Weller Votes to Give Veterans Housing Preference

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Jerry Weller (R-Morris) today offered his strong support for Republican legislation that would give honorably discharged veterans preference when applying for public housing. The Republican proposal nullifies Democratic legislation that would have given this preference to convicted felons.

"Our military men and women put their lives on the line defending our country, and today's vote was a chance for us to say again, ‘Thank you for your service,'" Weller said. "It's only right that people who have honorably served in our armed forces go to the front of the line to receive government assistance, not those who have broken the law. I'm glad enough of my colleagues joined with me today in correcting what was flawed legislation."

The House approved the Republican language in the bill that reauthorizes programs to repair and replace public housing units. The original Democratic bill included language giving ex-offenders a "Hard to House" preference for participating in the program. Republicans proposed giving this preferential treatment to veterans instead.

"Any chance we have to show our appreciation and to help the men and women who have defended this country should be taken," said Weller. "We owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude, and I am pleased members of the Majority took this opportunity to join with us in supporting this common-sense proposal."

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