months of a new job and the income of minors from the determination of a resident's income level. Third, removal of disincentives to work and empowerment of the individual and family tenant through choices that I believe will lead them to economic independence.”