Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution 325, which supports the goals and ideals of National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day. An estimated 2 million people experience homelessness in the United States each year, and every night, more than a half a million people are homeless. These individuals are at a high risk for mortality, sickness, and mental illness. The mortality rate among homeless persons is four times greater than that of the general population. Furthermore, according to a 2010 study published in the American Journal of Public Health, over 70 percent of the homeless population has at least one unmet health need, and almost half report two or more. In particular, approximately 2 million youth experience homelessness over the course of a year, and nearly 200,000 children in families were homeless. The problem facing the homeless is also why House Concurrent Resolution 325 is so important. It will recognize December 21, 2010, as National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day, and it will reaffirm the commitment of Congress to end homelessness by promoting a comprehensive national response to address the housing, health, and economic causes and consequences of extreme poverty.”