John Sarbanes: “I thank Senators Bond and Mikulski for their good work on this year's VA-HUD appropriations bill. Also, I would like to…”

“I thank Senators Bond and Mikulski for their good work on this year's VA-HUD appropriations bill. Also, I would like to congratulate Secretary Cuomo on the hard work he has done to raise awareness of the critical housing needs many Americans are experiencing around the country. As the ranking member on the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, I have a very keen interest in the portion of this bill that funds the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This year's budget is a strong step in the right direction. The bill contains increases in spending for many of the critical housing programs that serve middle- and low-income families. It includes funding for nearly 80,000 new section 8 housing vouchers. These vouchers will provide additional housing resources for families experiencing critical housing needs. Funding for the HOME and CDBG programs has been increased by $200 million and $300 million over last year's levels respectively. These are programs that local governments and non-profits rely on to build and rehabilitate affordable housing, as well as revitalize communities. The Committee has also provided for an increase in the homeless budget, which includes emergency shelter, permanent housing, counseling, and job training services.”