Connie Mack: “in the last two appropriations acts, the Congress provided enhanced section 8 tenant-based subsidies to low-income…”

“in the last two appropriations acts, the Congress provided enhanced section 8 tenant-based subsidies to low-income residents of certain multifamily housing properties whose owners have elected to prepay their FHA-insured mortgages. These enhanced vouchers were provided to protect residents from displacement from their homes. I understand, however, that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has interpreted the appropriations language so that previously assisted residents would pay an amount based on the same amount of rent on the date of prepayment regardless of a change in their adjusted income. In other words, HUD would require previously assisted residents to no longer base their rent contribution as a percentage of income. This policy interpretation will likely force a section 8 assisted resident to pay a higher percentage of their income in rent if their income decreased and potentially result in displacement. Mr. President, HUD's interpretation seems contrary to the intent of the appropriations language and the statutory requirements under section 8 or other rental assistance programs.”