Floor Statements

Mr. Chair, I rise to support this bill, which provides funding for essential health and education services for the well-being of the American people.

I commend the Appropriations Committee for providing $263 million for Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development programs, a $92 million increase in funding for these nurse education and training programs. Our nation is facing a severe shortage of nurses, and this shortage will only become more severe as we embark on health reform and provide more Americans access to affordable healthcare.

There are many young people in my district and throughout the country who would welcome the opportunity to pursue a career in nursing. Enabling promising young people to receive a college education in nursing will reduce unemployment rates in the short term and provide a long-term investment in our nation's healthcare system.

Over the last four years, funding for the Nursing Workforce Development programs has remained relatively flat. In fiscal year (FY) 2006, these programs received just under $150 million and supported 91,189 nursing students. In the following year, these programs received the same amount of funding but supported only 71,729 nursing students. In FY 2008, the programs received $156 million but still supported only 51,657 nursing students. These recent trends demonstrate the rising costs of nurse education and training, which results in the participation of fewer nursing students and, therefore, fewer new nurses. In FY 2009, the programs received $171 million and, while this was a slight increase, it was still far below our nation's needs. A significant increase is necessary for these programs to overcome rising tuition costs and allow more students to participate.

The increase in this bill for nurse education and training programs will improve our nation's health system and allow thousands of young people to pursue a promising career field and serve their communities as nurses.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Chair, I rise to oppose the Souder amendment, which prohibits funding needle exchange programs. Needle exchange programs are effective at preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS.

There are over 1 million Americans living with HIV/AIDS in the United States today, and over 20 percent of them do not know they are infected. Every 9\1/2\ minutes, another person is infected with HIV. Last fall, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new estimates of HIV infection in the United States, which indicate that the HIV/AIDS epidemic is even worse than was previously thought. These new estimates indicate that approximately 56,300 new HIV infections occurred in the United States in 2006. This figure is approximately 40 percent higher than CDC's previous estimates of 40,000 new infections per year.

According to the CDC, 13 percent of new HIV infections in the United States occur among intravenous drug users. Needle exchange programs are an effective means of preventing HIV transmission among this population. Needle exchange programs save lives, reduce health care costs, and link intravenous drug users with substance abuse treatment programs that could end their addiction and allow them to live healthy and productive lives.

The Souder amendment is opposed by AIDS Action, the HIV Medicine Association, The AIDS Institute, and several other organizations concerned about the spread of HIV/AIDS in our communities.

I urge my colleagues to oppose the Souder amendment.

Madam Speaker, I am very appreciative of my colleague from Massachusetts and his leadership on this issue and for recognizing me to stand as a proud Los Angeleno, joined by 50 other of my colleagues to congratulate the extraordinary Los Angeles Lakers for their 2009 NBA championship. This resolution, H. Res. 566, commemorates the Los Angeles Lakers' 15th National Basketball Association championship.

Prior to the 2008-2009 season, the Lakers won 14 National Basketball Association championships with a cast of Hall of Famers and coaches, which included NBA greats such as Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain, Earvin ``Magic'' Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O'Neal, Pat Riley, and current Head Coach Phil Jackson.

This season, Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom, Derek Fisher, Pau Gasol, and Trevor Ariza led the 2008-2009 Lakers to a 65-17 regular season record and the number one spot in the Western Conference Playoffs. Not only did Trevor Ariza help to bring another championship to Los Angeles, he also attended Westchester High School in my district.

The Lakers entered the NBA Playoffs with home court advantage as a result of the team's regular season performance, and in the first round of the playoffs, the Lakers defeated the Utah Jazz in five games to advance to the Western Conference Semifinals.

The Lakers then faced the Houston Rockets in the Western Conference Semifinals, winning seven games, and advanced to the Western Conference Finals where they faced the Denver Nuggets. The Lakers clinched the Western Conference Finals in six games, thanks to the outstanding play by Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant, which closed out the series.

In the NBA Finals, the Lakers matched up with the Orlando Magic, led by Dwight Howard. The Lakers won the first two games of the Finals in Los Angeles, including a hard-fought game 2, during which Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol combined for 53 points, propelling the Lakers to a 101-96 victory. The Lakers lost game 3 in Orlando by a score of 108-104; however, Lakers guard Kobe Bryant scored 31 points and played all but 8 minutes of the game.

The Lakers followed their loss in game 3 by winning the next two games in Orlando to win the 2009 NBA championship. For his outstanding play during the NBA Finals, Lakers' guard Kobe Bryant was presented with the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award and his fourth NBA championship. Lakers Head Coach Phil Jackson won his 10th NBA championship as a head coach and his 12th NBA championship overall.

Congratulations to the Lakers players, coaches, and staff on winning the 2008-2009 NBA championship.

Madam Speaker, I have long been an advocate of consumer protections and consumer rights, and I'm proud of the work we have accomplished on these issues this session. Laws such as the recently enacted Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights, of which I'm an original cosponsor, will help to ensure consumers have access to fair and easy- to-understand credit products. That said, there is still much more work to be done in order to safeguard consumers from predatory and discriminatory lending products.

This Congress is about to embark upon the adoption of regulatory reform. We have had an economic meltdown and a subprime mess, and we discovered that our regulatory agencies were asleep at the wheel. We discovered that there had been deregulation that led us to the point of this economic meltdown.

Judging from the proliferation of products such as subprime mortgages and payday loans, our current regulatory framework inadequately protects consumers. There are many reasons why we need a new consumer financial protection agency. There will be a comprehensive piece of legislation that will talk about how we do credible regulatory reform. But of all that is in the proposed legislation that is being developed, we are getting a pushback from the financial services community on the consumer financial protection agency.

Why is that? Why is it that given what we have gone through the financial services community can boldly and barefacedly come before us and talk about why a consumer financial protection agency is a bad idea?

I suppose one of the reasons is jurisdictional. There are several types of consumer financial products which, because they are offered by non-banks, fall into what may be classified as a ``shadow banking industry.'' These products and institutions escape Federal regulation yet often lead to Federal problems, such as our current economic and foreclosure crisis.

A prime example of this is mortgage servicing. Mortgage services is an important part of our housing market, and consumers often have more contact with their mortgage servicers than they do with their mortgage broker, real estate agent or bank combined. However, lately, many servicers have been unable to properly assist consumers due to lack of capacity or perhaps just the will to do so.

The servicers are the ones that are supposed to be doing loan modifications. They are supposed to be helping the consumers to unwind the mess that many of them have found themselves in because of the predatory lending.

There is currently no Federal agency with specific jurisdiction over the mortgage servicing industry, and therefore, no mechanism for anyone to address this pressing issue. The proposed consumer financial protection agency would bring nonbanks who offer financial services to and interact with consumers into our regulatory system.

Another reason we need a consumer financial protection agency is to protect consumers from complicated products and hidden and predatory fees. According to Harvard Professor Elizabeth Warren, the average credit card offer now comes bundled with more than 100 pages of fine print. Buried within this fine print are provisions about restrictions, teaser rates and penalties. This fine print is nearly impossible for consumers to make informed decisions and pick the credit card or other lending product which is right for them. This leads some borrowers to be trapped in credit cards or loan products with hidden and abusive fees. This agency could solve this problem by working with the industry to reduce fine print and hidden fees.

The final reason we need this new agency is stability. Our financial markets are built on consumer lending. Our current crisis began when collateralized debt obligations and mortgage-backed securities were packed with exotic products, such as no-doc loans and liars loans. It was exacerbated as consumers were continually squeezed with excessive penalties and fees from bank products, reducing purchasing power and leading families everywhere to make tough decisions. A strong regulator, one which focused solely on consumer safety and championed simpler disclosure and products, could have prevented all of this.

We need a consumer financial protection agency to deal with this kind of crisis so that it never occurs again.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1044--The Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial Enhancement Act of 2009. I would like to thank my colleague from California, Congressman George Miller, for offering this resolution and for his lengthy and dedicated work to ensure that history records the real story of the bravery and heroism of those injured and killed at Port Chicago on July 17, 1944.

On that day, 320 sailors and civilians were killed when munitions caches being loaded onto ships at Port Chicago, California, accidentally detonated. In addition, 390 sailors and civilians were injured in the explosion. The vast majority of the dead and injured were enlisted African Americans serving our country during World War

Mr. Chair, I rise to support this bill, which protects our security and promotes our values by funding humanitarian assistance, health care, education, poverty reduction, and disaster relief throughout our world, and especially in countries like Haiti, a poverty-stricken but democratic nation close to our shores.

I oppose amendments to cut funding for these critical programs. I am especially concerned about the Lewis amendment, which cuts more than $500 million from multilateral development programs, including debt relief for the world's poorest countries. Debt relief has already helped more than 20 poor countries, freeing up billions of dollars for investments in health care, education, clean water, and poverty reduction. The United States played a critical role in negotiating poor country debt relief, and we did it with bipartisan support from this Congress.

In the last Congress, I introduced H.R. 2634, the Jubilee Act for Responsible Lending and Expanded Debt Cancellation, to expand poor country debt relief. The House passed this bill last year, although the Senate was not able to complete consideration of it. I will re- introduce the Jubilee Act later this year.

Both Bread for the World and Catholic Relief Services strongly supported debt relief, and now they are calling on Members of Congress to support this bill and oppose amendments like the Lewis amendment.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to be a consponsor of this of this legislation, which recognizes June as Home Safety Month.

I would like to thank Congresswoman Halvorson for her leadership in introducing this resolution and her commitment to the safety of America's homeowners.

At a time when we are encouraging homeowners to stay in their homes and increasing our efforts to spur new homeownership, we must also recognize the importance of ensuring the safety of homeowners within their homes.

Each year, 20,000 deaths and an average of 21 million medical visits result from unintentional injuries in the home, according to the Home Safety Council. The top five causes of unintentional home injury deaths include, falls, poisoning, fires or burns, choking or suffocation, and drowning. Such home injuries can cost employers up to $38 billion dollars a year.

Many of these deaths and injuries could have been prevented if homeowners were equipped with the knowledge of simple and inexpensive steps to reduce the injury of risk in each area of the home.

Furthermore, children and older adults have increased rates of unintentional home injury. We must encourage adults, parents, caregivers to take greater actions to reduce unintentional injuries to protect the most vulnerable family members.

H. Res. 543 encourages manufacturers to develop innovative safety products and features to help lessen home injuries and accidents and encourages all levels of government to support funding for critical home safety education programs to reduce the risks from home injuries.

I strongly support H. Res. 543 and cannot stress enough how home safety education and awareness can help saves lives and money.

I urge all of my colleagues to support this important resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1016--To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide advance appropriations authority for certain medical care accounts of the Department of Veterans Affairs. This bill would ensure sufficient, timely, and predictable veterans funding so that the Department of Veterans Affairs would have the federal funding to better serve veterans' medical needs and improve health care services. This is a very timely and important measure as many of our troops today are returning home in need of accessible and adequate health care services. Therefore I strongly commend my colleague Bob Filner for bringing this measure before the floor.

This bill would authorize Congress to provide investments in the Department of Veterans Affairs medical care one year in advance so the department can have sufficient time to plan how to deliver the best care to an increasing number of veterans with increasingly complex medical conditions.

My military constituents often turn to me for support in confronting the many challenges they face when working with the Department of Veterans Affairs. We have come to understand, that many of the challenges in efficient health care services are attributable to the Department of Veterans Affairs' inadequate funding. For most of the past two decades, the appropriated funds for medical care have not been provided to the Department of Veterans Affairs in a timely manner. This has resulted in the department's problems in planning and managing care for enrolled veterans. Accordingly, this bill addresses this budgetary problem and allows for advance appropriations to ensure the department has the Federal backing to effectively address the medical needs of our nation's veterans.

As a vocal advocate for veterans' rights, I am pleased to add my voice of support for H.R. 1016. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that we continue to provide the necessary resources towards improving our Department of Veterans Affairs' health care programs and administrative services.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1172--to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to include on the Internet website of the Department of Veterans Affairs a list of organizations that provide scholarships to veterans and their survivors. This important measure would provide an invaluable resource for our veterans and their survivors. In an effort to increase information accessibility, this bill would create a convenient section within the Veterans Affairs Department website for veterans and/or their survivors to view all available veteran scholarship opportunities that various public and private organizations sponsor throughout the year. I commend Rep. John Boozman for bringing this measure before the floor.

My veteran constituents frequently contact me with reports on the many administrative failures and shortcomings of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Slow processes and backlogs have become the expectation rather than an exception in the level of service our veterans receive. This is unfortunate as we send these brave men and women to armed conflict, and yet, we cannot provide them with the necessary tools and resources to become reoriented with society. This bill provides one solution to a relatively simple problem. I have no doubt, however, that many veterans and their families will appreciate this information, especially in light of the economic recession.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to add my voice of support for H.R. 1172. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that we continue to provide the necessary resources towards improving our Department of Veterans Affairs' administration and services.

Madam Speaker, today I am introducing a resolution ``Celebrating the Los Angeles Lakers 2009 NBA Championship''. This legislation will commemorate the Los Angeles Lakers 15th National Basketball Association Championship. Prior to the 2008-2009 season, the Lakers won 14 National Basketball Association (NBA) championships, with a cast of Hall of Fame players and coaches, which included NBA greats such as Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain, Earvin ``Magic'' Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O'Neal, Pat Riley, and current head coach Phil Jackson.

This season Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom, Derek Fisher, and Pau Gasol led the 2008-2009 Lakers to a 65-17 regular season record and the #1 spot in the Western Conference Playoffs. The Lakers entered the NBA playoffs with home court advantage as a result of the team's regular season performance. In the first round the Lakers defeated the Utah Jazz in 5 games to advance to the Western Conference semifinals. The Lakers then faced the Houston Rockets in the Western Conference semifinals, winning in 7 games; advancing to the Western Conference Finals where they faced the Denver Nuggets.

The Lakers clinched the Western Conference finals in 6 games, thanks to the outstanding play by Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant, which closed out the series. In the NBA Finals, the Lakers matched up with the Orlando Magic, led by Dwight Howard. The Lakers won the first 2 games of the finals in Los Angeles, including a hard-fought Game 2 during which Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol combined for 53 points propelling the Lakers to a 101-96 victory. The Lakers lost Game 3 in Orlando by a score of 108- 104; however, Lakers' guard Kobe Bryant scored 31 points and played all but 8 minutes of the game. The Lakers followed their loss in Game 3, by winning the next two games in Orlando to win the 2009 NBA Championship.

For his outstanding play during the NBA Finals, Lakers' guard Kobe Bryant was presented with the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award; and his fourth NBA Championship. Lakers head coach Phil Jackson, won his 10th NBA Championship as a head coach and his 12th NBA Championship overall. Congratulations to the Lakers players, coaches, and staff on winning the 2008-2009 NBA Championship.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the 37th Anniversary of Title IX. Title IX is the federal law that prohibits gender discrimination in federally funded educational programs. Specifically this legislation was designed to create equality among the sexes in education, but this mandate has had an even greater impact on women's athletics. As a result, it has provided opportunities which were not previously available. While many gender barriers have been broken since Title IX's implementation, there are still many obstacles that young women face today.

Many of Title IX's accomplishments stem from successes with collegiate level athletics. Unfortunately, elementary and high school girls are still not completely protected by the requirements of this legislation. Today we know that those young women are not receiving nearly as much funding as their male counterparts in sport related activities. Although there is still work to be done in regards to Title IX, a lot has changed since its inception. Before the law passed in 1972, women consisted of just seven percent of all high school sports participants. Today over forty percent of high school athletes are females. In terms of collegiate academia and sports participation, well over half of all undergraduate college students are women. Women also outnumber men in graduate school and law school enrollment.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to acknowledge the 37th Anniversary of Title IX and all it has done to provide our young women with so many excellent opportunities. I will work diligently with my colleagues to protect the rights of women and ensure that gender discrimination becomes a remnant of the past.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 520, to impeach Judge Samuel B. Kent of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. Judge Kent has disgraced the bench, the Bar, and the entire American public. Throughout his legal proceedings he behaved with hubris and gross disregard for justice. Even after his conviction for obstruction of justice, he has continued to exert a manipulative demeanor and arrogance, thinking himself to be above the law. There appears to be no end to his impudent demands, as even now, he continues to draw his judicial salary while imprisoned. This is unconscionable, and it was incumbent upon the House Judiciary Committee and the entire House of Representatives to take decisive action. Therefore, I applaud and commend Chairman Conyers and Ranking Member Smith for their bipartisan efforts to bring this measure before the floor so quickly.

The stability of any form of government rests on the rule of law. Accordingly, our system, though imperfect, rests on the American public's fundamental trust in our legal institutions and the rights the Constitution bestows upon all U.S. citizens. Most important to any justice system is broad legitimacy and acceptance of those who act within the legal framework. People must believe they have access to a fair trial, an impartial jury, and a neutral judge. Judges have the duty to render well-reasoned and sound legal opinions, without bias and personal prejudice. We expect individuals who hold a lifetime appointment as a federal judge to act honestly out of respect for the law.

Judge Kent's sexual assault of two female employees and his subsequent efforts to lie about his actions to other federal judges were reprehensible acts. This conduct is totally inconsistent with the dignity and respect we expect from all federal judges.

Even though Judge Kent pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice, he continues to receive a salary for a job he is no longer suitable to perform. And he will continue to collect federal wages unless we act today and pass these articles of impeachment.

Every day Kent continues to draw his judicial salary is an affront to our legal system and to the American taxpayers. This resolution signals to Kent and others that no one is above the law--not even a federal judge. That is a testament to the rule of law and goes to the very essence of our justice system. The law must be blind, and everyone must be subject to its consequences and punishments as well as to its benefits and protections.

Mr. Speaker, I am so disappointed that Judge Kent has refused to resign from office and that we are forced to take this action to remove him from office. However, impeachment is provided for in the Constitution for circumstances such as this. Therefore, I add my voice of support for H. Res. 520 to impeach the disgraced Judge Samuel Kent, and I urge my colleagues to vote yes on the resolution. I also hope our colleagues in the other body will act with all deliberate speed to remove this disgraced judge from the federal bench.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Resolution 428. This statement is of great importance because it recognizes the true commitment of fatherhood. House Resolution 428 commends the millions of fathers who embrace their parental responsibilities by providing love and support to their children. Raising children is by no means an easy task, but those who have dedicated their lives to provide for their offspring play a vital role in their development. Fathers are teachers and protectors who impart life lessons in preparation for the future. This is a very important, timely bill, and I commend Representative Mike McIntyre for bringing this resolution before the House.

House Resolution 428 recognizes the impact fathers have on their children. We must encourage responsible fatherhood because it can reduce the amount of impoverished children, many with one parent who are unable to afford the resources necessary to raise a family. Children who are fortunate enough to have an involved father have a greater chance of excelling in school and have less of a chance of exhibiting behavioral problems. The influence of a father promotes healthy development of a child in every aspect. Children are so easily influenced and proper guidance utilizing both parents can spur growth and future accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to add my voice and support in recognition of our nation's fathers. We must use this opportunity to praise accountable fathers because they provide strength to their families and communities. I will work diligently with my colleagues to acknowledge their commitment and continue to encourage men who are not as engaged in the lives of their children to start fresh on Father's Day to become positive and strong influences in their child's development.

Madam Speaker, it is with great enthusiasm and reverence that I acknowledge Caribbean-American Heritage Month. Caribbean- Americans have made so many invaluable contributions to our nation's culture and historical development. With an indomitable spirit, resolve, and determination, Caribbean-Americans have maintained their unique cultural and social identity and made incredible strides in carving out their respective place within the American Dream. I want to commend my colleague Barbara Lee for bringing this measure before the floor.

Numerous Caribbean-Americans have left an indelible mark on American history and culture. For example, Sidney Poitier, who spent his youth on Cat Island in the Bahamas, went on to become the first Black American actor to win an Academy Award. Sidney Poitier was a pioneer and where it once was an unobtainable goal, many Black actors and actresses now have the opportunity to enter an elite group of acclaimed Oscar winners. I also think of the incomparable Harry Belafonte. At his peak, Harry Belafonte was a gifted musician, talented actor, and fierce social activist. Although Harry Belafonte was not born in the Caribbean, he spent a lot of time in his mother's native country, Jamaica.

And lastly, as a Member of Congress, I cannot discount the contributions and achievements of Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm. Congresswoman Chisholm frequently credited her success to the education she received while attending school in Barbados. As the first Black woman elected to the House of Representatives, she was a dedicated public servant and a trailblazer. It is often repeated, that we stand on the shoulders of great men and women who, through diligence and determination, paved the way for African-Americans today to achieve greatness. And as many of those shoulders belonged to Caribbean- Americans, it is truly fitting that we take this month to celebrate their heritage.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to support H. Con. Res. 127. And as a vocal advocate for the Caribbean, I will continue to do my part and work with my colleagues to help the region face its challenges in hopes of propelling it into a great and prosperous future. So as we take this month to honor Caribbean-American heritage and history, it is my sincere hope that in time, we will be able to celebrate even greater achievements and developments in both the lives of Caribbean-Americans in the United States as well as the nations of the Caribbean.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 135, directing the Architect of the Capitol to place a marker in Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center which acknowledges the role that slave labor played in the construction of the United States Capitol. I commend my colleague, and fellow Congressional Black Caucus member John Lewis, for acknowledging the importance of this measure and presenting it before the House.

I feel strongly that the history of the African-American struggle must be taught and celebrated, even as we plan for our future. African- Americans performed the backbreaking work of quarrying the marble which surrounds us. Until recently, the history books failed to recognize that slaves provided many of the laborious construction tasks, such as masonry, carting, roofing, plastering, glazing, and sawing--which involved slaves stationed in pits from where, with a partner above ground, they would use a whipsaw to cut logs rolled over the pit. Labor wasn't solely for the adult males--slave women and children were used to mold clay in kilns.

In an article from the Associated Press, Sarah Jean Davidson, founder of the Association for the Preservation of North Little Rock, Arkansas African American History mentioned an important connection that this new marker affords. ``We can say our ancestors helped build the Capitol so when we look at it, it's not `your building, the majority', it's our building . . . It will be a connection not just for African-Americans, but for immigrants who come from all around the country. . . . Once they start feeling connected, then we are one,'' she said. In addition, the great hall of the Capitol Visitor Center was named Emancipation Hall specifically to acknowledge the work of the slave laborers who built the Capitol and this marker provides a source for interested parties to learn about our history.

Madam Speaker, this measure is particularly important as it commemorates an under-appreciated aspect of America's history and I'm pleased to add my voice in support for this resolution. I will work diligently with my colleagues to ensure that this marker is created and maintains the ability to educate those who come in contact with it. This is a significant step in raising the profile and awareness of how African-American history is intertwined with the federal legislative body and I hope that this measure passes unanimously.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 403, the Homes for Heroes Act of 2009. I am proud to be a cosponsor and would like to recognize the leadership of Representative Al Green who introduced this very important bill last Congress, which passed the House Floor. This bill upholds the principle that those who served our Nation honorably should not have to live on the streets or in shelters.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 150,000 to 200,000 American veterans are living on the

streets or in shelters. And nearly 300,000 veterans may experience homelessness at some point during the course of a year.

The Housing and Community Opportunity Subcommittee, which I chair, held a hearing on this bill during the 110th Congress and heard from witnesses how the return of veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan would greatly increase demand for affordable housing and social services in communities across the country.

Since then, the economy has only worsened and the number of veterans returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan continues to increase. Furthermore, many veterans are at greater risk of becoming homeless because they struggle with health and economic issues, while facing a shortage of affordable housing.

That is why H.R. 403 is so important. This bill would create a new program where none existed before to develop permanent supportive housing for the homeless veterans who need it. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.