Capito Supports Legislation to Improve Housing for Veterans, in Opposition to Presidential Veto Threat

Statement

Capito Supports Legislation to Improve Housing for Veterans, In Opposition to Presidential Veto Threat

Bipartisan Measure Would Create New Housing Liaison for Veterans

Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) voiced her support today for new homelessness assistance for veterans during debate on the bipartisan Homes for Heroes Act.

The bill is a product of the House Financial Services Committee, where Capito is the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity. Capito's support for the bipartisan bill stands in opposition to a last-minute veto-threat offered by the Bush Administration.

She made the following remarks during this afternoon's debate:

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Rep. Capito Remarks on the Homes for Our Heroes Act
(To see video of her remarks, click here.)

"Mister Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3329, the Homes for Heroes Act, authored by the gentleman from Texas, Mr. Al Green (D-TX).

"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 on several occasions to visit with soldiers from West Virginia who've been injured in battle. I am always touched by their spirit and altruism and their desire to return to the front lines despite their injuries. 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 they've made in the name of freedom. This legislation improves one important benefit for our veterans, especially those who suffer from long term physical and mental disabilities: the access to affordable housing.

"The Veterans Administration (VA) Department is the only federal agency that provides substantial hands-on assistance directly to homeless individuals. Although limited to veterans and their dependents, the VA's major homeless-specific programs constitute the largest integrated network of homeless treatment and assistance services in the country. The department's homeless veterans programs were first authorized in 1987 and have grown and developed since that time. The programs offer a number of services that include outreach to veterans living on streets and in shelters who otherwise would not seek assistance, long-term sheltered transitional assistance, and supported permanent housing.

"According to VA, about one-third of the adult homeless population are veterans, with current population estimates suggesting that 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 in overcrowded or substandard housing.

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

"Mr. Green's legislation also requires the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Department to provide at least 20,000 rental vouchers for homeless veterans. It authorizes $200 million in FY 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 nonprofit organizations that sponsor housing projects for veterans making less than 50% of the median income of an area, assist veterans in obtaining housing or homeless assistance, and assist veterans with the planning and application process for HUD assistance programs. It also includes language to ensure any voucher program would not inhibit low-income tax credits already in place.

"I would like to thank Mr. Green for offering this legislation and his efforts to improve housing for our veterans. I reserve the balance of my time."

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