Tony Hall: “I rise in opposition of H.R. 2684. While I support an increase in funding for our country's veterans, I feel that this…”

“I rise in opposition of H.R. 2684. While I support an increase in funding for our country's veterans, I feel that this bill unfairly cuts programs that affect low-income individuals. It slashes the total budget by $1.6 billion for the Department of Housing and Urban Development through cuts in nearly every program. At a time of historic prosperity and economic success, I think this is a serious mistake. One of the major cuts is out of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). This wonderful program provides funding for every community in the country. Community Action Agencies depend on this funding as the backbone of programs for the poor in urban, suburban and rural communities. This money simply passes through HUD to states, counties and cities to use on community priorities. In Montgomery County, Ohio, CDBG provides an invaluable resource in addressing community needs, such as affordable housing and economic development. The U.S. Conference of Mayors has stated that CDBG funds benefit almost every single household at or below 80% of the national median income level. Millions of low- and middle-income Americans would be hurt by this cut. This bill would also reduce funding for affordable housing. Secretary Cuomo's remarkable effort to create a ``continuum of care'' would be savaged by this bill.”