Housing is A Human Right

Floor Speech

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Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, we all know that right now the housing crisis is real for so many of our families across the country, and I know many of us in this Chamber, especially those on the left, have always said housing is a human right.

To address this crisis, we know that we need action at every level of government, but many local communities need additional assistance and capacity. That is why I am so incredibly grateful that the House passed the Housing Our Communities Act, part of the Housing for the 21st Century Act legislative package.

The Housing Our Communities Act directs the HUD Secretary to establish a competitive grant program to support a wide range of affordable housing planning and implementation activities.

For example, grants can support officials in crafting their housing plans, updating their zoning codes, or increasing capacity to conduct housing inspections so that new developments are completed faster and much more efficiently.

This bill provides civil servants and policymakers with the support they need to make affordable housing a reality for so many of our communities.

I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this legislation immediately and begin to address the housing crisis that is devastating our country.

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