Erik Paulsen: “Last summer I met with a woman whose husband, who was born and raised in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, had died in…”

“Last summer I met with a woman whose husband, who was born and raised in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, had died in Afghanistan; and we discussed issues that she was facing as the widow of a servicemember. One of the concerns she raised was absolutely paying her mortgage, given all the changes and stresses that had taken place in her life. This conversation led me to introduce legislation last year, which actually passed the House last fall, that directed the appropriate agencies to take into account and consideration the special circumstances of wounded servicemembers and widows of fallen soldiers and their families in housing programs. Along those lines, this amendment and my amendment today would add military servicemembers and veterans who have service-related injuries, as well as survivors and dependents of such individuals, to be included in the study on the use of the FHA refinance program. These families do face, often, new hardships. They may need modification to their houses if the servicemember is now in a wheelchair. They may have significant changes in their ability to move around, as well as the skills they are able to perform, which could have a significant impact on their livelihood. It's my hope, Madam Chair, through this amendment we can get a better understanding of how we can best provide for these families who have made that service and sacrifice. I urge adoption of the amendment.”