Rick Lazio: “Mr. Chairman, it is ironic as we consider this housing bill, one that makes communities responsible for their own…”

“Mr. Chairman, it is ironic as we consider this housing bill, one that makes communities responsible for their own planning and development, that in the area of Baltimore, HUD is negotiating a plan like the one described by the gentleman. Unfortunately, the bureaucrats and attorneys at HUD believe they know what is best for Baltimore and surrounding suburbs. I do not share this view and this misguided approach, the concept that Washington knows best is one of the catalysts for the legislation we are now considering. Mr. Chairman, we both believe that rental assistance recipients should be educated about the rental marketplace and informed of their total options. I believe counseling is an integral part of this process. I strongly object to the Federal bureaucrats attempting to dictate outcomes and limit options available to renters. Such a policy runs counter to what we are trying to achieve here today.”