Jack Reed

These units are very scarce and intended for people who otherwise would be literally homeless.

And you're confident that you can get the grants out under the existing $33 million in such a way that they're ready to accommodate additional grants under your proposal this year?

One of the issues that's come up persistently is most of these programs, if not all of them, require interagency coordination.

The Administration once again proposes a $200 million cut to the Community Development Block Grant program

We are here today because the Nation faces an affordable housing crisis.

You can also use the voucher for special purposes.

This is not about a temporary spike in income, up or down.

And as you mentioned in your testimony, the CDC recently has strengthened the lead standard, because they found that minute quantities of lead are toxic, very toxic to children, and cause long-term damage.

Again, Mr. Secretary, Senator Collins and I share this concern about the HUD-VASH vouchers, the fact that progress has been made, but there's no request this year for additional vouchers, even though roughly 48,000 veterans are still in…

The Administration proposes new spending of $750 million above what is needed to maintain existing rental assistance

Senator Collins has taken a tremendous leadership role, increasing the Continuum of Care Program by $414 million.

Thank you for your years of service. And you have shown a great deal of leadership advocating for families in need and the importance of ending homelessness.

I met with Senator Durbin just a couple of days ago on this issue, and so look forward to working on it.

I also applaud--I know Senator Durbin is working on and other have proposed a lead-based paint legislation.

I applaud the vision.

We have got, not on a per capita basis but in whole numbers, the fourth worst problem in the country behind New York City, L.A., Seattle, and then us.

One of the institutional issues around here is that we do housing, that somebody else does Medicare.

In my view--and your comment would be appreciated--there are some external benefits to that beyond the housing, particularly with seniors where you have a certain community.

I think that the data we are looking at right now and the trend that Ms. Poethig suggested are the increasing demand by relatively upscale individuals for housing is going to keep rental prices high and vouchers higher also.

This is a national crisis. It is getting worse. It is not getting better.

Thank you. Just a final question on that, the administration submits a budget for your office and you submit a budget for your office.

I say with some pride that we have our first female Commandant at the military academy.

If the caps do not go up, the problem will get worse. If the caps only go up for defense, this problem will get worse, in fact, quite a bit worse because there will be a tendency to offset those increases with further decreases on the…

Only one out of every four eligible low-income households in this country receives the rental assistance they need to avoid homelessness.

To have a future which would avoid Rhode Island in any way, shape, or form, either through routes or through services, would be, I think, wrongheaded.