Today, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 6644, the “Housing for the 21st Century Act.” This bipartisan bill represents a critical first step toward solving the affordable housing crisis by expanding local development opportunities and modernizing existing housing programs.

In addition, it also broadens access to homeownership, including for manufactured housing and small-dollar mortgages, protects borrowers and families in federally subsidized housing, enhances federal oversight of housing providers, and strengthens the development of affordable homes for families in both rural and urban communities.

“For far too many families across the country, the American Dream is slipping further out of reach as the number of safe and affordable places to call home dwindles and costs continue to soar. That struggle is not abstract. Working families, young children, seniors, teachers, veterans – these are the faces of the affordable housing and homelessness crisis throughout our nation,” said Ranking Member Waters. “The passage of H.R. 6644, the ‘Housing for the 21st Century Act,’ is a historic first step toward confronting a housing crisis that is squeezing families and communities nationwide. While more must be done, including real federal investments to meet the scale of this housing crisis, H.R. 6644 provides a strong foundation to build on. I commend Chairman Hill, Housing and Insurance Subcommittee Ranking Member Emanuel Cleaver, and Subcommittee Chair Flood for working with me to put families first and advance this important legislation. I will continue to work with urgency to deliver a strong bicameral bill to the President’s desk as we owe it to the millions of renters and homeowners who need us to act now.”

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