Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018

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Mr. Chairman, my amendment is quite simple. It would add $100 million to the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, which is a really important initiative that supports homeownership, supports housing opportunities for people living in America's communities. It literally puts a roof over the head of many Americans. Thirty-five
percent of low-income renters right now are unable to find affordable housing. This is not a time to cut this essential program.

Since 2004, Congress has cut this program in half, cutting over $1 billion. We really need to focus more of our attention in how we create more stable communities, more stable neighborhoods, and housing is essential to that, and the HOME program is essential to housing.

Too many communities, too many cities and towns are struggling to hold themselves together. This is one really tangible way that the Federal Government can help those communities.

I have spoken to the chairman of the subcommittee, Mr. Diaz-Balart, and I know he supports the HOME program. He has agreed to work with me to ensure that the final bill has robust funding for the HOME program, so I greatly appreciate the opportunity to work with him.

Mr. Chairman, I yield to Mr. Diaz-Balart for any remarks that he might have.

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Mr. Chairman, I will close. I know the chairman and the ranking member support this. I urge all of my colleagues, when this eventually comes back before us, to support robust funding.

Mr. Chairman, I will withdraw my amendment and count on the fact that we will work together to make sure that this program is fully supported.

Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time and withdraw my amendment.

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