Housing for the 21st Century Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. HIMES. Mr. Speaker, I want to start by thanking Chairman French Hill and Ranking Member Maxine Waters for doing a remarkable thing. In this polarized and angry Congress, we are actually getting something done, and we are getting something done that is really important.

Throughout my district, from Greenwich to Bridgeport, from Ridgefield to Oxford, I don't spend a day where I don't hear somebody say: I can't afford the rent. I can't afford to buy.

We have a crisis of housing in this country. While this won't fix everything, this is a huge step in the right direction.

There is a lot of work that remains to be done. Our colleagues at the State and municipal levels need to take a hard look at the regulations, at the land use policies, and at the zoning. It continues to inhibit the ability to build housing and, therefore, offer affordable rent and affordable mortgages to America.

What we are doing right here is big. I was delighted to be able to contribute a couple of things to this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues at this point in time: Let's listen to the American people. Let's do something for them. Let's make housing more affordable.

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