Letter to Sen. Vincente Anthony Ada, State Party Chairman of the Guam Republican Party - Congressman San Nicolas Again Seeks Republican Party of Guam Support

Letter

Dear Chairman Ada:

As the coronavirus pandemic continues its onslaught on our economy, and thousands of Guam workers continue to struggle to make ends meet, an eviction and homelessness crisis looms as only 18 days remain before the federal eviction ban expires on July 25th and only 25 days remain before the $600 unemployment bonus is set to expire on July 31st. These expirations will put housing affordability at risk.

On Monday, the House passed H.R. 7301-- "Emergency Housing Protections and Relief Act of 2020" which provides critical rental and mortgage assistance to Guam households and protects renters and homeowners from evictions and foreclosures as well as protects people experiencing homelessness. Together with Chairwoman Waters and members of the Committee, Guam took the lead in the Financial Services Committee to push for a carve out of homeowner and renter assistance from the HEROES Act and pass it as a standalone measure to get it through.

H.R. 7301 will accomplish the following:
- Provide $89,200,000 to Guam for the Homeowner Assistance Program;
- Provide $138,800,000 to Guam for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program;
- Extend and expand the eviction and foreclosure moratoria for all renters and homeowners, as well as provides additional forbearance relief;
- Provide funding for homeless assistance and other federal housing assistance programs to ensure rents remain affordable and housing is maintained in a safe and decent condition;
- Create a lending facility for mortgage servicers and rental property owners to help them finance their obligations and shortfalls in rent; and finally
- Ensure robust fair housing enforcement and housing counseling to protect all renters and homeowners.

As H.R. 7301 now sits at the Senate and the fate of mortgage and rental assistance awaits, I request the assistance of the Guam Republican National Committee (RNC) in moving this critical measure with the Republican-led Senate, as home stability is absolutely a bi-partisan issue for Guam. As Chairwoman Waters shared on the Floor, "[Each of us] knows the value of a place where we and our family come together, share a meal, and safely rest our heads. This is an emergency, and it calls for the emergency response provided by this legislation. We can't wait."

Thank you for your assistance here in our nation's Capitol, and I look forward to working with you as we continue to safeguard the homes of our People.

Source