Homes for Heroes Act of 2007

HOMES FOR HEROES ACT OF 2007 -- (House of Representatives - July 09, 2008)

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Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3329, the Homes for Heroes Act offered by the gentleman from Texas, Mr. Green.

In the week after our Nation celebrated its 232nd birthday, it is important that we take time to properly recognize the sacrifices of our Nation's veterans and those service men and women who are currently defending our freedoms and liberties in theaters across the world.

Like many of my colleagues, I have been to Walter Reed to visit our wounded warriors who have been injured in battle, and I am always touched by their spirit and courage. It goes without saying that our Nation and government must provide these veterans with the tools to succeed once they leave the military and the benefits they deserve for the sacrifices that they have made in the name of freedom.

This legislation improves one important aspect for our veterans, especially those who suffer from long-term physical and mental disabilities: That is access to affordable housing. The Veterans Administration is the only Federal agency that provides substantial hands-on assistance directly to homeless individuals, homeless veterans. Although limited to veterans and their dependants, the VA's major homeless specific programs constitute the largest integrated network of homeless treatment and assistance services in this country.

The Department's homeless veterans programs were first authorized in 1987 and have grown and developed during that time. The program offers a number of services that include outreach to veterans living on the streets and who otherwise would not seek assistance, long-term sheltered transitional assistance and supportive permanent housing.

According to the VA, about one-third of the adult homeless population are veterans. That is staggering, I believe, with current population estimates suggesting about 154,000 veterans are homeless on any given night. Many other veterans are considered near homeless or at risk because of their poverty, lack of support from family and friends and dismal living conditions in cheap hotels or overcrowded and substandard housing.

This legislation requires HUD to create a position within the Department to serve as a liaison to the Veterans Affairs Department. A Special Assistant for Veterans Affairs would ensure veterans receive proper access to HUD's housing assistance programs, coordinate all HUD programs and activities pertaining to veterans, and act as a liaison between HUD and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Mr. Green's legislation also requires, as he noted, that HUD provide 20,000 rental vouchers for homeless veterans. It authorizes $200 million in fiscal year 2008 and such sums as may be necessary for each subsequent fiscal year. It also requires the Department to maintain a constant level of funding in coordination with rising home costs. The measure allows family members of a veteran receiving a housing voucher to maintain the voucher and the home after the veteran's death.

The bill authorizes grants to nonprofits that sponsor housing projects for veterans making less than 50 percent of the median income of an area, assists veterans in obtaining housing or homeless assistance, and assists veterans with the plan and application process for HUD assistance programs. It also includes language to assure that any voucher program would not inhibit low income tax credits that are already in place.

I would like to thank Mr. Green for offering this legislation and for his efforts to improve housing for our veterans.

I reserve the balance of my time.

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