Lincoln Diaz-Balart: “This motion to recommit restores a House priority that had overwhelming support when we put together the FY 2019 T-HUD…”

“This motion to recommit restores a House priority that had overwhelming support when we put together the FY 2019 T-HUD bill during the last Congress. As I mentioned in my opening statement, our House bill last year placed a high priority on increasing housing opportunities for people living with disabilities. We heard from members of humanitarian groups, nonprofits, and religious organizations, frankly, just from our communities, on the importance of ensuring that the disabled have humane housing options. Our bill, therefore, last year included $390 million for this program, to provide over 20,000 additional housing vouchers for people with disabilities. These vouchers help some of the neediest among us live, frankly, with dignity. The program provides a critical lifeline to families who struggle to care for the severely disabled. And it prevents, frankly, worst-case scenarios where severely disabled individuals would otherwise face homelessness. Mr. Speaker, this motion is a reasonable, partial restoration of funding for this program. This modest motion partially restores the disability voucher cuts that my colleagues are offering today, and, instead, provides an additional $71 million for this valuable program. The motion would provide 7,200 vouchers, and would correct a significant blemish in the Senate-originated bill that is before us today. Every single dollar of this funding goes directly to serve those in need.…”