Bryan Steil: “This moratorium would apply to all renters, not just those negatively impacted, through no fault of their own, due to…”

“This moratorium would apply to all renters, not just those negatively impacted, through no fault of their own, due to the coronavirus, not just those living in buildings with mortgages backed by the Federal Government, but to everyone. In other words, if enacted, this bill would impose broad and unprecedented eviction moratoriums that would last for 15 months, without regard to the impact of the coronavirus. This would be very challenging for mom-and-pop landlords and very impactful negatively to our local economies. Property taxes have a higher priority on rent payments than mortgages, and an extension on the eviction moratorium, in particular, would hurt local governments trying to provide critical services that are in need right now. Especially in these challenging times, we should not pursue policies that increase stress for cash-strapped cities and towns. Again, I understand and share our desired goal to keep people in their homes. This bill just falls flat. Mr. Speaker, we have a responsibility to do that thoughtfully and in a targeted manner. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to oppose this legislation.”