Political Quotes

“the Republican motion to recommit on this legislation is as straightforward as it is reasonable. All you have to do is read it and see exactly what it does. As written, it would simply amend the legislation forthwith to give greater priority for housing decisions under the HOPE VI program to give men and women who have served our country on the battlefield rather than men and women who have acted in violation of our laws. Mr. Speaker, under current law, public housing authorities may use discretion when determining whether or not it is in the interest of the community to provide public housing to certain felons, including those convicted of drug-related criminal offenses. This bill under consideration on the floor, however, incentivizes public housing authorities when applying for HOPE VI grant funding to give convicted felons preferential treatment. There is absolutely, absolutely no reason why we should be encouraging local public housing authorities to place convicted felons at the head of the line, especially when so many, so many of the American veterans live today without adequate housing. We should be encouraging public housing authorities to assist these men and women first and foremost and in a manner that recognizes their tremendous service to this country. Veterans have acute housing needs, Mr. Speaker. According to the most recent Veterans Affairs reports, there are over 310,000 homeless veterans.…”