Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I rise as vice chair of the Renters Caucus to introduce the Tenant Empowerment Act, alongside Ranking Member Maxine Waters and Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib. For decades, tenants across the country, including in my district, the MA-7, have organized and mobilized to demand safe, stable, and affordable housing conditions. No hot water or heat during the winter, life-threatening black mold creeping up the walls, leaky roofs that let in rain and snow--these are the conditions that tenants are forced to endure with little to no recourse. How devastating and demoralizing. Our bill, the Tenant Empowerment Act, would change that. It would enable tenants to withhold paying rent if their home fails to meet quality housing standards, allow tenants to be present during building inspections, and extend tenants' rights to organize in federally assisted housing. This bill will empower renters with the tools they need to ensure that safe, stable, and affordable housing is not only a right but a reality for every person in America. As the daughter of a tenants' rights organizer, I am proud to put forward this necessary policy. Everyone deserves to turn the key and to have a place that feels safe, a place of belonging and refuge. On behalf of more than 44 million families living in rental units, Congress must take action. ____________________”