Vicente Gonzalez: “Mr. Chairman, I first want to begin my remarks by complimenting the gentleman from Massachusetts for his superb…”

“Mr. Chairman, I first want to begin my remarks by complimenting the gentleman from Massachusetts for his superb leadership that he has demonstrated in housing issues. He knows the subject matter, which is complex, very well. Equally important, though, he does deeply and sincerely care about the people who depend on public housing. He seeks to create a positive reform and works tirelessly on behalf of people who have few advocates and really no political resources. He is a model of decency and compassion. I salute his courage, his energy, his imaginative efforts, all of which reflects great credit to him, the people that he represents and serves, and this House. The bill before us, H.R. 2, can best be described as a series of good slogans but unworkable or undesirable policies. The bill before us is no more likely to be enacted than last year's failed effort, which it very closely resembles, incidentally. We will offer a substitute that makes, I believe, far more sense and which deserves the support of our Members. I will predict that in the final analysis, any bill that is enacted will look very much like the substitute that we will offer. H.R. 2 creates strong incentives for local housing authorities to stop renting available units to those who are in the greatest need of them.”