Today, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, released a statement in response to Trump’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal, which calls for shocking cuts to critical federal housing programs. The proposal would cut funding for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, by $26 billion and effectively end housing assistance for families in Public Housing, Section 8 and Project-Based Rental Assistance, housing for the elderly, and housing for people with disabilities by block granting and imposing time limits on this reduced funding.

Additionally, the budget calls for the elimination of the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs, and the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) which are some of the only sources of funding for affordable housing and community development for low-income families.

“President Trump’s budget proposal is a heartless assault on low-income families who rely on federal housing programs to keep a roof over their heads. At a time when homelessness is surging, with over 771,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night, President Trump is proposing the wholesale destruction of our federal housing safety net. A $26 billion cut to rental assistance programs is bad enough but converting the program to a block grant to states and then limiting assistance to two years, shows that Trump is truly out of touch with reality. Housing costs are going up, not down and this budget will ensure that homelessness goes up as well.

“Furthermore, the elimination of key community development programs like HOME and CDBG sends a clear message to the red states that voted for Trump that you are on your own. Republicans have talked a good game recently about wanting to pass housing legislation. This budget proves that all of that talk is just that—talk.

“Now, it’s time for Republicans to act. Republicans must stand against this budget and stand up for affordable housing. I’m going to fight this budget every step of the way. I challenge Republicans to finally stand up to Trump and do the same.”

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