Homeless Assistance Act of 2019

Floor Speech

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Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise in support of H.R. 4302, the Homeless Assistance Act.

Madam Speaker, homelessness is a very real problem across this country. In fact, more than half a million individuals are homeless on any given night in America.

From cities like my own of Little Rock, Arkansas, to big metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco, State and local governments have been unable to address this devastating human crisis fully.

Last year, the committee held several hearings on homelessness. Throughout our hearings, the committee explored some of the root causes of homelessness, including restrictive local zoning policies, the harsh and punitive treatment of individuals who have no other place to turn, and the counterproductive Federal mandates on shelter providers that will close, not open, doors to people who are truly in need.

The bill we have before us today, H.R. 4302, is designed to help prevent high-risk, vulnerable populations from ever becoming homeless.

The bill allows local public housing agencies to share data and coordinate with other State and local government agencies and their local partnering service providers.

Madam Speaker, I enjoyed working with the majority on this, and I thank my friends for helping protect that private data. The personally identifiable information was of concern to the minority, and I am grateful for the majority helping improve this bill to protect that private data of these Americans struggling with homelessness.

But by sharing this data, these entities can help target and deliver supportive services to these vulnerable populations before they are displaced from their current housing situation. Sharing this data will, we hope, help localities better coordinate to prevent problems before they occur and keep more individuals in stable housing environments and off our streets.

Madam Speaker, I thank my friend from California, Mr. Sherman, the sponsor of this legislation, for his work in this area. I thank the chairwoman of the full committee, who has prioritized fighting homelessness since she was elected to Congress. I thank my friend from Guam for managing the time on this important bill.

Madam Speaker, I recommend that my colleagues support H.R. 4302, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

H.R. 4302 is important legislation that will better assist local agencies in coordinating and providing services to people experiencing homelessness.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important piece of legislation. I thank our colleagues on the other side of the aisle for their support as well.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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