Kendrick Meek: “If I may reclaim my time, first of all it is so important that we understand in housing, one size does not fit all. No…”

“If I may reclaim my time, first of all it is so important that we understand in housing, one size does not fit all. No matter what the housing policy is, you will find that there is certainly a difference in housing needs in certain areas of this country. Of course I know how the HUD people feel. This has really become a real, real bad situation for them and they cannot handle it. So rather than meet all of the needs like the Jackson-Lee amendment would do, they just say, ``Well, we'll step back from all of this replacement of public housing, it's been an eyesore, we've been sued, everything has been done to us.'' So this is an easy way out. I think the amendment of the gentlewoman from Texas [Ms. Jackson-Lee] sort of touches the heart of this matter; that is, it is all right to stick within the housing policy, but please leave some room for these people who do not fit that particular mold. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for introducing this amendment.”