On the recordFebruary 6, 2012
This amendment reflects what was agreed to by the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia on the homeless issue. The amendment ensures that there is a reasonable review of properties for use by the homeless. Under current law, the review process is covered by the McKinney- Vento Homeless Assistance Act. This amendment applies that law in a streamlined way to the civilian property realignment process created in H.R. 1734. {time} 1950 The streamlined review process would set a clear timeframe and apply to the types of properties normally used for the homeless, those less than 25,000 square feet or not more than $5 million in value. Over the 25 years since McKinney-Vento was enacted, 82 properties have been conveyed for homeless use. In 25 years, just 82 properties have been conveyed, and we want to continue to extend that, seeing as there may be other opportunities. Typically, these are small properties used for shelters and similar types of assistance. The larger properties tend to be warehouses for food banks. Given this, the amendment provides two triggers, one based on size, and another on value to ensure properties that may be appropriate are considered for homeless use. This is a reasonable compromise to this issue. I worked closely with the ranking member of our subcommittee, and on Friday we had agreed to this solution. Despite reversing her decision, I'll move forward on the agreed-upon language.…
