Housing Assistance Efficiency Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in support of H.R. 1047, the Housing Assistance Efficiency Act. This bill would remove non-essential administrative boundaries in order to better serve our nation's homeless population.

Under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, only a state, local government, or public housing agency may administer housing assistance to our nation's homeless.

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This regulation prevents many non-profit agencies--which often have deep ties to our communities--from assisting the homeless.
Like many districts and states, the State of Alabama faces many challenges in addressing the needs of our homeless. We can accomplish this by correcting any unintended legislative consequences and taking action to create the most fast-acting and efficient system of housing assistance possible.

The Housing Assistance Efficiency Act addresses these problems by increasing efficiency, eliminating red tape, and expediting the process of providing safe, stable shelter for homeless communities.

I congratulate my colleague from California, Congressman Peters, for remaining vigilant and continuing to be a voice for our most vulnerable communities. This is a valuable opportunity to eliminate barriers and offer a faster and more financially responsible approach to assisting the homeless.

While we continue our efforts to help the homeless, we must remain mindful of our long-term goals. I urge my colleagues to help pass this legislation and reaffirm our commitment to the alleviation of homelessness in all of our communities.

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