Political Quotes

“Today's bill to improve public housing is a strong step in streamlining a massive Federal program. I want to thank Chairman Hensarling for allowing us to have this debate. As a former public housing authority executive, I know all too well how important it is to balance financial and managerial responsibility and oversight while, at the same time, ensuring residents' needs are met. This amendment is simple and addresses an outdated and misinformed statute in the United States Housing Act that requires the membership of directors of a public housing agency contain one member who is directly assisted by the agency. Opposition to this rule is not new. When HUD proposed these rules in 1999, PHAs across the United States issued statements of opposition. Some would argue that requiring resident members to serve on the board is a blatant conflict of interest, as he or she would be making decisions that financially impact his or her family and their well- being. While I agree, I am not here to debate that today. This amendment addresses only the PHAs in three States and one county. This is because, in our respective State constitutions, there are provisions that expressly oppose the idea of a board member of any group receiving benefits from the very agency upon which he or she serves. This amendment does not rob the residents in specified areas of a voice in the affairs of their housing.…”