This week, the House Appropriations Committee announced the proposed 2004 Subcommittee funding allocations. The proposal pertains to the total amount of money each subcommittee has to work with. It is subject to modification. Currently, the proposal increases funding for the VA-HUD Subcommittee programs above the President’s 2004 budget request and decreases funding for the Agriculture Subcommittee programs below the request. We will not know which specific programs are winners and losers until the subcommittees begin writing their bills. The goal of House Appropriations Committee Chairman Young is to have the House pass all 13 bills before the August recess. See
www.house.gov/appropriations/news/108_1/04302bs.htm for more information.
Hearings
On Tuesday, the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity held a hearing entitled “The Section 8 Housing Assistance Program: Promoting Decent Affordable Housing for Families and Individuals who Rent.” The hearing focused on the proposed Section 8 Housing Assistance for Needy Families (HANF) block grant.
The majority of witnesses were affiliated with public housing authorities. Testimony was also offered by tenants, the National Multi Housing Council (NMHC), and the National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA). None of the witnesses endorsed the HANF legislation, HR 1841. The closest HR 1841 came to support was NCSHA’s statement of neutrality. According to NCHSA Executive Director Barbara Thompson, “Though we support a Section 8 voucher block grant in concept, we have taken a neutral stance on the Administration’s plan because of our serious concerns about the adequacy of the program funding and administrative flexibility it proposes. We believe, however, the Section 8 voucher program requires reform and HANF is a restructuring proposal worthy of Congress’ and the affordable housing community’s close examination.”
Written statements offered by the witness who testified can be viewed at
https://financialservices.house.gov/hearings.asp?formmode=detail&hearing=227. NAHMA submitted a written position statement based on our two Section 8 NAHMAnalyses. NAHMA is awaiting confirmation from committee staff that it will be included as part of the hearing record.
On Thursday, the Senate Banking Committee examined proposals to increase homeownership opportunities through: the President’s American Dream Downpayment Initiative; HOME; CDBG; FHA mortgage insurance; a Single-Family Affordable Housing Tax Credit; and HUD’s Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. Witnesses included HUD Secretary Martinez, Rep. Katherine Harris, Enterprise Foundation, National Association of Realtors, Habitat for Humanity, and the National Association of Home Builders. Testimony from the homeownership hearing can be viewed at
www.banking.senate.gov/03_06hrg/061203/index.htm.
