III
115th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. RES. 312
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
October 30, 2017
Mr. Cassidy (for himself and Mr. Van Hollen) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to
RESOLUTION
Expressing support for the designation of September 2017 and 2018 each as National Month for Renters
.
Whereas rental housing is a vital component of the housing market of the United States, providing a place to live for nearly 44,000,000 households and more than 111,000,000 individuals in the United States;
Whereas the number of households renting homes increased by 9,000,000 over the past decade, the largest 10-year gain on record;
Whereas more than 11,000,000 households in communities across the United States spend more than 50 percent of their income on rent and utilities, making those households severely cost-burdened under Federal standards; and
Whereas those 11,000,000 severely cost-burdened households include 14,000,000 women, 8,000,000 children, 9,000,000 members of the Millennial Generation, 2,000,000 senior citizens, and nearly 800,000 veterans: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate—
supports the designation of September 2017 and 2018 each as National Month for Renters
to draw attention to the rental housing shortage in the United States;
urges a truly national effort involving all levels of government, the private sector, and the philanthropic community to expand the supply of rental homes affordable to low- and moderate-income households;
recognizes that subsidized rental housing programs implemented by the Federal Government only serve 1/4 of eligible renters and so are the equivalent of a lottery; and
recognizes that expanding the supply of rental homes affordable to low- and moderate-income families, particularly when close to employment opportunities, will—
help reduce commuting costs;
restore the first rungs of the housing ladder;
stabilize families and communities;
promote equality of opportunity; and
support greater economic growth and prosperity.