Political Quotes

“I rise in respect for and in support of this resolution. Habitat for Humanity is a wonderful organization, with 1,655 affiliates in all 50 States. Habitat for Humanity has built nearly 150,000 houses worldwide, and it has an ambitious goal of building another 50,000 homes by 2005. So I certainly support their efforts, and I am pleased the House and Senate staff and Members will join Habitat for Humanity in building a couple of homes right here in Washington, D.C. Yet, even as I congratulate Habitat for Humanity for all of its work, I believe that all of us need to take a broader look at the issues of affordable housing and housing policy generally. We are falling very short of where we need to be in order to make the goal of affordable housing a goal that is obtainable for all Americans. Much more work needs to be done. The unfortunate reality is that the Bush administration's homeownership record is one of feel-good rhetoric and photo opportunities, not one of substance. When it comes to creating affordable housing and helping to revitalize sustainable community development, the Bush administration is simply missing in action. Only 47.1 percent of African American and Latino communities respectively are homeowners. Where is the administration's plan to improve percentages to those of other populations? We need to put a stop to predatory lending to vulnerable consumers.”