Lynn Jenkins: “Woman, I would like to thank Chairman Latham for his work in crafting this appropriation bill to fund our Federal…”

“Woman, I would like to thank Chairman Latham for his work in crafting this appropriation bill to fund our Federal transportation and housing programs. This already difficult task was made more difficult because of the House's adherence to the sequestration cuts, and I applaud the entire committee for working within these parameters. I'd also like to rise in support of a provision to strengthen the safety net for our veterans in need by making some changes to the HUD Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing or HUD-VASH program. The HUD-VASH program is an example of a program worthy of Federal funding. It helps our homeless veterans who served and defended our Nation to obtain viable housing assistance. I believe that we can all agree that supporting our veterans, particularly our homeless veterans, is a worthy and worthwhile initiative. Veterans and their families sacrifice tremendously to fight to preserve the freedoms you and I enjoy. After discussing the program with communities in Kansas, I believe there are several changes that can be made in order to improve delivery of the program from local housing authorities to veterans. The changes would direct that the Department of Housing and Urban Development track HUD-VASH vouchers after they've been awarded to public housing agencies to ensure these funds are able to be fully utilized to help homeless veterans.…”