Homeownership at an All - Time High

Floor Speech

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today, homeownership in America is at an all-time high. Republicans should be proud of this achievement, as we have worked along with President George W. Bush to make it easier for all families to afford their own home. We passed tax cuts for all Americans allowing them to keep more of their own money. We passed the American Dream Down Payment Act to help thousands of low-income families make the down payment on their first home. Minority homeownership has climbed to record levels of over 50 percent. Housing starts in 2003 were at the highest level in 25 years, and home sales were the highest ever.

As a former real estate attorney, I know firsthand the joy of buyers and sellers. I know the jobs created for the construction workers, landscapers, and suppliers. I appreciate the success of Realtors, and this builds the local tax base for better schools.

While Democrats continue to try to talk down the economy with pessimism, American families living in their own home know that our economy is strong and growing.

In conclusion, may God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11.

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