Emergency Housing Protections and Relief Act of 2020

Floor Speech

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Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 7301. This important bill extends and expands critical tenant protections and authorizes key housing assistance that is vital to keeping our neighbors safely housed during this ongoing pandemic.

Mr. Speaker, I especially want to thank Chair Waters for including language I wrote that will authorize additional funding for the Public Housing Operating Fund and the Section 8 program.

The money we are providing today would allow public housing authorities to continue taking necessary steps to protect residents from the coronavirus.

Importantly, this bill also extends the eviction and foreclosure moratoriums we created in the CARES Act for 1 year. Further, it expands those protections to all renters and homeowners.

The bill helps subsidize monthly housing costs by creating a $100 billion rental assistance fund and a $75 billion homeownership fund, crucial resources for those struggling with their monthly housing costs.

Creation of these funds will also ensure that individuals and families will not face lump-sum obligations and payments when the moratoriums end.

The urgency of the moment is upon us. We need this bill more than ever. The eviction moratorium provided for in the CARES Act is set to expire in late July.

In New York City, tenants' fear of eviction by unscrupulous landlords is ever-present. It has been predicted we could see a wave of 50,000 evictions in the city if we do not act fast.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to sponsor the bill. I urge its speedy adoption.

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