Providing for the Concurrence By the House in the Senate Amendment to H.R. with Amendment

Floor Speech

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Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the revision of H.R. 6644, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act introduced by Chairman Hill, Ranking Member Waters, Chairman Flood, and myself.

I appreciate very much the leadership of Ranking Member Waters and Chairman Hill in negotiating this very important revision. To quote Chairman Hill: ``This is how Congress is supposed to work.'' I could not agree more. I might add, this is how the vast majority of the American public would like to see us conduct business.

Housing remains the single largest expense for the Americans who sent us to Washington. Rising housing costs are consuming an increasing share of household income. Families are struggling to cover necessities and are increasingly unable to save enough to transition into homeownership.

The legislation we will be voting on is extraordinary. The underlying concept--updating Federal housing programs--is a matter, really, of common sense.

What sets this moment apart is not just the concept of the bill, but the bipartisan, open, and deliberative process. The process in the House has made the bill appealing legislatively and politically. It reflects a monthslong and difficult effort to do what our constituents sent us here to do. Chairman Hill did not get everything he wanted. Ranking Member Waters did not get everything she wanted. Chairman Flood did not get everything he wanted, and I can say very clearly I did not get everything I wanted. However, I understand that democracy demands deliberation, and we have a bill that is supported by housing stakeholders and will deliver for the American people.

I thank Chairman Flood for working with me to reform the HOME program. I thank Chairman Flood and Representative Rose for working with me to expand access to manufactured housing. I thank Representative Nunn for working with me to reform USDA rural housing programs. I thank Representative Lawler for working with me on HUD oversight and to improve Section 8. Finally, I thank Ranking Member Warren for her partnership in working with me on the innovation piece. I also thank Ranking Member Warren and Chairman Scott in the Senate, who I greatly respect.

The revised bill, negotiated by Chairman Hill and Ranking Member Waters, is an effort to advance the priorities of the House, Senate, and White House. The constituents in my district, like those all around this country, want to see this bill passed and signed into law. This was one of the greatest opportunities I have had since I have been in Congress.

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