Andy Harris: “I rise today to address an affordable housing crisis facing this Nation's most vulnerable populations. Let me begin by…”

“I rise today to address an affordable housing crisis facing this Nation's most vulnerable populations. Let me begin by recognizing the work of Chairman Knollenberg and the committee in crafting this bill. In particular, I commend the committee's work in addressing critical housing needs. However, I rise today to offer an amendment to strengthen an extremely important housing program for our Nation's low-income seniors and persons with disabilities. HUD's section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program funds capital development grants and rental assistance contracts for nonprofit housing sponsors to develop and maintain housing. Since its inception in 1959, the program has demonstrated how a successful partnership between public-private entities can maximize efficiency and quality of a Federal housing program as well as enhancing the sense of independence and self-reliance so important to the mental health of our seniors. HUD's section 811, Disabled Housing Program, is the only HUD program that offers accessible and affordable supportive housing for nonelderly, low-income persons with disabilities. The program provides safe and affordable housing for people with the most severe disabilities who rely on SSI income of $600 or less per month.…”