RECOGNIZING NATIONAL HOMEOWNERSHIP MONTH -- (House of Representatives - June 25, 2007)
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Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 477, recognizing the goals and ideals of National Home Ownership Month. I'd like to thank my colleague from California Congressman GARY MILLER for introducing this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, home ownership has long been acknowledged as a vehicle to build personal wealth, a source of pride and motivation, provided a sense of security to its owners, helped stabilize our neighborhoods and families and a tool that drives the Nation's economic engine.
Unfortunately, in recent years the goals of home ownership have proven elusive for many Americans. According to a recent report by the Center on American Progress, nearly one in three Americans is low-income, with an income below twice the poverty line. A further 1 in 20 Americans lives in extreme poverty, with an income below half of the poverty line.
That's why I have often joined with my colleagues in the House to call for the provision of adequate and affordable housing and a strong, safe and stable community for all Americans particularly those of low- and moderate income individuals and families and members of minority populations.
Furthermore, in the 110th Congress, I am sponsoring three housing bills: H.R. 172--Community Partners Next Door Act; H.R. 173--One Strike and You're Out Bill; and H.R. 174--Public Housing Drug Elimination Program. These bills take steps to address housing affordability, neighborhood safety and fairness in the enforcement of local and Federal statutes.
Mr. Speaker, we have a responsibility to ensure that the gap between the rich and the poor is narrowed and that all Americans have the opportunity to pursue the American dream.
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