20234 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 14 July 24, 2007 the right actions. We’ll help them if Algae blooms, Madam Speaker, are serious XVIII, the Chair declares the House in they want to do that. business. Algae blooms, which can be caused the Committee of the Whole House on But to act intransigent, like they by ammonia and total suspended solids, over- the state of the Union for the further have, is wrong. We are going to be take native ecosystems by taking nutrients consideration of the bill, H.R. 3074. meeting with the North American ex- away from the surrounding plant life and also b 1120 ecutive this afternoon. I know the Illi- feed harmful bacteria which remove oxygen, nois delegation is. We are going to killing aquatic life. This leads to poor water IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE meet with them to let them know that quality and beach closings. Instead of taking Accordingly, the House resolved they have a choice here to live up to action to increase algae blooms, we should be itself into the Committee of the Whole their word. taking action to decease them. House on the state of the Union for the I want to again thank all of my col- According to BP, the company intends to in- further consideration of the bill (H.R. leagues for stepping forward and giving stall a diffuser to create a ‘‘mixing zone’’—mix- 3074) making appropriations for the De- a voice to their constituents who are ing zones are areas where clean water gets partments of Transportation, and outraged across the area with the deci- mixed with polluted water to further dilute the Housing and Urban Development, and sion by British Petroleum to do some- concentration of pollutants. In 2000, EPA insti- related agencies for the fiscal year end- thing no other company has decided to tuted a rule requiring the elimination of exist- ing September 30, 2008, and for other do in the last 10 years and reverse the ing mixing zones for persistent and bio- purposes, with Mr. WEINER (Acting standards and the progress we have accumulative pollution in all the Great Lakes Chairman) in the chair. made on the environmental quality of States. The rule required the phase-out of cur- The Clerk read the title of the bill. our Lake Michigan and the other Great rent mixing zones by 2010 and does not allow The Acting CHAIRMAN. When the Lakes. any new zones to be created. The expansion Committee of the Whole rose on Mon- Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. of the BP facility is not scheduled to be fin- day, July 23, 2007, a request for a re- Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of ished until 2011. The exemptions essentially corded vote on the amendment by the House Concurrent Resolution 187, which ex- roll back the clock for sound environmental gentleman from Ohio (Mr. CHABOT) had presses the sense of Congress regarding the policy. been postponed and the bill had been dumping of industrial waste into the Great Madam Speaker, those of us from the re- read through page 67, line 2. Lakes. My colleague RAHM EMANUEL has intro- gion have a unique appreciation for the Great The Clerk will read. duced this resolution, as has my colleague Lakes, as we are quite literally surrounded by The Clerk read as follows: from the Committee on Transportation and In- them. The lakes are a blessing to us. We owe HOUSING CERTIFICATE FUND frastructure, Mr. EHLERS of Michigan. The res- our tourism industry to the Great Lakes— olution has 18 cosponsors from across the (RESCISSION) where people come from around the country Great Lakes region. Of the unobligated balances, including re- It is my understanding that a recent decision to recreate, hunt, fish and relax. The lakes as captures and carryover, remaining from by Indiana state regulators will allow the Brit- a transportation system provided Michigan and funds appropriated to the Department of ish Petroleum company to dump more ammo- the surrounding States with the means to turn Housing and Urban Development under this nia and suspended solids daily into Lake our region into a manufacturing powerhouse. heading, the heading ‘‘Annual Contributions At a time when Congress is finally taking a for Assisted Housing’’, the heading ‘‘Tenant- Michigan. Although I do agree that our country Based Rental Assistance’’, and the heading needs to work on finding additional materials long-overdue look into a broad restoration and conservation plan for the Great Lakes, the ‘‘Project-Based Rental Assistance’’, for fiscal and sources for energy, and we do need to year 2007 and prior years, $1,300,000,000 is re- create jobs to help our economy, I do not be- State of Indiana is allowing more pollution into scinded, to be effected by the Secretary of lieve British Petroleum’s plan takes our nation the lakes. And EPA—the lead Agency in Great Housing and Urban Development no later in the right direction. As a society, we need to Lakes Regional Collaboration—is allowing it. than September 30, 2008: Provided, That if in- protect our already endangered waters, for This, Madam Speaker, is exactly the opposite sufficient funds exist under these headings, they provide means to run our businesses, ful- of what we should be doing. Instead, restoring the remaining balance may be derived from fill daily chores, and relax. and protecting the Great Lakes must be a pri- any other heading under this title: Provided further, That the Secretary shall notify the Improving the state of the Great Lakes is ority. I urge all of my colleagues to support the Committees on Appropriations 30 days in ad- not an antiquated policy goal from the last vance of the rescission of any funds derived century; rather, we still fight today to improve resolution and again thank my friends, the from the headings specified above: Provided these waters. The House Subcommittee on gentleman from Illinois and the gentleman further, That any such balances governed by Water Resources and Environment, which I from Michigan, for bringing it up. reallocation provisions under the statute au- chair, continues to pursue the problems of The SPEAKER pro tempore. The thorizing the program for which the funds invasive species, low water levels, and pollut- question is on the motion offered by were originally appropriated shall be avail- ants entering the Lakes on a regular basis. the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. able for the rescission: Provided further, That We do not need to add additional waste to our OBERSTAR) that the House suspend the any obligated balances of contract authority rules and agree to the concurrent reso- from fiscal year 1974 and prior that have struggling, yet essential, waters. been terminated shall be cancelled. I urge my colleagues to join with me and lution, H. Con. Res. 187. vote in favor of this resolution. The question was taken. PROJECT-BASED RENTAL ASSISTANCE Mr. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise in The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS) strong support of the resolution before us. Re- opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being For activities and assistance for the provi- cently, the Indiana Department of Environ- in the affirmative, the ayes have it. sion of project-based subsidy contracts under mental Management granted BP’s Whiting re- Mr. UPTON. Madam Speaker, on that the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 finery in Indiana broad exceptions under the I demand the yeas and nays. U.S.C. 1437 et seq.) (‘‘the Act’’), not other- Clean Water Act. These exemptions will allow wise provided for, $6,479,810,000, to remain The yeas and nays were ordered. available until expended: Provided, That the BP to increase the amount of discharge of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- amounts made available under this heading ammonia by 54 percent and its discharge of ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the are provided as follows: total suspended solids by 35 percent. This Chair’s prior announcement, further (1) Up to $6,239,122,000 for expiring or termi- means that an additional 1,584 pounds of am- proceedings on this motion will be nating section 8 project-based subsidy con- monia and 4,925 pounds of total suspended postponed. tracts (including section 8 moderate reha- bilitation contracts), for amendments to sec- solids could be dumped into Lake Michigan. f This is simply unacceptable and I thank my tion 8 project-based subsidy contracts (in- colleagues from Illinois and Michigan for bring- TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND cluding section 8 moderate rehabilitation URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RE- contracts), for contracts entered into pursu- ing the resolution to the floor with the utmost ant to section 441 of the McKinney-Vento speed. I am dismayed, Madam Speaker. Dis- LATED AGENCIES APPROPRIA- TIONS ACT, 2008 Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11401), for mayed that the State of Indiana issued the renewal of section 8 contracts for units in permits and further dismayed EPA allowed the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- projects that are subject to approved plans of State to do so. ant to House Resolution 558 and rule action under the Emergency Low Income

VerDate Mar 15 2010 08:08 Jun 21, 2010 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR07\H24JY7.000 H24JY7 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD July 24, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 14 20235 Housing Preservation Act of 1987 or the Low- gencies and natural disasters occurring in Mr. Chairman, this incident has dem- Income Housing Preservation and Resident fiscal year 2008: Provided further, That of the onstrated that the Public Housing Homeownership Act of 1990, and for adminis- total amount provided under this heading, Drug Elimination Program had a far- trative and other expenses associated with $38,000,000 shall be for supportive services, reaching impact in reducing all forms project-based activities and assistance fund- service coordinators and congregate services ed under this paragraph. as authorized by section 34 of the Act (42 of crime in public housing facilities. (2) Not less than $238,728,000 but not to ex- U.S.C. 1437z–6) and the Native American Our amendment sends a message to ceed $286,230,000 for performance-based con- Housing Assistance and Self-Determination HUD to the tune of $20 million that the tract administrators for section 8 project- Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4101 et seq.): Provided Department has a responsibility and based assistance: Provided, That the Sec- further, That of the total amount provided the authority to fund security pro- retary of Housing and Urban Development under this heading up to $8,820,000 is to sup- grams in public housing facilities may also use such amounts for performance- port the costs of administrative and judicial around this Nation’s communities. At receiverships. based contract administrators for: interest this funding level, 10 percent of the $200 reduction payments pursuant to section PUBLIC HOUSING OPERATING FUND million increase in the account could 236(a) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. For 2008 payments to public housing agen- 1715z–1(a)); rent supplement payments pursu- cies for the operation and management of fund security programs in over 100 pub- ant to section 101 of the Housing and Urban public housing, as authorized by section 9(e) lic housing communities. These func- Development Act of 1965 (12 U.S.C. 1701s); of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 tions include employing security per- section 236(f)(2) rental assistance payments U.S.C. 1437g(e)), $4,200,000,000: Provided, That sonnel, reimbursing local police for ad- (12 U.S.C. 1715z–1(f)(2)); project rental assist- in fiscal year 2008 and all fiscal years here- ditional security services, making ance contracts for the elderly under section after, no amounts under this heading in any physical changes to improve security, 202(c)(2) of the Housing Act of 1959 (12 U.S.C. appropriations Act may be used for pay- funding community policing accredita- 1701q); project rental assistance contracts for ments to public housing agencies for the supportive housing for persons with disabil- costs of operation and management of public tion activities, as well as training and ities under section 811(d)(2) of the Cranston- housing for any year prior to the current equipping voluntary tenant patrols. Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act year of such Act: Provided further, That no HUD should recognize this amend- (42 U.S.C. 8013(d)(2)); project assistance con- funds may be used under this heading for the ment and the despicable incident, like tracts pursuant to section 202(h) of the Hous- purposes specified in section 9(k) of the the one that occurred in my district, ing Act of 1959 (Public Law 86–372; 73 Stat. United States Housing Act of 1937. and others around this Nation as clear 667); and loans under section 202 of the Hous- AMENDMENT NO. 26 OFFERED BY MR. HASTINGS indication that they need to do more to ing Act of 1959 (Public Law 86–372; 73 Stat. OF FLORIDA improve the safety in their facilities. 667). Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chair- Unfortunately, it takes violent acts (3) $1,960,000 shall be transferred to the man, I offer an amendment. Working Capital Fund. such as the one that I have discussed The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk for us to open our eyes and for Con- (4) Amounts recaptured under this heading, will designate the amendment. the heading ‘‘Annual Contributions for As- gress to begin reversing funding trends The text of the amendment is as fol- sisted Housing’’, or the heading ‘‘Housing and program adjustments that have lows: Certificate Fund’’ may be used for renewals left our communities vulnerable. of or amendments to section 8 project-based Amendment No. 26 offered by Mr. HASTINGS This amendment does not place an contracts or for performance-based contract of Florida: Page 72, line 1, after the dollar amount, in- undue burden on the desperately need- administrators, notwithstanding the pur- ed increase in the public housing oper- poses for which such amounts were appro- sert ‘‘(reduced by $20,000,000) (increased by priated. $20,000,000)’’. ating fund. While all of the $200 million PUBLIC HOUSING CAPITAL FUND Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Chair- increase could be used for activities prioritized in this amendment, we rise (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS) man, I rise today to offer an amend- For the Public Housing Capital Fund Pro- ment with my friends, Ms. BARBARA today to call attention to the need for gram to carry out capital and management LEE of California and Ms. CORRINE secure public housing. activities for public housing agencies, as au- BROWN of Florida, which emphasizes Once again, I commend Chairman thorized under section 9 of the United States the need for HUD to place a greater OLVER and Ranking Member KNOLLEN- Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437g) (the priority on the security in our Nation’s BERG for their work on this legislation ‘‘Act’’) $2,438,964,000, to remain available public housing communities. and including the $200 million increase until September 30, 2011: Provided, That not- Indeed, I applaud the work of Chair- in the public housing operating fund. It withstanding any other provision of law or is our hope that this amendment is a regulation, during fiscal year 2008 the Sec- man OLVER and Ranking Member retary of Housing and Urban Development KNOLLENBERG, and I am very sup- welcome contribution to their work. may not delegate to any Department official portive of their bill. I urge my colleagues to support this other than the Deputy Secretary and the As- However, a recent criminal act that amendment to begin demanding that sistant Secretary for Public and Indian occurred in the district that I am privi- incidents like those experienced by the Housing any authority under paragraph (2) leged to represent demands a response. residents of Dunbar Village never occur of section 9(j) regarding the extension of the I won’t go into the details because it again. time periods under such section: Provided was a brutal act that was done alleg- Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- further, That for purposes of such section ance of my time. 9(j), the term ‘‘obligate’’ means, with respect edly by 10 young men in a project re- to amounts, that the amounts are subject to ferred to, known as Dunbar Village. Mr. OLVER. Mr. Chairman, I move to a binding agreement that will result in out- Until 2002, there was a program at strike the last word. lays, immediately or in the future: Provided HUD that funded security and safety in The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gen- further, That of the total amount provided public housing communities. A foot- tleman from Massachusetts is recog- under this heading, up to $10,890,000 shall be note right here: I recently spoke with nized for 5 minutes. for carrying out activities under section 9(h) the inspector of HUD, who informed me Mr. OLVER. I want to thank my col- of such Act; up to $10,000,000 shall be trans- that you cannot have good public hous- league from Florida for bringing this ferred to the Working Capital Fund; and up to $15,345,000 shall be to support the ongoing ing without good security. issue to light. Public Housing Financial and Physical As- However, in 2001, the Bush adminis- Mr. Chairman, all of our public hous- sessment activities of the Real Estate As- tration felt that the Public Housing ing and section 8 residents deserve to sessment Center (REAC): Provided further, Drug Elimination Program had a lim- live in a safe environment. We have That no funds may be used under this head- ited impact and did not reflect HUD’s done our best to ensure that PHAs have ing for the purposes specified in section 9(k) core mission. When the drug elimi- adequate resources to address the secu- of the Act: Provided further, That of the total nation program was consolidated with rity issues. amount provided under this heading, up to the public housing operating fund, a The gentleman from Florida is cor- $17,000,000 shall be available for the Sec- retary to make grants, notwithstanding sec- grant of $168,000 for securities services rect, that there were public housing tion 204 of this Act, to public housing agen- was cut just from the West Palm Beach Drug Elimination Grants, a separate cies for emergency capital needs resulting Housing Authority, which overseas item in the budgets up until the fiscal from unforeseen or unpreventable emer- Dunbar village. year 2001 budget. The last time we had

VerDate Mar 15 2010 08:08 Jun 21, 2010 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR07\H24JY7.000 H24JY7 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD 20236 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 14 July 24, 2007 that separate program for Drug Elimi- significantly increase that program the cost of guaranteed notes and other obli- nation Grants, the appropriation for each and every year. As my colleague’s gations, as authorized by title VI of that was around $300 million on a na- amendment suggests, every activity NAHASDA (25 U.S.C. 4191 et seq.): Provided tionwide basis for securing, for employ- funded by the former Drug Elimination further, That such costs, including the costs of modifying such notes and other obliga- ing security personnel and employing Grant program is eligible for funding tions, shall be as defined in section 502 of the local police and other additional secu- under the operating subsidy program. I Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. rity services that were necessary. think the chairman mentioned that. 661a): Provided further, That these funds are At that time, in the fiscal year 2001 This is a better way to achieve the available to subsidize the total principal budget, the Drug Elimination Grants Members’ objectives, since these funds amount of any notes and other obligations, were combined with the operating are sent to the PHAs by formula, so no any part of which is to be guaranteed, not to fund. Since that time, the housing au- competition or plan is required, and be- exceed $17,000,000: Provided further, That for thorities, the public housing authori- cause there is certainty of funding. administrative expenses to carry out the guaranteed loan program, up to $148,500 from ties have had the authority to use Most importantly, it leaves it up to amounts in the third proviso, which shall be monies that were in the operating fund the PHA to determine the priorities of transferred to and merged with the appro- for the purposes that had been pre- use of those funds. priation for ‘‘Salaries and Expenses’’. viously done with the direct Drug Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- NATIVE HAWAIIAN HOUSING BLOCK GRANT Elimination Grants. ance of the time. For the Native Hawaiian Housing Block So we, as my colleague from Florida The Acting CHAIRMAN. The ques- Grant program, as authorized under title has pointed out, we no longer have the tion is on the amendment offered by VIII of the Native American Housing Assist- direct Drug Elimination Grants, but all the gentleman from Florida (Mr. ance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 of the functions of those grants may be HASTINGS). U.S.C. 4221 et seq.), $8,727,000, to remain funded at the discretion of the indi- The amendment was agreed to. available until expended, of which $299,211 shall be for training and technical assistance vidual public housing authorities under b 1130 the operating funds or under the cap- activities. ital funds. I support the use of either of The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk AMENDMENT NO. 14 OFFERED BY MR. those funds for the important functions will read. WESTMORELAND of safety and security for our public The Clerk read as follows: Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Chair- housing residents. REVITALIZATION OF SEVERELY DISTRESSED man, I offer an amendment. I am happy to work with the gen- PUBLIC HOUSING (HOPE VI) The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk tleman in the future on this issue. I For grants to public housing agencies for will designate the amendment. thank the gentleman for bringing the demolition, site revitalization, replacement The text of the amendment is as fol- housing, and tenant-based assistance grants lows: issue to the discussion today and there- to projects as authorized by section 24 of the Amendment No. 14 offered by Mr. WEST- by highlighting the problem, which is United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. MORELAND: severe in some cases, but the resources, 1437v) $120,000,000, to remain available until Page 74, strike lines 15 through 21. as we have indicated, as he has indi- September 30, 2008, of which the Secretary of cated, and we have already done, have Housing and Urban Development may use up Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Chair- been added. to $2,400,000 for technical assistance and con- man, this amendment would simply We have added $200 million this year tract expertise, to be provided directly or in- eliminate the $8.7 million for the Na- above the President’s request for the directly by grants, contracts or cooperative tive Hawaiian Housing Block Grant operating fund of the public housing agreements, including training and cost of program. The 2007 level was $8.7 mil- necessary travel for participants in such lion, and the President requested $5.9 authorities, and that should give them training, by or to officials and employees of the necessary money to do, where it is the department and of public housing agen- million for fiscal year 2008. This would needed, as they deem appropriate, as cies and to residents: Provided, That none of simply eliminate it. the public housing authorities deem such funds shall be used directly or indi- These funds, this Native Hawaiian appropriate, the drug elimination ac- rectly by granting competitive advantage in Housing fund, has been funded since tivities. I am very pleased that the awards to settle litigation or pay judgments, 2002. So far there has been over $37 mil- gentleman has brought the issue to the unless expressly permitted herein. lion going to the housing fund. discussion today. NATIVE AMERICAN HOUSING BLOCK GRANTS In the 2000 census, the Native Hawai- Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS) ians, and there was approximately ance of my time. For the Native American Housing Block 750,000 Native Hawaiians, lived in Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Chairman, Grants program, as authorized under title I homes on the island of Hawaii, the av- I move to strike the last word. of the Native American Housing Assistance erage medial value was $209,000. The The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gen- and Self-Determination Act of 1996 Native Hawaiians that live in Georgia, tleman from Michigan is recognized for (‘‘NAHASDA’’) (25 U.S.C. 4111 et seq.), and there is 2,200 of them by the 2000 $626,965,000, to remain available until ex- census, their median value home was 5 minutes. pended: Provided, That, notwithstanding the Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Chairman, Native American Housing Assistance and $111,000. I just want to say a few words about Self-Determination Act of 1996, to determine These grants can only go to Native why the Drug Elimination Grant Pro- the amount of the allocation under title I of Hawaiians on the islands of Hawaii. I gram was eliminated back in 2005. such Act for each Indian tribe, the Secretary believe that this is probably unconsti- It was terminated in 2005 after nu- of Housing and Urban Development shall tutional in the fact that we are doing a merous reports and investigations re- apply the formula under section 302 of such set-aside for a racial group, and so I vealed that the program had been Act (25 U.S.C. 4152) with the need component just wanted to point that out. greatly abused and that funds were based on single-race Census data and with It is a great opportunity to save the need component based on multi-race being spent for completely inappro- Census data, and the amount of the alloca- some money. It is a great opportunity priate activities ranging from picnics tion for each Indian tribe shall be the great- to look and make sure that we are all to conferences. Further, as a competi- er of the two resulting allocation amounts: treated equally and that the 14th tive grant program, HUD had difficulty Provided further, That of the amounts made amendment of our Constitution is kept receiving qualified applicants, and available under this heading, $4,250,000 shall intact. much of the funds went unspent. In be to support the inspection of Indian hous- Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- fact, at the time it was terminated, al- ing units, contract expertise, training, and ance of my time. most 2 years of funds remained technical assistance in the training, over- Mr. OLVER. Mr. Chairman, I move to sight, and management of such Indian hous- unspent. ing and tenant-based assistance, including strike the last word. Instead, the Congress wisely, rather, up to $300,000 for related travel: Provided fur- The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gen- increased the formula, the operating ther, That of the amount provided under this tleman from Massachusetts is recog- subsidy program, that has continued to heading, $1,980,000 shall be made available for nized for 5 minutes.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 08:08 Jun 21, 2010 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR07\H24JY7.000 H24JY7 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD July 24, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 14 20237 Mr. OLVER. Mr. Chairman, I rise in [From the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, July 9, The federal government set up the Hawai- opposition to this amendment. The Na- 2006.] ian Homes Commission Act in 1921, eventu- tive Hawaiian Housing Block Grant HOMESTEAD AWARDS END LONG WAIT FOR ally reserving 200,000 acres statewide to ben- LUCKY FEW—ONE HAWAIIAN HOMESTEAD IS efit native Hawaiians. But development of program is a small program, a small land to provide homes has been slow, and account that makes a big difference in AWARDED TO A WOMAN 57 YEARS AFTER HER FATHER APPLIED. many families have been on the waiting list the lives of Native Hawaiians who hap- (By Alexandre Da Silva with Leila Fujimori) for decades. pen to reside on Hawaiian homeland. Last month the state Supreme Court ruled The line for a homestead was so long for that 2,700 native Hawaiians can seek mone- From 2002 through 2005, when the Aloysius Lincoln that he never saw the end gentleman’s party was in the majority, tary damages in a lawsuit against the state of it. for its alleged mismanagement of the Hawai- Congress funded in each of those years But yesterday, 57 years after the former ian Home Lands program. an average of $9.4 million for this pro- Honolulu Gas Co. employee applied for a Not everyone who came yesterday had a lease, his daughter claimed the lease award- gram. We held it to $8.7 million in the happy story to share. Homes went to 250 fam- ed for the second phase of a Department of 2007 budget, and have frozen it at the ilies, but 750 people qualified for lots, which Hawaiian Home Lands project in Kapolei. same level as the 2007 budget in the ‘‘Unfortunately, he died two years ago. He are awarded on the basis of seniority. People recommendation in this budget for the was 87,’’ said Frances Segundo, 60, who was a who have qualified and waited the longest 2008 fiscal year. baby when her father signed up for the pro- are the next in line for a home. gram. ‘‘However, his legacy goes on, because Lee Kogler, 54, who has been researching So this is not an increase. We are, in her genealogy for more than 20 years, had to fact, holding it steady for a program this award is for our ohana, our family.’’ About 2,000 people showed up yesterday leave without a lease after arriving at 7 a.m. that has been funded at higher levels morning at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center Ex- with her husband, daughter, grandson and earlier when the gentleman’s party was hibition Hall, where the Department of Ha- two sons. in the majority and in substantial ma- waiian Home Lands awarded 250 lots in Kogler turned in her paperwork in 1991. jority control of this process. Phase 2 and Phase 3 of in their Kaupe’a But after marrying and moving to New York, Kogler’s application was returned, with the With the funding in the bill, more project in Kapolei. The 52-acre subdivision has 326 lots, 76 of department saying she needed to show the than 100 Native Hawaiian families will which were awarded in November 2005. Hawaiian lineage on her father’s side. Fi- be provided with the opportunity for Segundo, a clerk at Maui Community Col- nally, in 1994, Kogler combed through the home ownership, including counseling, lege, said her cousin, Naira Martin, would bound volumes of records at the state Ar- construction, and rental assistance live in the four-bedroom, three-bathroom chives, where she found a Census Bureau re- during that process. This is one of the house with her daughter, but there would al- port listing her grandmother, Hannah HUD programs. We have programs for ways be room for another relative. Kaulia, at age 19, living in the house of her ‘‘I’m free from the rent, which is going to father, Samuel, a master carpenter. Native Alaskans, we have programs for be over with,’’ said Martin, 56. The $2,000 she Kogler, who is number 7,954 on the wait list American Indians and so forth that are pays each month for rent will now go toward for Oahu, said she would never quit trying helpful in providing the hope for home her mortgage. ‘‘When the whole family for a lease. ownership on the part of some of our comes from the mainland, Louisiana, they ‘‘It’s not a sad day,’’ Kogler said, citing small minorities in our population. I will stay with me. It’s a very good feeling.’’ plans by the department to award another think it is a goal that we should sup- Gov. Linda Lingle, who was present for 300 lots in Kapolei in October. ‘‘I’m still with port, and I strongly support the pro- yesterday’s selection meeting, said the latest hope. I’ve waited a long time for this, and awards would help the state’s shortage of af- I’m not going to give up.’’ gram and urge a ‘‘no’’ vote on the gen- fordable rentals as new homeowners are able tleman’s amendment. Aloysius Lincoln first applied for Ha- to free up rental homes and apartments. waiian Home Lands in 1949. In 2006, a Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Chairman, I move ‘‘Those units now become available for the wait of 57 years, his daughter, Frances to strike the last word. general public,’’ Lingle said. ‘‘It is better for Segundo, claimed the lease awarded for The CHAIRMAN. The gentlewoman the entire community.’’ Yesterday’s crowd was a fraction of the the second phase of a Department of from Hawaii is recognized for 5 min- nearly 20,000 native Hawaiians currently on Hawaiian Home Lands project on the utes. the homestead waiting list, about half of Island of Oahu. Frances claimed the Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Chairman, I rise which are on Oahu, said Lloyd Yonenaka, a lease because her father had, unfortu- spokesman for the Hawaiian Home Lands De- today in strong opposition to the nately, passed away 2 years before. amendment offered by Mr. WESTMORE- partment. Even though more than 1,200 leases have Frances herself, now 60 years old, was a LAND to eliminate funding for the Na- been given out since 2003, the department’s baby when her father first signed up for tive Hawaiian Housing Block Grant waiting list keeps growing, at a pace of the program. Frances stated that ‘‘[her program. about 100 people a month, Yonenaka said. father’s] legacy goes on because this The Native Hawaiian Housing Block To qualify, applicants must have at least award is for our ohana, our family.’’ Grant is authorized under title VIII of 50 percent Hawaiian blood and be pre-ap- That is something I would like this the Native American Housing Assist- proved to afford one of the five Kaupe’a mod- els, which range between $238,600 and $296,100 body to remember: That this is not just ance and Self-Determination Act in lots averaging 5,000 square feet. The lease money we are talking about today. We (NAHASDA). The block grant is used rent for the land under their homes is $1 per are talking about the opportunity for to carry out affordable housing activi- year. families to live the American dream of ties for Native Hawaiian families who The first phase of the Kaupe’a project is home ownership, and Native Hawaiian are eligible to reside on Hawaiian expected to be completed by the end of the families are among those with the year, while Phase 2 and Phase 3 should be homelands which were established in greatest need. A study conducted in trust by the United States in 1921 done in the first and second quarters of 2007, according to the department. 1996 by the Urban Institute, the Na- under the Hawaiian Homes Commission As she signed documents for her new lease tional Commission on the American In- Act (HHCA). yesterday, Vivian Perreira, 71, said she dian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawai- Due to a variety of factors, including would vacate her Maili home in Waianae— ian Housing, and the State Department long-term leases for purposes outside of where she lives with husband, Alfred, her son of Hawaiian Home Lands, found that the HHCA and the lack of funding for and his two children—sometime next year. nearly half of Hawaiian households and infrastructure, only 8,000 individuals Perreira said her youngest son, 47-year-old Prince, a refuse truck driver for Rolloffs Ha- 67 percent of those on waiting lists for currently hold leases, and approxi- waii Inc., had to co-sign her application be- Hawaiian Homes Lands experienced mately 19,000 remain on a waiting list, cause her Social Security earnings weren’t housing problems related to afford- and many of our elderly, our kapuna, enough for a loan. ability, overcrowding, or structural in- have died waiting for the dream of After waiting 48 years for her name to be adequacy. That compares with 44 per- home ownership. called, Perreira, now in a wheelchair, will cent of American Indians and Alaska lease a four-bedroom home on a corner lot in I submit for printing in the RECORD Kapolei. Natives living on tribal lands, and 27 an article from the Honolulu Star Bul- ‘‘I signed up when I was 23,’’ she said. ‘‘I al- percent of all U.S. households. letin that introduces these families to most gave up, but I left my name on for so In 1992, 49 percent of Hawaiian Home us. long.’’ Lands applicants lived in overcrowded

VerDate Mar 15 2010 08:08 Jun 21, 2010 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR07\H24JY7.000 H24JY7 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD 20238 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 14 July 24, 2007 conditions compared with 37 percent of Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Chairman, I available to them. This is why we have all Hawaiian households, and 21 per- move to strike the last word. to do it. If the gentleman had had the cent of non-Hawaiian households. The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gen- courtesy to sit down for 2 minutes with Twenty-eight percent of Hawaiian tleman from Hawaii is recognized for 5 us, we could have explained what this households put more than 30 percent of minutes. was about. income toward housing compared with Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Chairman, A decision has to be made here. Of 22 percent for non-Hawaiians. The rate apparently we are going to have to course we have to come and defend our of homelessness among Hawaiians at come to the floor over and over on this. programs. Everybody does. I am quite 12.2 households per 1,000 is double that I would appreciate it if the gentleman content to do that. from the Eighth District of Georgia of non-Hawaiians. b 1145 In 1982, the U.S. Secretary of the In- representing the people in Grantville, terior and the Governor of the State of who I presume have more courtesy But this is the first time ever in my Hawaii established a Federal-State than the gentleman from that district experience, my legislative experience task force to renew HHCA and the pro- has, could let us know besides the of more than 33 years, that this kind of grams carried under that act. The Fed- smirk on his face when he intends to thing has taken place. eral-State task force issued a report in come and attack someone else in an- Now, I know you folks over there. 1983 with specific recommendations, in- other district. I don’t know how you I’m looking at friends of mine right cluding one that the State and Federal were raised; I know how I was raised. here. You would never have, me or Ms. Government should each make con- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE ACTING CHAIRMAN HIRONO would never do this kind of tributions of $29 million per year to ac- The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Chair thing to you. If you have a disagree- celerate the program. would remind the gentleman to address ment about it, come and see us. Let’s For the first time in 2000, Federal his remarks to the Chair. sit down and talk about it. And if you funding was made available when hous- Mr. ABERCROMBIE. I am confining still disagree with what we’re doing ing assistance for Native Hawaiians my remarks to the Chair, because if I and why we’re doing it, by all means was added to NAHASDA through the was saying it directly to the gen- bring it to our attention on the floor. Native Hawaiian Block Grant. This tleman, he would know it a lot more But these kinds of attacks are unwor- amendment follows what I sense is a physically. thy of this House. It’s unworthy of us developing pattern of challenges to Now, the way I was raised, when you to have relationships with one another programs benefiting Native American, have something to say to somebody, like this. I don’t understand it. I’ve Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian you come and say it to their face. Now, never experienced it before. people. if the gentleman would like to accom- Now, we can do this in 5-minute seg- The earlier failed challenge to the pany me sometime out to Hawaii, I will ments if we want to, but that’s not the previously uncontroversial Native Ha- introduce him to some of these folks way to handle this. I appeal to you, if waiian Housing Act earlier this year that he is attacking today. this is going to be a continuing on- was the first apparent salvo against This act was established by the Con- slaught, let’s sit down and talk it over. Native American programs. The at- gress, and every single dollar and every This legislation, the Department of tempt to strike funds in the Labor and single item associated with that has Hawaiian Homelands is one of the most Education appropriations bill for the been set forth by the Congress over effective housing efforts that we have Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian-Serv- time. The President of the United in order to try and meet the conditions ing Institutions, and the Higher Edu- States, Republican or Democrat, in- that were set forth by the Congress and cation Act raises the concerns that all cluding this President, has put these administered faithfully by the State of programs benefiting Native Americans funds in the budget in order to meet Hawaii since our entrance to the Union will be subjected to attack by certain the obligations of the contract. in 1959. groups. Again, Mr. Chairman, I am not famil- The House supported reauthorization The same arguments of constitu- iar with how the gentleman from the of this program; 272 Members, includ- tionality of these programs benefiting Eighth District of Georgia handles con- ing 45 Republicans, voted for it. It is Native Americans have been raised and tracts, but we honor them where I not a partisan issue. rejected by this body time and again. come from. And I’ll finish with this, Mr. Chair- This is not race-based discrimination. There is 200,000 acres set aside, and man. The Republican Governor and the The relationship between the United the original legislation states as fol- Republican Members of the House of States and Native Americans is based lows, section 1065–569, I commend to Representatives and the Senate in Ha- on a political relationship, as Supreme the gentleman’s attention: ‘‘Congress waii, as well as the Democrats, support Court decisions have consistently held. does not extend services to Native Ha- this program. It is not a partisan issue. Like other indigenous peoples, such waiians because of their race, but be- And so I ask, out of courtesy for as Native Americans and Alaska Na- cause of their unique status as the in- Members, that if we’re going to have a tives, Native Hawaiians have a special digenous people of a once sovereign na- discussion about this, at least let’s trust relationship with the United tion as to whom the United States has have it on the merits of what the issue States. It has been well settled that established a trust relationship.’’ is before us. And if we’re going to do Congress has clear plenary power to The Admissions Act that brought us this kind of thing, at least have the fulfill its obligations to indigenous into the Union as the 50th State says courtesy, the common courtesy that people who once had sovereign gov- specifically that, with regard to these should be extended to any Member of erning entities before the establish- lands, the Hawaiian Homes Lands, that House, to let us know that it’s hap- ment of the United States, and whose they are to be administered by the pening so perhaps, Mr. Chairman, we lands are currently within the borders State of Hawaii and the United States could resolve the issue beforehand. of the United States. Like Native ‘‘for the betterment of the conditions The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gentle- Americans and Alaska Natives, Native of Native Hawaiians as defined under man’s time has expired. Hawaiians suffered the loss of their the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act Mr. WELDON of Florida. Mr. Chair- sovereignty and lands to the United of 1920.’’ And it goes on from there to man, I move to strike the last word. States. cite what is involved. The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gen- I could go on, Mr. Chairman, but for Now, the block grant program pro- tleman is recognized for 5 minutes. these and many other reasons, I vides funds for infrastructure to help Mr. WELDON of Florida. I’m happy strongly urge my colleagues to vote Native Hawaiians obtain mortgages on to yield to the gentleman from Geor- against this amendment. lands set aside for them from Congress. gia. The Acting CHAIRMAN. The time of Because of the conditions set out by Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Chair- the gentlewoman has expired. the Congress, ordinary financing is not man, I missed in the rule book where

VerDate Mar 15 2010 08:08 Jun 21, 2010 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR07\H24JY7.000 H24JY7 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD July 24, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 14 20239 you needed to call any Member or any- million, and regardless of what they’ve NATIVE HAWAIIAN HOUSING LOAN GUARANTEE thing to discuss an amendment that gotten from the Republican Congress FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT you might have, and I apologize for not since 2002, that we could start anew. (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS) reading that chapter in the rule book. And so I think it’s worthwhile that we For the cost of guaranteed loans, as au- And, Mr. Chairman, I think I was can offer an amendment that we can thorized by section 184A of the Housing and raised very appropriately from a fam- have a vote on trying to take a special Community Development Act of 1992 (12 ily that had to watch their money. My set-aside for a racial group to have U.S.C. 1715z–13b), $1,044,000, to remain avail- able until expended: Provided, That such father worked two jobs. He was an At- something different than the rest of costs, including the costs of modifying such lanta firefighter, and he worked shifts. the people in this country have. loans, shall be as defined in section 502 of the In one week he’d be gone, work at the Mr. WELDON of Florida. I yield Congressional Budget Act of 1974: Provided fire department during the day and back, Mr. Chairman. further, That these funds are available to then he’d be home at night. And then Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Chairman, I move to subsidize total loan principal, any part of the next week he worked surveying strike the last word. which is to be guaranteed, not to exceed during the day and the fire station at The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gen- $41,504,255. night, so we didn’t see him for a week tleman from Connecticut is recognized In addition, for administrative expenses to for 5 minutes. carry out the guaranteed loan program, up at a time. And he would watch every to $34,650 from amounts in the first para- dollar that he had, and I think he did a Mr. SHAYS. First off, I’ve been lis- graph, which shall be transferred to and great job in raising me and my sister tening to this debate, and I felt, can- merged with the appropriation for ‘‘Salaries and providing for our family. didly, that it was getting a little per- and Expenses’’. He never really asked for anything sonal and I’m uncomfortable with that. COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT from the government, and so I guess But I’m also now uncomfortable with HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONS WITH that I’m very careful about some of the what was described. AIDS ways that we spend our money, and es- I believe, and I want to be on record, (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS) pecially when it is on a program that I since I was on this floor, that Eskimos For carrying out the Housing Opportuni- look at as a set-aside program. And and Native Hawaiians are a group of ties for Persons with AIDS program, as au- whether the gentleman from Hawaii or people no different from American In- thorized by the AIDS Housing Opportunity the lady from Hawaii look at it as a dians. They were there before we got Act (42 U.S.C. 12901 et seq.), $300,100,000, to set-aside or not, I don’t know. That’s there. And that’s the way I view it. remain available until September 30, 2009, their right. And I understand that they And I think that we need to look at except that amounts allocated pursuant to section 854(c)(3) of such Act shall remain may know some things that I don’t how we provide funding for all Native Americans, Native Eskimos, and Na- available until September 30, 2010: Provided, know. And I can just look at this as a That the Secretary of Housing and Urban Member of Congress and look at see tive Hawaiians. But I don’t see their Development shall renew all expiring con- what the Congresses have done in the difference. I see them all collectively tracts for permanent supportive housing past. the same. that were funded under section 854(c)(3) of And for some reason, Mr. Chairman, I oppose this amendment. I will be such Act that meet all program require- the tendency for the majority party voting against it. But I certainly un- ments before awarding funds for new con- now is to tell me and other Members derstand the right of my colleague tracts and activities authorized under this that stand up here and try to look after from Georgia to introduce an amend- section: Provided further, That the Secretary ment. And I certainly agree, though, may use up to $1,485,000 of the funds under the taxpayers’ dollars what the Repub- this heading for training, oversight, and licans did. I don’t care what the Repub- that it should be opposed. technical assistance activities; and $1,485,000 licans did. What they did, what other I yield back. shall be transferred to the Working Capital people did in the past doesn’t make The Acting CHAIRMAN. The ques- Fund. what we’re doing today right or wrong. tion is on the amendment offered by RURAL HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT And so all I’m doing is bringing up the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. For the Office of Rural Housing and Eco- the point that this is a set-aside for WESTMORELAND). nomic Development in the Department of somebody, for a group of people that The question was taken; and the Act- Housing and Urban Development, $16,830,000, are not Native Americans. They’re not ing Chairman announced that the noes to remain available until expended, which an Indian tribe. This is a race group, appeared to have it. amount shall be competitively awarded by and that’s as simple as it is. Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Chair- September 1, 2008, to Indian tribes, State man, I demand a recorded vote. housing finance agencies, State community Now, we can argue all the points that and/or economic development agencies, local we want to argue, and the learned gen- The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further pro- rural nonprofits, and community develop- tleman from Hawaii is a very smart ment corporations to support innovative guy. I know he’s probably a doctor in ceedings on the amendment offered by housing and economic development activi- sociology. And he can come down here the gentleman from Georgia will be ties in rural areas. and talk negatively about me if he postponed. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND The Clerk will read. wants to. That’s his prerogative. (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS) The Clerk read as follows: But I was asking a learned defense For assistance to units of State and local attorney one day, I said, you know, INDIAN HOUSING LOAN GUARANTEE FUND government, and to other entities, for eco- what does it feel like to have a client PROGRAM ACCOUNT nomic and community development activi- that you’re trying to defend, and all (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS) ties, and for other purposes, $4,180,000,000, to the information and the facts are For the cost of guaranteed loans, as au- remain available until September 30, 2010, against you? thorized by section 184 of the Housing and unless otherwise specified: Provided, That of He said, you know what, you just Community Development Act of 1992 (12 the amount provided, $3,929,300,000 is for car- U.S.C. 1715z–13a), $7,450,000, to remain avail- rying out the community development block have to really get up and talk as loud able until expended: Provided, That such grant program under title I of the Housing as you can and really be as mad as you costs, including the costs of modifying such and Community Development Act of 1974 can and really talk about anything loans, shall be as defined in section 502 of the (the ‘‘Act’’) (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.): Provided other than the facts. And I know I’ve Congressional Budget Act of 1974: Provided further, That unless explicitly provided for seen that on a couple of occasions here further, That these funds are available to under this heading (except for planning from different people. subsidize total loan principal, any part of grants provided in the second paragraph and And so all I’m asking is that we have which is to be guaranteed, up to $367,000,000. amounts made available under the third a chance, in this House, to vote on this In addition, for administrative expenses to paragraph), not to exceed 20 percent of any carry out the guaranteed loan program, up grant made with funds appropriated under amendment. And I think it’s fair that to $247,500 from amounts in the first para- this heading shall be expended for planning we vote on this amendment; that we graph, which shall be transferred to and and management development and adminis- vote on this amendment to try to de- merged with the appropriation for ‘‘Salaries tration: Provided further, That $1,584,000 shall cide if we want to give another $8.7 and Expenses’’. be transferred to the Working Capital Fund:

VerDate Mar 15 2010 08:08 Jun 21, 2010 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR07\H24JY7.000 H24JY7 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD 20240 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 14 July 24, 2007 Provided further, That $62,000,000 shall be for Public Law 108–447 is deemed to be amended Mr. OLVER. I would be very pleased grants to Indian tribes notwithstanding sec- with respect to item number 521 by striking if you would withdraw this, and then I tion 106(a)(1) of such Act, of which, notwith- ‘‘Missouri’’ and inserting ‘‘Metropolitan Sta- will work with you as best we can to standing any other provision of law (includ- tistical Area’’. try to resolve this problem in an expe- ing section 205 of this Act), up to $3,960,000 AMENDMENT NO. 5 OFFERED BY MS. CORRINE ditious and favorable way, if it is at all may be used for emergencies that constitute BROWN OF FLORIDA imminent threats to health and safety. possible to do as we go forward in this Of the amount made available under this Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. process. heading, $160,000,000 shall be available for Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment. Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. grants for the Economic Development Initia- The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous con- tive to finance a variety of targeted eco- will designate the amendment. sent to withdraw the amendment. nomic investments: Provided, That none of The text of the amendment is as fol- The Acting CHAIRMAN. Without ob- the funds provided under this paragraph may lows: jection, the amendment is withdrawn. be used for program operations: Provided fur- Amendment No. 5 offered by Ms. CORRINE There was no objection. ther, That, for fiscal years 2006, 2007, and 2008, BROWN of Florida: no unobligated funds for EDI grants may be The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk Page 80, after line 22, insert the following: will read. used for any purpose except acquisition, The referenced statement of managers planning, design, purchase of equipment, re- under this heading in title II of Public Law The Clerk read as follows: vitalization, redevelopment or construction. 107–73 is deemed to be amended with respect COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT LOAN GUARANTEES Of the amount made available under this to the item relating to the City of Maitland, PROGRAM ACCOUNT heading, $20,000,000 shall be available for Florida, by striking ‘‘for a senior citizens (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS) neighborhood initiatives that are utilized to center’’ and inserting ‘‘for the Minihaha For the cost of guaranteed loans, $2,970,000, improve the conditions of distressed and Park development’’. to remain available until September 30, 2009, blighted areas and neighborhoods, to stimu- as authorized by section 108 of the Housing late investment, economic diversification, Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Chairman, and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 and community revitalization in areas with I reserve a point of order on the gentle- U.S.C. 5308): That such costs, in- population outmigration or a stagnating or woman’s amendment. Provided, cluding the cost of modifying such loans, declining economic base, or to determine The Acting CHAIRMAN. A point of shall be as defined in section 502 of the Con- whether housing benefits can be integrated order is reserved. gressional Budget Act of 1974: more effectively with welfare reform initia- Provided fur- Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. That these funds are available to sub- tives. ther, The referenced statement of managers Mr. Chairman, this amendment simply sidize total loan principal, any part of which under this heading in title II of division I of reprograms funds for a project that was is to be guaranteed, not to exceed Public Law 108–447 is deemed to be amended included in the 2002 VA–HUD appro- $137,500,000, notwithstanding any aggregate with respect to item number 194 by striking priation bill to another project in the limitation on outstanding obligations guar- ‘‘for costs associated with replacing the roof same city. anteed in section 108(k) of the Housing and on the historic Luckey, Platt Building’’ and The city of Maitland, Florida, which Community Development Act of 1974, as inserting ‘‘for building stabilization meas- amended. is located in the southern portion of In addition, for administrative expenses to ures at the historic Hoffman House’’. my district, had money allocated to The statement of managers correction ref- carry out the guaranteed loan program, erenced in the second paragraph under this them for the construction of a commu- $743,000 shall be transferred to and merged heading in title III of division A of Public nity center. Unfortunately, the project with the appropriation for ‘‘Salaries and Ex- Law 109–115 is deemed to be amended with re- was completed before funds were dis- penses’’. spect to item number 846 by striking tributed by the Department of Housing BROWNFIELDS REDEVELOPMENT ‘‘Mahonoy City, Pennsylvania for improve- and Urban Development, and they are For competitive economic development ments to West Market Street’’ and inserting now unable to use this money. grants, as authorized by section 108(q) of the ‘‘Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania for improve- The city of Maitland, the recipient of Housing and Community Development Act of ments to Centre Street’’. 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5308(q)), for Brownfields rede- The statement of managers correction ref- the funds, has requested that the funds be redirected to another EDI project velopment projects, $9,900,000, to remain erenced in the second paragraph under this available until September 30, 2009. heading in title III of division A of Public that involves the redevelopment of a Law 109–115 is deemed to be amended with re- public park that includes the creation b 1200 spect to item number 250 by striking ‘‘for of age-specific exercise courses and AMENDMENT OFFERED BY MR. SHAYS renovation and construction of a resource walking and bike paths. Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Chairman, I offer an center’’ and inserting ‘‘for construction of a The money promised to Maitland is amendment. homeless shelter’’. still available at the Department of The statement of managers correction ref- The Clerk read as follows: erenced in the second paragraph under this Housing and Urban Development and Amendment offered by Mr. SHAYS: heading in title III of division A of Public will have no financial impact on this Page 81, line 24, after the dollar amount, Law 109–115 is deemed to be amended with re- year’s bill. The community center is insert ‘‘(increased by $1,000,000)’’. spect to item number 713 by striking ‘‘for fully completed, making funds ear- Page 97, line 11, after the first dollar construction of a senior center’’ and insert- marked for this project useless to the amount, insert ‘‘(reduced by $1,000,000)’’. ing ‘‘renovation and expansion of facilities’’. city. Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Chairman, I am of- The statement of managers correction ref- Every Member knows this type of fering an amendment today to increase erenced in the second paragraph under this heading in title III of division A of Public Federal funding is crucial to a small the brownfields program funded at Law 109–115 is deemed to be amended with re- city like Maitland, and I would hate to HUD by $1 million. This funding will be spect to item number 844 by striking ‘‘Liver- see funds meant for my district go taken from the Department’s general pool Township’’ and inserting ‘‘Liverpool unspent because we could not, HUD, salaries and expenses. Borough’’. get their act together and make this I believe the brownfields program is The referenced statement of managers change. one of the most successful programs under this heading in title II of division I of I would ask the chairman to work the Federal Government has to help re- Public Law 108–447 is deemed to be amended with respect to item number 36 by striking with me as this bill moves forward to vitalize urban areas. These sites, typi- ‘‘respite care facility’’ and inserting ‘‘reha- try to help the city of Maitland solve cally in the heart of urban areas, lie bilitative care facility for the develop- this problem. idle because no one wants to incur the mentally disabled’’. Mr. Chairman, I’m going to withdraw large costs associated with Superfund The referenced statement of managers this amendment, but I’m hoping that cleanups and the uncertainty of wheth- under this heading in title II of division I of as we move forward, you will work to er, in fact, it is a Superfund. As a re- Public Law 108–447 is deemed to be amended help rectify this problem that was cre- sult, cities are marked by abandoned with respect to item number 608 by striking ated by the Department of HUD and buildings and vacant lots while devel- ‘‘construct’’ and inserting ‘‘purchase and make improvements to facilities for’’. this administration. opers construct new buildings on what The referenced statement of managers I yield to the gentleman from Massa- was previously open space in the sub- under this heading in title II of division I of chusetts. urbs.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 08:08 Jun 21, 2010 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR07\H24JY7.000 H24JY7 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD July 24, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 14 20241 Though small, these grants serve as want to use this time to point out what And what I am hearing you say is that seed money, enabling dozens of com- has happened here on the brownfields these dollars, therefore, are just being munities to leverage millions of State program. maintained at a constant amount, and and private dollars to move into the The President, in the 2007 budget that this administration is choosing actual cleanup phase. This funding process, ended up recommending that not to allocate them and spend them. should encourage more environmental we zero out this program in the 2007 Is that what I am hearing from you? cleanup and bring about economic de- budget, and he actually recommended Mr. OLVER. I am saying that they fi- velopment of brownfield sites. By rescinding the 2006 moneys, which were nally put the grant proposals out for reusing brownfield sites, we are not exactly the same amount of money award, but a year late essentially, and only rebuilding blighted communities, that has been put in the 2007 finally each time only after it is clear, for in- but also targeting development in city and had been put in the 2006 budget. stance, the 2007 moneys will finally be centers and avoiding unnecessary ur- And under those circumstances, when sent out for grant announcements at banization on fringes of metropolitan they are making recommendations to the very end of this fiscal year when it areas. rescind, their approach is not to give is clear that we have not rescinded the Mr. Chairman, a brownfield is an out any grants under the program until 2007 moneys. abandoned, idle, or unused property after the budget process for the fol- Mr. SHAYS. Could I ask the gen- where expansion of redevelopment is lowing year is complete, and, therefore, tleman another question? complicated by the presence or poten- those moneys just don’t get put out Mr. OLVER. Yes. tial presence of contaminations. until very late. There is a real big gap Mr. SHAYS. The $10 million that is Brownfields redevelopment can benefit in it. That is what has happened pre- in here, which is a smaller amount both private investors and the commu- viously. than the 25 million that used to be nities in which they are located. For This year the President did not pro- there a few years ago, it will be avail- the private sector, brownfields redevel- pose to rescind the 2007 budget moneys able if we can convince the Secretary opment can mean new business oppor- for the simple reason that the 2007 of HUD to allocate these dollars to tunities, the potential for profit on un- budget moneys were not settled in this communities; is that correct? used or underutilized properties, im- until the CR was adopted after the Mr. OLVER. Repeat it, please. prove community environmental stew- budget was submitted. If that had been Mr. SHAYS. There is money for ardship, and access to untapped urban done prior to when the budget was sub- brownfields in this legislation. I am markets. mitted, my guess is that the President just adding 10 percent more. But let’s The retail purchasing power of a cen- would have proposed rescinding the take my amendment out of the equa- tral-city resident is conservatively es- 2007 moneys as well as zeroing out the tion and at least have this dialogue timated at $665 billion. Even house- 2008 moneys, which is what has hap- about brownfields for my edification holds in those economically distressed pened in his recommendations for this and for the RECORD. Is it your point urban neighborhoods possess $85 billion year’s bill. that you are appropriating this $10 mil- in annual retail purchasing power. So we are in this game, in a situation lion in this budget that you have, but Brownfields redevelopment is critical where the people over at OMB believe, that you do not anticipate it will be to tapping into these consumer mar- I believe wrongly, but they seem to in- spent? kets. sist that there is someplace else in the Mr. OLVER. It will not be spent Cities encounter many impediments budget, namely under EPA, where probably until the very end of the 2008 to developing brownfields: the lack of brownfields redevelopment is going to fiscal year, is when finally the RFPs necessary funding for cleanup, con- get done. That doesn’t happen. The will go out for possible granting. cerns over liability, the need for envi- moneys that are in for brownfields The Acting CHAIRMAN. The time of ronmental assessments of properties, under EPA are for assessments, and we the gentleman from Massachusetts has uncertainty over cleanup standards, have been doing assessments, and I be- expired. unfavorable neighborhood and market lieve that this should be funded. So in (On request of Mr. SHAYS, and by conditions, land assembly issues, reluc- the face of what I have described, we unanimous consent, Mr. OLVER was al- tance to invest in distressed commu- have for the last couple of years con- lowed to proceed for 2 additional min- nities due to concerns with urban so- tinued to appropriate, but at the con- utes.) cial and economic conditions. stant value of $9.9 million for this pro- Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Chairman, if the The bottom line for me is the most gram, to keep it there until such time gentleman will continue to yield, could successful program that we have en- as we have someone who understands I just ask is there any legal impedi- countered in this Congress to deal with that that kind of program isn’t being ment if we in Congress are able to con- urban areas is the brownfields pro- done anywhere else and is willing to vince HUD to spend the money? This is gram. Whether it comes from EPA or move the moneys along, which the ad- not a trick question. This is an edifi- whether it comes from HUD, we need ministration, as I have described, sim- cation question. Is there any legal im- to do everything we can, in my judg- ply is not willing to do. So that is the pediment to the administration’s ment, to clean up these sites and make situation that we are in. spending the $10 million that you have them productive, and thereby in the Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Chairman, will the allocated? end saving our greenfield sites that gentleman yield? Mr. OLVER. No, there is none. There should stay undeveloped. Mr. OLVER. I would be happy to is none. But the offset that the gen- Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- yield to the gentleman from Con- tleman has used is salaries and ex- ance of my time. necticut. penses, salaries and expenses is an ac- Mr. OLVER. Mr. Chairman, I move to Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Chairman, I won’t count which, in the tightness of this strike the last word. ask for a rollcall vote on this amend- budget, in trying to do for section 8 The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gen- ment, which may amount to the same and CDBG and the other places, we tleman from Massachusetts is recog- thing as withdrawing this amendment, have already cut a bit, not a great deal, nized for 5 minutes. but could I have a dialogue with this but a bit, and I oppose, as I said before, Mr. OLVER. Mr. Chairman, I am gentleman? in good conscience, the movement of hopeful that the gentleman will with- Mr. OLVER. I have yielded. salaries and expense moneys into this draw his amendment here, and I would Mr. SHAYS. What I am hearing is where we know that it is not going to be happy to work with him because in that you are not saying that these dol- be spent with any alacrity and any ex- substantial measure I support the in- lars are now going to be in EPA. You pedition. tent of the amendment, but I have con- are saying basically what is in EPA are Mr. SHAYS. I thank the gentleman. cerns about the offset, even though it for assessments, but not to help devel- The Acting CHAIRMAN. The ques- is a relatively small offset. But I do opers come in and start to clean up. tion is on the amendment offered by

VerDate Mar 15 2010 08:08 Jun 21, 2010 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR07\H24JY7.000 H24JY7 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD 20242 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 14 July 24, 2007 the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Many foreclosed homes sit vacant level of the budget request for the year SHAYS). and boarded up for long periods of 2007, where we had increased in the The amendment was rejected. time. These properties go beyond just supplemental budget the appropriation The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk being an eyesore and become a threat for the IG to $88.2 million, in the sup- will read. to public health and safety. These plemental budget had been added to The Clerk read as follows: properties are a blight to our neighbor- the IG to do its work, and have rec- HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM hoods and result in falling property ommended in this bill a less than 2 per- (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS) values and increased crime, lead to an cent increase. So that, compared with For the HOME investment partnerships eroded tax base, and impair a city’s the 2007 appropriation for the IG, the program, as authorized under title II of the ability to provide important services to amendment would represent a 5 or 6 Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable families. percent decrease in the amount of Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12721 et seq.), Beyond the individual impact these funding available for the IG. $1,757,250,000, to remain available until Sep- practices have on our neighborhoods, We simply are not in a position to be tember 30, 2010, of which $990,000 shall be the subprime foreclosure crisis is re- able to increase this account because of transferred to the Working Capital Fund: sulting in the loss of capital in the fi- the deep holes that the President hand- Provided, That up to $9,900,000 shall be avail- ed to us in the HUD budget. We froze able for technical assistance: Provided fur- nancial market, a market that, if not righted, could threaten our growing ro- the account at the FY07 level, with the ther, That of the total amount provided in supplemental amount there, which is this paragraph, up to $41,580,000 shall be bust economy. available for housing counseling under sec- Today we are seeing headlines from the best that we could do without tion 106 of the Housing and Urban Develop- all across the country showing the harming other HUD programs. ment Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701x). growing concerns of financial markets Now, taking the funding from the In- spector General to increase this ac- AMENDMENT NO. 2 OFFERED BY MR. TURNER regarding predatory and subprime lend- Mr. TURNER. Mr. Chairman, I offer ing practices that have resulted in a count is counterproductive to the gen- an amendment. record number of foreclosures. tleman’s amendment. Should we reduce The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk Recently, members of the Ohio dele- the oversight in order to increase the will designate the amendment. gation, led by Representatives housing counseling? They’re both vital programs. We feel that we have struck The text of the amendment is as fol- GILLMOR, PRYCE, LATOURETTE, and the correct balance here for this pair of lows: Senator BROWN, held a forum on the predatory lending crisis in Ohio. At needs. Amendment No. 2 offered by Mr. TURNER: I commend the gentleman’s passion this forum we heard from a variety of Page 82, line 6, after the dollar amount, in- on the issue, and I would be happy to sert ‘‘(increased by $6,760,000)’’. groups, from banks to fair housing work with him in the future on the Page 82, line 11, after the dollar amount, groups. All of these groups shared a insert ‘‘(increased by $6,760,000)’’. issue related to housing counseling. mutual concern over the issue of preda- And I do recognize that we are likely Page 100, line 5, after the first dollar tory and subprime lending, and many amount, insert ‘‘(reduced by $6,760,000)’’. to have some, in the secondary lending agreed that an increased focus on hous- market, problems later this year, con- Mr. TURNER. Mr. Chairman, my ing counseling was a key component to amendment, coauthored by Represent- tinuing problems, as we have been hav- fighting this problem. ing, but I would urge the gentleman to ative BIGGERT of Illinois and Mr. It is my hope that increased funding GILLMOR of Ohio, seeks to help families withdraw the amendment at this time possible through this amendment will and we would try to work it out in con- who are potential victims of lending allow housing counseling agencies the practices that could lead to fore- ference. ability to provide vital counseling Mr. TURNER. Will the gentleman closure. The amendment increases the services to families in need. These amount of funds available for housing yield? services will give families the assist- Mr. OLVER. I would be happy to counseling under section 106 of the ance they need to protect themselves yield. Housing and Urban Development Act of from practices and circumstances that Mr. TURNER. Mr. Chairman, I appre- 1968. could lead to foreclosure. ciate your commitment to look to The amendment would increase the Mr. Chairman, I believe that home- work on this issue; however, the hous- program’s funding by $6.7 million. The ownership is a privilege that everyone ing crisis is enormous. It is impacting increase is offset by reducing the Office should enjoy. We must give all Amer- a number of families and neighbor- of Inspector General account by $6.7 ican families the tools they need to be hoods throughout the country. We’re million. The CBO has scored this successful homeowners. seeing the impacts are grave. amendment as budget-neutral. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- I would like to work with you on Funding for housing counseling has ance of my time. where, perhaps, an offset would be ac- increased by only $2 million since fis- Mr. OLVER. Mr. Chairman, I move to ceptable. But at this time we would cal year 2003. strike the last word. like the House to be on record in sup- Mr. Chairman, as a former mayor of The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gen- port of this increased funding, so I the city of Dayton, Ohio, I have seen tleman from Massachusetts is recog- would desire not to withdraw the directly the detrimental impact that nized for 5 minutes. amendment. But I appreciate your sup- predatory lending and the practice of Mr. OLVER. Mr. Chairman, I would port of the increased funding and will unwarranted subprime loans have had ask the gentleman if he would with- look forward to working with you. on urban families and communities. In draw his amendment, and I would be Mr. OLVER. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2001, the University of Dayton released happy to work with him, as I am sure back the balance of my time. a study of how mortgage foreclosures the ranking member would as well, Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Chairman, I were affecting urban areas in Ohio. My though I would lead him to comment, move to strike the last word. community of Dayton had 1 foreclosure to work with him in conference to ad- The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gentle- for every 43 households. Similar find- dress this issue. woman from Illinois is recognized for 5 ings were seen in Cleveland, Akron, Co- minutes. lumbus, and Cincinnati. b 1215 Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Chairman, I rise The problem of home foreclosures Otherwise, I rise in reluctant opposi- in support of the Turner-Biggert- isn’t limited to Ohio and the Midwest. tion to the gentleman’s amendment. Gillmor amendment to increase fund- According to a June 12, 2007, I believe the need, as he has indi- ing for HUD-approved housing coun- Bloomberg article, national home fore- cated, for housing counseling is strong. seling services by $6.76 million, bring- closure rates in May soared 90 percent But what his offset does in this in- ing the HUD total housing counseling from last year. Many of these are tied stance is to take the funding for the In- budget to $48.34 million for fiscal year to the subprime loan industry. spector General for HUD back to the 2008.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 08:08 Jun 21, 2010 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR07\H24JY7.000 H24JY7 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD July 24, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 14 20243 As the ranking member of the Finan- American Dream. But I think this and also in the Midwest, most of those cial Services Housing and Community amendment is good for the economy, foreclosures have not come as a result Opportunity Subcommittee, I want to good for American homeowners, and I of loans by federally regulated banks thank my colleagues from Ohio for think it’s crucial that we act upon it and savings and loans. They have come their work on this amendment, which now, where so many people are in these from those lenders and mortgage bro- is a modest increase in funding that dire straights. kers who are not regulated by the Fed- could prevent millions of Americans I know that there are groups that are eral Government but by the States, from losing their homes. in support of this, and one that comes who have not done their job. I’ve spent many an hour this year lis- to mind that we just received a letter I called together a conference, I guess tening to witness after witness testify from is Acorn. So I would urge my col- about six weeks ago, of Ohio financial before our subcommittee and the Fi- leagues to support this amendment. institutions, of regulators, of commu- nancial Services Committee about the Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- nity groups, to talk about the fore- current home foreclosure spike. Ac- ance of my time. closure crisis and what effectively cording to data released by the Mort- Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Chairman, could be done. And I was surprised that gage Bankers Association, while our I move to strike the last word. the consensus that came out of that country will continue to enjoy record The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gen- meeting of all those groups was that homeownership rates, foreclosures are tleman from Michigan is recognized for the single most important thing you on the rise and we should expect an- 5 minutes. could do would be to provide for hous- other 1 million Americans to lose their Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Chairman, ing counseling. And the people who did homes this year. These mortgage fore- I rise in support of this funding for have counseling had a very low fore- closure rates raise eyebrows and call housing counseling. closure rate. And all this bill would do into question what actions can be I know, Mr. Chairman, you have a would be to provide a modest increase taken to help homeowners keep their view about hoping to see him with- in counseling. We will get a tremen- homes. I would like to emphasize the draw, but there is an urgency involved dous benefit and a decrease in fore- word ‘‘action.’’ here. This amendment recognizes the closures as a result of it. Almost 2 weeks ago this body passed, harsh realities that in many places I think this amendment presents a by a vote of 411–7, House Resolution 526 across the country families face delin- choice. You have two agencies, and you sponsored by the gentleman from quencies in mortgage payments. And have a choice between them. You’ve Maryland (Mr. CUMMINGS). This resolu- they’re on a rapid rise. Michigan is one got the Inspector General and the tion called on this body to take action of those States as well. This modest Housing Counseling Program. Which to support home ownership and respon- amendment would add funds to profes- one are you going to fund level to last sible lending. The resolution directed sional counselors to help families keep year and which one are you going to in- us to increase opportunities for loan their homes and perhaps help them crease? And I would say to you, if you counseling. So what can Congress do to avoid high-risk loans to begin with. look at what’s going on in the housing meet this directive today? What is it The program has been a proven suc- market, it is pretty clear that if there we should be doing right now to ensure cess. Michigan, like Ohio, has been ex- is to be a priority between those two, it that 650,000 homeowners and those who periencing a rise in delinquent loans. ought to be to put more money into may follow can keep their homes? One This increase could make a huge dif- counseling so that you can save people step in the right direction is to support ference for so many families who are and their homes. the Turner amendment to increase facing a mortgage crisis. I also point out that the Senate has funding and, therefore, opportunities The Inspector General has received already passed language that goes for housing counseling. significant increases since Katrina to much further than ours. So I would ask It is crucial to promote financial lit- ensure that it can monitor the use of for support of the Turner-Biggert- eracy and educate our youth and funds in the reconstruction. Therefore, Gillmor amendment. adults. This is the most direct way of I do not believe the reduction will in Today I rise in strong support of the Turner- ensuring that consumers understand any way impact the IG’s ability to do Biggert-Gillmor amendment. Not a day goes the terms of their loans so that they its job, and could greatly improve the by that we do not see reports of another facet may avoid predatory loans and fore- lives of many families facing a finan- of the growing turmoil in our housing markets. closure altogether. cial crisis. For far too long, Ohioans and others have I’m pleased that on June 25, I do support the amendment, and I been subject to predatory lenders, loose un- NeighborWorks America and the Ad urge its adoption. derwriting standards and too few housing Council launched a national ad cam- Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- counseling opportunities. My colleagues Mr. paign aimed at preventing home fore- ance of my time. TURNER, Ms. BIGGERT and many others have closures. Homeowners in trouble can Mr. GILLMOR. I move to strike the explored these issues for years and have try to save their homes by calling a last word. worked tirelessly to find solutions to the prob- hotline, 888–995–HOPE, a number pro- The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gen- lem of foreclosure. Mr. TURNER was active in vided by the Homeownership Preserva- tleman from Ohio is recognized for 5 efforts to prevent predatory lending as the tion Foundation. minutes. mayor of Dayton. My colleague Ranking Mem- In addition, we have about 2,300 HUD- Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Chairman, I will ber BIGGERT has been a leader in efforts to certified housing counseling agencies enter my statement in the RECORD, and promote financial literacy. Housing counseling across the country. Americans should I am going to be very brief. is a critical element to helping Americans stay know that they can visit HUD’s Web I rise in support of the amendment. I in their home. During a recent summit I put to- site or call 800–569–4287 to find a HUD- want to commend the gentleman, Mr. gether on Ohio’s foreclosure crisis, regulators, certified counselor in their neighbor- TURNER, for taking leadership on this lenders and housing advocates from Ohio hood. HUD-certified counselors can amendment. He has a record of being alike presented an opinion that a significant give straightforward and free or low- very active, when he was mayor of number of homeowners were not able to tell cost advice to potential or existing Dayton, trying to deal with the prob- you whether they had a fixed-rate or an ad- homeowners about buying a home, refi- lems of predatory lending. And I want justable-rate mortgage. Today, too many find nancing a mortgage or preventing fore- to commend Mrs. BIGGERT for her work out the hard way when their loan resets. It is closure. on this, as well as her work on finan- expected that some $600 billion in subprime The Turner amendment is one way cial literacy. loans will reset in the next 18 months and the that we can enhance the ability of our Ohio, unfortunately, has been one of fallout could be devastating to many of our local HUD-certified housing counselors the leaders in foreclosures. And I want constituents. to help our constituents avoid fore- to point out one of the things that we The consensus of all those attending was closure and keep their piece of the found about foreclosures nationally that the most important single thing we could

VerDate Mar 15 2010 08:08 Jun 21, 2010 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR07\H24JY7.000 H24JY7 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD 20244 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 153, Pt. 14 July 24, 2007 do to prevent foreclosure was to provide coun- Mr. TURNER. I certainly appreciate mittee of the Whole pursuant to House seling before people actually entered into a your description of the needs for the Resolution 558, notwithstanding clause mortgage. Housing counseling will not be a sil- Inspector General. And I support, of 11 of rule XVIII, no further amendment ver bullet, nor will it prevent someone currently course, the chairman’s description of to the bill may be offered except: in the foreclosure process from losing their searching for additional offsets for this Pro forma amendments offered at home. That being said, there is a clear need in order to find additional monies for any point in the reading by the chair- for additional federal resources in this area housing counseling. And in that, I’m man or ranking minority member of and would hope my colleagues will support certain that after the amendment the Committee on Appropriations or this small increase. passes the House, that there would be a their designees for the purpose of de- Legislation I recently introduced with Rep- great deal of effort by the chairman in bate; resentatives BACHUS, PRYCE and others would conference to seek, perhaps, an addi- An amendment by Mr. CROWLEY re- authorize some $100 million per year in hous- tional offset where the Inspector Gen- garding a study to determine staffing ing counseling, a more than doubling of eral amount could be restored. needs for air traffic controllers; FY2007 enacted levels. The Senator has pro- But as you have heard from so many An amendment by Mr. AL GREEN of posed a comparable increase. While I hope of the Members that are here, this is an Texas regarding funding for the Fair this stand-alone legislation is quickly adopted issue that strikes at the very heart of Housing Initiatives Program; by the House, this amendment assures that the fabric of our neighborhoods and our An amendment by Ms. SLAUGHTER, moving forward, Congress is in favor of addi- families. I have so many families who Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ, or Mr. TERRY regard- tional resources for housing counseling. have come to me to tell me the stories ing funding for lead hazard reduction I urge my colleagues to accept this modest of what they have experienced. There grants; increase in funding so that our constituents are nonprofit organizations in my com- An amendment by Ms. GINNY BROWN- can keep their homes once they realize the munity who are every day working WAITE of Florida regarding an annual American dream of homeownership. with families who have faced this issue study of FHA single-family housing Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- of foreclosure, and they want to know mortgage insurance programs; ance of my time. that we support the services that are An amendment by Mr. GARY MILLER Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Chair- being provided to them and that might of California regarding the authoriza- man, I move to strike the last word. be available to them. tion for additional Moving to Work The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gen- Mr. LEWIS of California. Reclaiming Demonstration agreements; tleman is recognized for 5 minutes. my time, let me say that it is my in- An amendment by Mr. BLUNT regard- Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Chair- tention to support the gentleman’s ing Corporate Average Fuel Economy man, I asked for time simply to have a amendment. I would urge the chairman standards; discussion with Mr. TURNER, if I might, to consider doing the same as we An amendment by Mr. CONAWAY re- regarding his amendment. search for an offset somewhere else. garding use of reductions made Mr. TURNER, in ancient history I had But in the meantime, the issue is a through amendment for deficit reduc- the privilege of chairing this sub- critical issue. It is spreading across the tion; committee, and during those early country like wildfire. We are going to An amendment by Mr. DEFAZIO, or years I was very, very concerned with see an awful lot more of this challenge, Mr. HUNTER, or Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas what was happening within the total not less of this. So I appreciate the prohibiting use of funds for certain housing programming, what happens to gentleman’s effort. cross-border motor carrier demonstra- the money as it flows to communities, Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- tion projects; et cetera. The focus then was upon sec- ance of my time. An amendment by Mr. FLAKE lim- tion 8 housing. I will never forget my The Acting CHAIRMAN. The ques- iting funds for the National Mule and trip to New Orleans to try to see what tion is on the amendment offered by Packers Museum in Woodlake, Cali- was happening with money we sent the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. TURNER). fornia; there over a lot of years to the Housing The amendment was agreed to. An amendment by Mr. FLAKE lim- Authority. I met with the Inspector iting funds for the Los Angeles Fashion General in the offices of the FBI to dis- b 1230 District in Los Angeles, California; cuss what I had seen and some of my Mr. OLVER. Mr. Chairman, I move An amendment by Mr. FLAKE lim- concerns. The FBI guy who was there that the Committee do now rise. iting funds for the Bel Alton High listening to our conversation was heard The motion was agreed to. School Alumni Association Commu- to say, Congressman, if you really Accordingly, the Committee rose; nity Development Corporation in want to get a handle on this, I would and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. Maryland; suggest that one of the things that you HOLDEN) having assumed the chair, Mr. An amendment by Mr. FLAKE lim- might do is put enough money into the WEINER, Acting Chairman of the Com- iting funds for the Hunting and Fishing Inspector General’s office so you can mittee of the Whole House on the state Museum of Pennsylvania; have a full-time inspector general here of the Union, reported that that Com- An amendment by Mr. FLAKE lim- in New Orleans, for this fellow flew in mittee, having had under consideration iting funds for the Houston Zoo in from Houston to talk with you today. the bill (H.R. 3074) making appropria- Texas; I heard a while ago that there had tions for the Departments of Transpor- An amendment by Mr. FLAKE lim- been added monies to the Inspector tation, and Housing and Urban Devel- iting funds for the Walter Clore Wine General’s office since Katrina. I have opment, and related agencies for the and Culinary Center in Washington; no idea what that means in terms of fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, An amendment by Mr. FLAKE lim- the real volume, et cetera, but I do per- and for other purposes, had come to no iting funds for the Belmont Complex in ceive that there is an ongoing problem resolution thereon. Armstrong County, Pennsylvania; across the country. f An amendment by Mr. FLAKE lim- So this discussion, or my reason to iting funds for the North Central Wis- talk with you, is I admire very much PROVIDING FOR FURTHER CONSID- consin Regional Planning Commission what you’re about. I would hope also, ERATION OF H.R. 3074, TRANS- in Wausau, Wisconsin; as you go about it, that you work very PORTATION, HOUSING AND An amendment by Mr. FLAKE lim- closely with the chairman and ranking URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RE- iting funds for the Arlington Chamber member about finding another source LATED AGENCIES APPROPRIA- of Commerce in Texas; of money. The issue is a very impor- TIONS ACT, 2008 An amendment by Mr. FLAKE lim- tant one, but I’m not certain just how Mr. OLVER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- iting funds for the Strand Theatre Per- well off the Inspector General is. imous consent that, during further forming Arts Center in Plattsburgh, I yield to the gentleman. consideration of H.R. 3074 in the Com- New York;

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