Housing for the 21st Century Act
Floor Speech
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Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, as Chairman Flood has previously stated, bipartisanship is more than just a policy. A genuinely bipartisan effort is defined not only by the substance of the policy but also by the process that meaningfully incorporates input from both parties.
Mr. Speaker, I have been here quite a while, and believe me, there are always reasons not to work with the other side: the President, elections, political strategy, or policy disagreements. Americans, though, at this particular time are looking for those who can deliver results, despite these changing but ever-present realities.
I commend the leadership of Chairman Hill; Ranking Member Waters; my counterpart, Chairman Flood; and our colleagues in the Senate on this bipartisan legislation.
Since our Nation's founding, the ability to own land and a home has been closely tied to the promise of freedom, responsibility, and opportunity.
As this Nation turns 250, it is our responsibility to preserve that promise for the next generations. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is an important step in that direction.
This legislation strengthens existing programs, improves coordination among regulators, encourages governments to address local barriers to housing supply, and includes key banking reforms, including raising the public welfare investment cap to unlock billions in private capital.
I thank the hundreds of national organizations and everyone who was involved in this effort, especially Chairman Flood, Ranking Member Waters, Chairman Hill, and Senators Scott and Warren on their very, very difficult work in the Senate.
Chairman Flood has talked about housing is personal, and he is absolutely right. We all have our American stories. Mine began in a little shack in Texas without running water and electricity.
I have to say this, and I wish my dad were here to hear me say it: Our family was poor, but we always had a home. We just didn't have a house to put it in.
My main goal in coming to Congress was to ensure that a family in America can work hard and afford a safe, decent house in which to deposit their home. I am proud to stand with my colleagues in this effort.
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