Joseph Knollenberg: “Mr. Chairman, I rise to clarify the committee report language regarding HUD's application of the Fair Housing Act to…”

“Mr. Chairman, I rise to clarify the committee report language regarding HUD's application of the Fair Housing Act to property insurance and to engage the distinguished chairman, if I might, in a colloquy. First, I think it is important to emphasize that nothing in the committee report either states or suggests that Congress is not fully committed to the eradication of unlawful discrimination in whatever form it may appear. In particular, the report does not suggest that there should be any tolerance of unfair discrimination in insurance. Rather, it specifically emphasizes the importance of the laws and regulations prohibiting unfair insurance discrimination that are maintained by every State and the District of Columbia. The issue dealt with in the report is not whether unfair discrimination by insurers be prosecuted and punished but, rather, who should undertake such prosecution: HUD or the insurance commissioners of the 50 States and the District of Columbia. As I am sure the gentleman is aware, the Fair Housing Act does not, by its very terms, apply to property insurance. The statute expressly prohibits discrimination in the sale or rental of housing. It also specifically prohibits discrimination in mortgage lending and the services that mortgage brokers provide. It does not, however, mention property insurance at all.”