Congressional Record, House, June 29, 2020 — Emergency Housing Protections and Relief Act, H.R. 7301
Summary
Page H2644 of the House section of the Congressional Record for June 29, 2020, from a very long page on the Emergency Housing Protections and Relief Act, H.R. 7301, in interleaved columns. Mr. Walden demands the yeas and nays under House Resolution 965, and further proceedings are postponed under clause 8 of rule XX. Bill text covers homelessness prevention assistance, rent restrictions, security and utility deposits, and a definition of at risk of homelessness. A separate section amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and a speaker says the sponsor agreed to study alternatives, trusting a one-year GAO review.
Summary drafted by a model from the document's text below and checked by script against that text before publication. It is a navigation aid, not a reading of what the document proves. Where AI is used
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“Congressional Record, House, June 29, 2020 — Emergency Housing Protections and Relief Act, H.R. 7301.”
Original at www.govinfo.gov. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/crec-crec-2020-06-29-crec-2020-06-29-pt1-pgh2644-6280535f61/
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H2644 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 29, 2020
Mr. WALDEN. Madam Speaker, on and rent-arrears, fees charged for those ar- compliance with the formula referred to in
that I demand the yeas and nays. rears, and security and utility deposits) in subsection (h)(1)(A).
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- accordance with paragraphs (4) and (5) of sec- (e) RENT RESTRICTIONS.—
tion 415(a) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 11374(a)) and (1) INAPPLICABILITY.—Section 576.106(d) of
ant to section 3 of House Resolution this section.
965, the yeas and nays are ordered. title 24, Code of Federal Regulations, shall
(b) DEFINITION OF AT RISK OF HOMELESS-
Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- not apply with respect to homelessness pre-
NESS.—Notwithstanding section 401(1) of the
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act vention assistance made available with
ther proceedings on this question will amounts made available under subsection
be postponed. (42 U.S.C. 11360(1)), for purposes of assistance
made available with amounts made available (a).
f pursuant to subsection (a), the term ‘‘at risk (2) AMOUNT OF RENTAL ASSISTANCE.—In pro-
of homelessness’’ means, with respect to an viding homelessness prevention assistance
EMERGENCY HOUSING PROTEC- with amounts made available under sub-
TIONS AND RELIEF ACT OF 2020 individual or family, that the individual or
family— section (a), the maximum amount of rental
Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, pursuant (1) has an income below 80 percent of the assistance that may be provided shall be the
to House Resolution 1017, I call up the median income for the area as determined by greater of—
bill (H.R. 7301) to prevent evictions, the Secretary; and (A) 120 percent of the higher of—
(2) has an inability to attain or maintain (i) the Fair Market Rent established by the
foreclosures, and unsafe housing condi-
housing stability or has insufficient re- Secretary for the metropolitan area or coun-
tions resulting from the COVID–19 pan- ty; or
sources to pay for rent or utilities due to fi-
demic, and for other purposes, and ask nancial hardships. (ii) the applicable Small Area Fair Market
for its immediate consideration in the (c) INCOME TARGETING AND CALCULATION.— Rent established by the Secretary; or
House. For purposes of assistance made available (B) such higher amount as the Secretary
The Clerk read the title of the bill. with amounts made available pursuant to shall determine is needed to cover market
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. subsection (a)— rents in the area.
CUELLAR). Pursuant to House Resolu- (1) each recipient of such amounts shall (f) SUBLEASES.—A recipient shall not be
tion 1017, the bill is considered read. use— prohibited from providing assistance author-
(A) not less than 40 percent of the amounts ized under subsection (a) with respect to sub-
The text of the bill is as follows: received only for providing assistance for in- leases that are valid under State law.
H.R. 7301 dividuals or families experiencing homeless-
ness, or for persons or families at risk of (g) HOUSING RELOCATION OR STABILIZATION
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep-
homelessness who have incomes not exceed- ACTIVITIES.—A recipient of amounts made
resentatives of the United States of America in
ing 30 percent of the median income for the available pursuant to subsection (a) may ex-
Congress assembled,
area as determined by the Secretary; pend up to 25 percent of its allocation for ac-
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(B) not less than 70 percent of the amounts tivities under section 415(a)(5) of the McKin-
(a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as ney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42
the ‘‘Emergency Housing Protections and received only for providing assistance for in-
dividuals or families experiencing homeless- U.S.C. 11374(a)(5)), except that notwith-
Relief Act of 2020’’. standing such section, activities authorized
(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con- ness, or for persons or families at risk of
homelessness who have incomes not exceed- under this subsection may be provided only
tents for this Act is as follows: for individuals or families who have incomes
ing 50 percent of the median income for the
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. not exceeding 50 percent of the area median
area as determined by the Secretary; and
TITLE I—PROTECTING RENTERS AND (C) the remainder of the amounts received income and meet the criteria in subsection
HOMEOWNERS FROM EVICTIONS AND only for providing assistance to individuals (b)(2) of this section or section 103 of the
FORECLOSURES or families experiencing homelessness, or for McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
Sec. 101. Emergency rental assistance. persons or families at risk of homelessness (42 U.S.C. 11302). This subsection shall not
Sec. 102. Homeowner Assistance Fund. who have incomes not exceeding 80 percent apply to rent-related costs that are specifi-
Sec. 103. Protecting renters and homeowners of the median income for the area as deter- cally authorized under subsection (a) of this
from evictions and foreclosures. mined by the Secretary, but such recipient section.
Sec. 104. Liquidity for mortgage servicers may establish a higher percentage limit for (h) ALLOCATION OF ASSISTANCE.—
and residential rental property purposes of subsection (b)(1), which shall not (1) IN GENERAL.—In allocating amounts
owners. in any case exceed 120 percent of the area made available pursuant to subsection (a),
Sec. 105. Rural rental assistance. median income, if the recipient states that it the Secretary shall—
Sec. 106. Funding for public housing and ten- will serve such population in its plan; and (A)(i) for any purpose authorized in this
ant-based rental assistance. (2) in determining the income of a house- section—
Sec. 107. Supplemental funding for sup- hold for homelessness prevention assist- (I) allocate 2 percent of such amount for
portive housing for the elderly, ance— Indian tribes and tribally designated housing
supportive housing for persons (A) the calculation of income performed at entities (as such terms are defined in section
with disabilities, supportive the time of application for such assistance, 4 of the Native American Housing Assistance
housing for persons with AIDS, including arrearages, shall consider only in- and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C.
and project-based section 8 come that the household is currently receiv- 4103)) under the formula established pursu-
rental assistance. ing at such time and any income recently ant to section 302 of such Act (25 U.S.C. 4152),
Sec. 108. Fair Housing. terminated shall not be included; except that 0.3 percent of the amount allo-
Sec. 109. Funding for housing counseling (B) any calculation of income performed cated under this clause shall be allocated for
services. with respect to households receiving ongoing the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands;
TITLE II—PROTECTING PEOPLE assistance (such as medium-term rental as- and
EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS sistance) 3 months after initial receipt of as- (II) allocate 0.3 percent of such amount for
Sec. 201. Homeless assistance funding. sistance shall consider only the income that the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa,
Sec. 202. Emergency rental assistance the household is receiving at the time of and the Northern Mariana Islands;
voucher program. such review; and (ii) not later than 30 days after the date of
(C) the calculation of income performed enactment of this Act, obligate and disburse
TITLE I—PROTECTING RENTERS AND the amounts allocated pursuant to clause (i)
with respect to households receiving assist-
HOMEOWNERS FROM EVICTIONS AND in accordance with such allocations and pro-
ance for arrearages shall consider only the
FORECLOSURES vide such recipient with any necessary guid-
income that the household was receiving at
SEC. 101. EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE. the time such arrearages were incurred. ance for use of the funds; and
(a) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— (d) 3-YEAR AVAILABILITY.— (B)(i) not later than 7 days after the date
There is authorized to be appropriated to the (1) IN GENERAL.—Each recipient of amounts of enactment of this Act and after setting
Secretary of Housing and Urban Develop- made available pursuant to subsection (a) aside amounts under subparagraph (A), allo-
ment (referred to in this section as the ‘‘Sec- shall— cate 50 percent of any such remaining
retary’’) $100,000,000,000 for an additional (A) expend not less than 60 percent of such amounts under the formula specified in sub-
amount for grants under the Emergency So- grant amounts within 2 years of the date sections (a), (b), and (e) of section 414 of the
lutions Grants program under subtitle B of that such funds became available to the re- McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
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title IV of the McKinney-Vento Homeless As- cipient for obligation; and (42 U.S.C. 11373) for, and notify, each State,
sistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11371 et seq.), to re- (B) expend 100 percent of such grant metropolitan city, and urban county that is
main available until expended (subject to amounts within 3 years of such date. to receive a direct grant of such amounts;
subsections (d) and (n) of this section), to be (2) REALLOCATION AFTER 2 YEARS.—The Sec- and
used for providing short- or medium-term as- retary may recapture any amounts not ex- (ii) not later than 30 days after the date of
sistance with rent and rent-related costs (in- pended in compliance with paragraph (1)(A) enactment of this Act, obligate and disburse
cluding tenant-paid utility costs, utility- and reallocate such amounts to recipients in the amounts allocated pursuant to clause (i)
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June 29, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2645
in accordance with such allocations and pro- ing, and the environment), if the Secretary uation activities necessary to carry out the
vide such recipient with any necessary guid- finds that good cause exists for the waiver or program carried out under this section, and
ance for use of the funds; and alternative requirement and such waiver or such amounts shall remain available until
(C)(i) not later than 45 days after the date alternative requirement is necessary to ex- September 30, 2024; and
of enactment of this Act, allocate any re- pedite the use of funds made available pursu- (B) not more than $2,000,000 shall be avail-
maining amounts for eligible recipients ac- ant to this section, to respond to public able to the Office of the Inspector General
cording to a formula to be developed by the health orders or conditions related to the for audits and investigations of the program
Secretary that takes into consideration the COVID-19 emergency, or to ensure that eligi- authorized under this section.
formula referred to in subparagraph (A) and ble individuals can attain or maintain hous- (2) BY RECIPIENTS.—Notwithstanding sec-
the need for emergency rental assistance ing stability. tion 576.108 of title 24 of the Code of Federal
under this section, including the severe (B) PUBLIC NOTICE.—The Secretary shall Regulations, with respect to amounts made
housing cost burden among extremely low- notify the public through the Federal Reg- available pursuant to this section, a recipi-
and very low-income renters and disruptions ister or other appropriate means of any ent may use up to 10 percent of the recipi-
in housing and economic conditions, includ- waiver or alternative requirement under this ent’s grant for payment of administrative
ing unemployment; and paragraph, and that such public notice shall costs related to the planning and execution
(ii) not later than 30 days after the date of be provided, at a minimum, on the internet of activities.
the allocation of such amounts pursuant to at the appropriate Government website or SEC. 102. HOMEOWNER ASSISTANCE FUND.
clause (i), obligate and disburse such through other electronic media, as deter-
(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
amounts in accordance with such alloca- mined by the Secretary.
(1) FUND.—The term ‘‘Fund’’ means the
tions. (C) ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS.—Eligibility
Homeowner Assistance Fund established
(2) ALLOCATIONS TO STATES.— for rental assistance or housing relocation
under subsection (b).
(A) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding sub- and stabilization services shall not be re-
(2) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’
section (a) of section 414 of the McKinney- stricted based upon the prior receipt of as-
means the Secretary of the Treasury.
Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. sistance under the program during the pre-
(3) STATE.—The term ‘‘State’’ means any
11373(a)) and section 576.202(a) of title 24, ceding three years.
State of the United States, the District of
Code of Federal Regulations, a State recipi- (2) PUBLIC HEARINGS.—
Columbia, any territory of the United
ent of an allocation under this section may (A) INAPPLICABILITY OF IN-PERSON HEARING
States, Puerto Rico, Guam, American
elect to use up to 100 percent of its alloca- REQUIREMENTS DURING THE COVID-19 EMER-
Samoa, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern
tion to carry out activities eligible under GENCY.—
Mariana Islands.
this section directly. (i) IN GENERAL.—A recipient under this sec-
(b) ESTABLISHMENT OF FUND.—There is es-
(B) REQUIREMENT.—Any State recipient tion shall not be required to hold in-person
tablished at the Department of the Treasury
making an election described in subpara- public hearings in connection with its citizen
a Homeowner Assistance Fund to provide
graph (A) shall serve households throughout participation plan, but shall provide citizens
such funds as are made available under sub-
the entire State, including households in with notice, including publication of its plan
section (g) to State housing finance agencies
rural communities and small towns. for carrying out this section on the internet,
for the purpose of preventing homeowner
(3) ELECTION NOT TO ADMINISTER.—If a re- and a reasonable opportunity to comment of
mortgage defaults, foreclosures, and dis-
cipient other than a State elects not to re- not less than 5 days.
placements of individuals and families expe-
ceive funds under this section, such funds (ii) RESUMPTION OF IN-PERSON HEARING RE-
riencing financial hardship after January 21,
shall be allocated to the State recipient in QUIREMENTS.—After the period beginning on
2020.
which the recipient is located. the date of enactment of this Act and ending
(c) ALLOCATION OF FUNDS.—
(4) PARTNERSHIPS, SUBGRANTS, AND CON- on the date of the termination by the Fed-
(1) ADMINISTRATION.—Of any amounts made
TRACTS.—A recipient of a grant under this eral Emergency Management Agency of the
available for the Fund, the Secretary of the
section may distribute funds through part- emergency declared on March 13, 2020, by the
Treasury may allocate, in the aggregate, an
nerships, subgrants, or contracts with an en- President under the Robert T. Stafford Dis-
amount not exceeding 5 percent—
tity, such as a public housing agency (as aster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act
(A) to the Office of Financial Stability es-
such term is defined in section 3(b) of the (42 U.S.C. 4121 et seq.) relating to the
tablished under section 101(a) of the Emer-
United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pan-
gency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (12
1437a(b))), that is capable of carrying activi- demic, and after the period described in sub-
U.S.C. 5211(a)) to administer and oversee the
ties under this section. paragraph (B), the Secretary shall direct re-
Fund, and to provide technical assistance to
(5) REVISION TO RULE.—The Secretary shall cipients under this section to resume pre-cri-
States for the creation and implementation
revise section 576.3 of tile 24, Code of Federal sis public hearing requirements.
of State programs to administer assistance
Regulations, to change the set aside for allo- (B) VIRTUAL PUBLIC HEARINGS.—
from the Fund; and
cation to the territories to exactly 0.3 per- (i) IN GENERAL.—During the period that na-
(B) to the Inspector General of the Depart-
cent. tional or local health authorities recommend
ment of the Treasury for oversight of the
(i) INAPPLICABILITY OF MATCHING REQUIRE- social distancing and limiting public gath-
program under this section.
MENT.—Subsection (a) of section 416 of the erings for public health reasons, a recipient
(2) FOR STATES.—The Secretary shall es-
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act may fulfill applicable public hearing require-
tablish such criteria as are necessary to allo-
(42 U.S.C. 11375(a)) shall not apply to any ments for all grants from funds made avail-
cate the funds available within the Fund for
amounts made available pursuant to sub- able pursuant to this section by carrying out
each State. The Secretary shall allocate
section (a) of this section. virtual public hearings.
(j) REIMBURSEMENT OF ELIGIBLE ACTIVI- such funds among all States taking into con-
(ii) REQUIREMENTS.—Any virtual hearings
TIES.—Amounts made available pursuant to
sideration the number of unemployment
held under clause (i) by a recipient under
subsection (a) may be used by a recipient to claims within a State relative to the nation-
this section shall provide reasonable notifi-
reimburse expenditures incurred for eligible wide number of unemployment claims.
cation and access for citizens in accordance
activities under this section after March 27, (3) SMALL STATE MINIMUM.—The amount al-
with the recipient’s certifications, timely re-
2020. located for each State shall not be less than
sponses from local officials to all citizen
(k) PROHIBITION ON PREREQUISITES.—None $250,000,000.
questions and issues, and public access to all
of the funds made available pursuant to this (4) SET-ASIDE FOR INSULAR AREAS.—Not-
questions and responses.
section may be used to require any indi- (m) CONSULTATION.—In addition to any withstanding any other provision of this sec-
vidual receiving assistance under the pro- other citizen participation and consultation tion, of any amounts authorized to be appro-
gram under this section to receive treatment requirements, in developing and imple- priated pursuant to subsection (g), the Sec-
or perform any other prerequisite activities menting a plan to carry out this section, retary shall reserve $200,000,000 to be dis-
as a condition for receiving shelter, housing, each recipient of funds made available pursu- bursed to Guam, American Samoa, the Vir-
or other services. ant to this section shall consult with the ap- gin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Is-
(l) WAIVERS AND ALTERNATIVE REQUIRE- plicable Continuum or Continuums of Care lands based on each such territory’s share of
MENTS.— for the area served by the recipient and orga- the combined total population of all such
(1) IN GENERAL.— nizations representing underserved commu- territories, as determined by the Secretary.
(A) AUTHORITY.—In administering the nities and populations and organizations For the purposes of this paragraph, popu-
amounts made available pursuant to sub- with expertise in affordable housing, fair lation shall be determined based on the most
section (a), the Secretary may waive, or housing, and services for people with disabil- recent year for which data are available from
specify alternative requirements for, any ities. the United States Census Bureau.
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provision of any statute or regulation that (n) ADMINISTRATION.— (5) SET-ASIDE FOR INDIAN TRIBES AND NATIVE
the Secretary administers in connection (1) BY SECRETARY.—Of any amounts made HAWAIIANS.——
with the obligation by the Secretary or the available pursuant to subsection (a)— (A) INDIAN TRIBES.—Notwithstanding any
use by the recipient of such amounts (except (A) not more than the lesser of 0.5 percent, other provision of this section, of any
for requirements related to fair housing, or $15,000,000, may be used by the Secretary amounts authorized to be appropriated pur-
nondiscrimination, labor standards, prohibi- for staffing, training, technical assistance, suant to subsection (g), the Secretary shall
tion on prerequisites, minimum data report- technology, monitoring, research, and eval- use 5 percent to make grants in accordance
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H2646 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 29, 2020
with subsection (f) to eligible recipients for duction, provided that any mortgage pay- 1000 of title 24, Code of Federal Regulations
the purposes described in subsection (e)(1). ment assistance is tailored to a borrower’s (or any successor regulations).
(B) NATIVE HAWAIIANS.— Of the funds set needs and their ability to repay, and takes (B) NATIVE HAWAIIANS.—The Secretary
aside under subparagraph (A), the Secretary into consideration the loss mitigation op- shall use the funds made available under sub-
shall use 0.3 percent to make grants to the tions available to the borrower; section (c)(5)(B) in accordance with part 1006
Department of Hawaiian Home Lands in ac- (B) assistance with payment of taxes, haz- of title 24, Code of Federal Regulations (or
cordance with subsection (f) for the purposes ard insurance, flood insurance, mortgage in- successor regulations).
described in subsection (e)(1). surance, or homeowners’ association fees; (3) TRANSFER.—The Secretary shall trans-
(d) DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS.— (C) utility payment assistance, including fer any funds made available under sub-
(1) ADMINISTRATION.—Except for amounts electric, gas, water, and internet service, in- section (c)(5) that have not been allocated by
made available for assistance under sub- cluding broadband internet access service (as an eligible recipient or the Department of
section (f), State housing finance agencies such term is defined in section 8.1(b) of title Hawaiian Home Lands, as applicable, to pro-
shall be primarily responsible for admin- 47, Code of Federal Regulations (or any suc- vide the assistance described in subsection
istering amounts disbursed from the Fund, cessor regulation)); (e)(1) by December 31, 2030, to the Secretary
but may delegate responsibilities and sub-al- (D) reimbursement of funds expended by a of Housing and Urban Development to carry
locate amounts to community development State or local government during the period out the Native American Housing Assistance
financial institutions and State agencies beginning on January 21, 2020, and ending on and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C.
that administer Low-Income Home Energy the date that the first funds are disbursed by 4101 et seq.).
Assistance Program of the Department of the State under the Fund, for the purpose of (g) FUNDING.—There is authorized to be ap-
Health and Human Services. providing housing or utility assistance to in- propriated to the Homeowner Assistance
(2) NOTICE OF FUNDING.—The Secretary dividuals or otherwise providing funds to Fund established under subsection (b)
shall provide public notice of the amounts prevent foreclosure or eviction of a home- $75,000,000,000, to remain available until ex-
that will be made available to each State owner or prevent mortgage delinquency or pended or transferred or credited under sub-
and the method used for determining such loss of housing or critical utilities as a re- section (i).
amounts not later than the expiration of the sponse to the coronavirus disease 2019 (h) USE OF HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY INNO-
14-day period beginning on the date of the (COVID–19) pandemic; and VATION FUND FOR THE HARDEST HIT HOUSING
enactment of this Act of enactment. (E) any other assistance for homeowners to MARKETS FUNDS.—A State housing finance
(3) SHFA PLANS.— prevent eviction, mortgage delinquency or agency may reallocate any administrative or
(A) ELIGIBILITY.—To be eligible to receive default, foreclosure, or the loss of essential programmatic funds it has received as an al-
funding allocated for a State under the sec- utility services. location from the Housing Finance Agency
tion, a State housing finance agency for the (2) TARGETING.— Innovation Fund for the Hardest Hit Housing
State shall submit to the Secretary a plan (A) REQUIREMENT.—Not less than 60 per- Markets created pursuant to section 101(a) of
for the implementation of State programs to cent of amounts made available for each the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act
administer, in part or in full, the amount of State or other entity allocated amounts of 2008 (12 U.S.C. 5211(a)) that have not been
funding the state is eligible to receive, which under subsection (c) shall be used for activi- otherwise allocated or disbursed as of the
shall provide for the commencement of re- ties under paragraph (1) that assist home- date of enactment of this Act to supplement
ceipt of applications by homeowners for as- owners having incomes equal to or less than any administrative or programmatic funds
sistance, and funding of such applications, 80 percent of the area median income. received from the Housing Assistance Fund.
not later than the expiration of the 6-month (B) DETERMINATION OF INCOME.— In deter- Such reallocated funds shall not be consid-
period beginning upon the approval under mining the income of a household for pur- ered when allocating resources from the
this paragraph of such plan. poses of this paragraph, income shall be con- Housing Assistance Fund using the process
(B) MULTIPLE PLANS.—. A State housing fi- sidered to include only income that the established under subsection (c) and shall re-
nance agency may submit multiple plans, household is receiving at the time of applica- main available for the uses permitted and
each covering a separate portion of funding tion for assistance from the Fund and any under the terms and conditions established
for which the State is eligible. income recently terminated shall not be in- by the contract with Secretary created pur-
(C) TIMING.—The Secretary shall approve cluded, except that for purposes of house- suant to subsection (d)(1) and the terms of
or disapprove a plan within 30 days after the holds receiving assistance for arrearages in- subsection (i).
(i) REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.—The Sec-
plan’s submission and, if disapproved, ex- come shall include only the income that the
retary shall provide public reports not less
plain why the plan could not be approved. household was receiving at the time such ar-
frequently than quarterly regarding the use
(D) DISBURSEMENT UPON APPROVAL.—The rearages were incurred. of funds provided by the Homeowner Assist-
Secretary shall disburse to a State housing (C) LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE.—Each State ance Fund. Such reports shall include the
finance agency the appropriate amount of housing finance agency or other entity allo- following data by State and by program
funding upon approval of the agency’s plan. cated amounts under subsection (c) shall within each State, both for the past quarter
(E) AMENDMENTS.—A State housing finance make available to each applicant for assist- and throughout the life of the program—
agency may subsequently amend a plan that ance from amounts from the Fund language (1) the amount of funds allocated;
has previously been approved, provided that assistance in any language that such lan- (2) the amount of funds disbursed;
any plan amendment shall be subject to the guage assistance is available in and shall (3) the number of households and individ-
approval of the Secretary. The Secretary provide notice to each such applicant that uals assisted;
shall approve any plan amendment or dis- such language assistance is available. (4) the acceptance rate of applicants;
approve such amendment explain why the (3) ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.—Not more (5) the type or types of assistance provided
plan amendment could not be approved with- than 15 percent of the amount allocated to a to each household;
in 45 days after submission to the Secretary State pursuant to subsection (c) may be used (6) whether the household assisted had a
of such amendment. by a State housing financing agency for ad- federally backed loan and identification of
(F) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.—The Secretary ministrative expenses. Any amounts allo- the Federal entity backing such loan;
shall provide technical assistance for any cated to administrative expenses that are no (7) the average amount of funding provided
State housing finance agency that twice fails longer necessary for administrative expenses per household receiving assistance and per
to have a submitted plan approved. may be used in accordance with paragraph type of assistance provided;
(4) PLAN TEMPLATES.—The Secretary shall, (1). (8) the average number of monthly pay-
not later than 30 days after the date of the (f) TRIBAL AND NATIVE HAWAIIAN ASSIST-
ments that were covered by the funding
enactment of this Act, publish templates ANCE.—
amount that a household received, as appli-
that States may utilize in drafting the plans (1) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection:
cable, disaggregated by type of assistance
required under paragraph (3)(A). The tem- (A) DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME
provided;
plate plans shall include standard program LANDS.—The term ‘‘Department of Hawaiian
(9) the income level of each household re-
terms and requirements, as well as any re- Home Lands’’ has the meaning given the
ceiving assistance; and
quired legal language, which State housing term in section 801 of the Native American
(10) the outcome 12 months after the
finance agencies may modify with the con- Housing Assistance and Self-Determination
household has received assistance.
sent of the Secretary. Act of 1996 (42 U.S.C. 4221). Each report under this subsection shall
(e) PERMISSIBLE USES OF FUND.— (B) ELIGIBLE RECIPIENT.—The term ‘‘eligi- disaggregate the information provided under
(1) IN GENERAL.—Funds made available to ble recipient’’ means any entity eligible to paragraphs (3) through (10) by State, zip
State housing finance agencies pursuant to receive a grant under section 101 of the Na- code, racial and ethnic composition of the
this section may be used for the purposes es- tive American Housing Assistance and Self- household, and whether or not the person
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE
tablished under subsection (b), which may Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4111). from the household applying for assistance
include— (2) REQUIREMENTS.— speaks English as a second language.
(A) mortgage payment assistance, includ- (A) ALLOCATION.—Except for the funds set SEC. 103. PROTECTING RENTERS AND HOME-
ing financial assistance to allow a borrower aside under subsection (c)(5)(B), the Sec- OWNERS FROM EVICTIONS AND
to reinstate their mortgage or to achieve a retary shall allocate the funds set aside FORECLOSURES.
more affordable mortgage payment, which under subsection (c)(5)(A) using the alloca- (a) EVICTION MORATORIUM.—The CARES
may include principal reduction or rate re- tion formula described in subpart D of part Act is amended by striking section 4024 (15
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June 29, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2647
U.S.C. 9058; Public Law 116–136; 134 Stat. 492) end credit plan other than a reverse mort- reverse mortgage loan, during the covered
and inserting the following new section: gage.’’; and period, is due and payable due to the death of
‘‘SEC. 4024. TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON EVIC- (ii) by adding at the end the following: the last borrower or end of a deferral period
TION FILINGS. ‘‘(3) COVERED PERIOD.—With respect to a or eligible to be called due and payable due
‘‘(a) CONGRESSIONAL FINDINGS.—The Con- loan, the term ‘covered period’ means the pe- to a property charge default, or if the bor-
gress finds that— riod beginning on the date of enactment of rower defaults on a property charge repay-
‘‘(1) according to the 2018 American Com- this Act and ending 12 months after such ment plan, or if the borrower defaults for
munity Survey, 36 percent of households in date of enactment.’’. failure to complete property repairs, or if an
the United States—more than 43 million (2) AUTOMATIC FORBEARANCE FOR DELIN- obligation of the borrower under the Secu-
households—are renters; QUENT BORROWERS.—Section 4022(c) of the rity Instrument is not performed, the mort-
‘‘(2) in 2019 alone, renters in the United CARES Act (15 U.S.C. 9056(c)), as amended by gagee automatically shall be granted a six-
States paid $512 billion in rent; paragraph (5) of this subsection, is further month extension of—
‘‘(3) according to the Joint Center for amended by adding at the end the following: ‘‘(i) the mortgagee’s deadline to request
Housing Studies of Harvard University, 20.8 ‘‘(9) AUTOMATIC FORBEARANCE FOR DELIN- due and payable status from the Department
million renters in the United States spent QUENT BORROWERS.— of Housing and Urban Development;
more than 30 percent of their incomes on ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any ‘‘(ii) the mortgage’s deadline to send noti-
housing in 2018 and 10.9 million renters spent other law governing forbearance relief— fication to the mortgagor or his or her heirs
more than 50 percent of their incomes on ‘‘(i) any borrower whose covered mortgage that the loan is due and payable;
housing in the same year; loan became 60 days delinquent between ‘‘(iii) the deadline to initiate foreclosure;
‘‘(4) according to data from the Depart- March 13, 2020, and the date of enactment of ‘‘(iv) any reasonable diligence period re-
ment of Labor, more than 30 million people this paragraph, and who has not already re- lated to foreclosure or the Mortgagee Op-
have filed for unemployment since the ceived a forbearance under subsection (b), tional Election;
COVID-19 pandemic began; shall automatically be granted a 60-day for- ‘‘(v) if applicable, the deadline to obtain
‘‘(5) the impacts of the spread of COVID-19, bearance that begins on the date of enact- the due and payable appraisal; and
which is now considered a global pandemic, ment of this paragraph, provided that a bor- ‘‘(vi) any claim submission deadline, in-
are expected to negatively impact the in- rower shall not be considered delinquent for cluding the 6-month acquired property mar-
comes of potentially millions of renter purposes of this paragraph while making keting period.
households, making it difficult for them to timely payments or otherwise performing ‘‘(B) FORBEARANCE PERIOD.—The mortgagee
pay their rent on time; and under a trial modification or other loss miti- shall not request due and payable status
‘‘(6) evictions in the current environment gation agreement; and from the Secretary of Housing and Urban De-
would increase homelessness and housing in- ‘‘(ii) any borrower whose covered mortgage velopment nor initiate foreclosure during
stability which would be counterproductive loan becomes 60 days delinquent between the this six-month period described under sub-
towards the public health goals of keeping date of enactment of this paragraph and the paragraph (A), which shall be considered a
individuals in their homes to the greatest ex- end of the covered period, and who has not forbearance period.
tent possible. already received a forbearance under sub- ‘‘(C) EXTENSION.—A forbearance provided
‘‘(b) MORATORIUM.—During the period be- section (b), shall automatically be granted a under subparagraph (B) and related deadline
ginning on the date of the enactment of this 60-day forbearance that begins on the 60th extension authorized under subparagraph (A)
Act and ending 12 months after such date of day of delinquency, provided that a borrower shall be extended for an additional 180 days
enactment, the lessor of a covered dwelling shall not be considered delinquent for pur- upon—
located in such State may not make, or poses of this paragraph while making timely ‘‘(i) the borrower’s request, oral or written,
cause to be made, any filing with the court payments or otherwise performing under a submitted to the borrower’s servicer affirm-
of jurisdiction to initiate a legal action to trial modification or other loss mitigation ing that the borrower is experiencing a fi-
recover possession of the covered dwelling agreement. nancial hardship that prevents the borrower
from the tenant for nonpayment of rent or ‘‘(B) INITIAL EXTENSION.—An automatic for- from making payments on property charges,
other fees or charges. bearance provided under subparagraph (A) completing property repairs, or performing
‘‘(c) DEFINITIONS.—For purposes of this sec- shall be extended for up to an additional 120 an obligation of the borrower under the Se-
tion, the following definitions shall apply: days upon the borrower’s request, oral or curity Instrument due, directly or indi-
‘‘(1) COVERED DWELLING.—The term ‘cov- written, submitted to the borrower’s servicer rectly, to the COVID–19 emergency;
ered dwelling’ means a dwelling that is occu- affirming that the borrower is experiencing a ‘‘(ii) a non-borrowing spouse’s request, oral
pied by a tenant— financial hardship that prevents the bor- or written, submitted to the servicer affirm-
‘‘(A) pursuant to a residential lease; or rower from making timely payments on the ing that the non-borrowing spouse has been
‘‘(B) without a lease or with a lease ter- covered mortgage loan due, directly or indi- unable to satisfy all criteria for the Mort-
minable at will under State law. rectly, to the COVID–19 emergency. gagee Optional Election program due, di-
‘‘(2) DWELLING.—The term ‘dwelling’ has ‘‘(C) SUBSEQUENT EXTENSION.—A forbear- rectly or indirectly, to the COVID-19 emer-
the meaning given such term in section 802 ance extended under subparagraph (B) shall gency, or to perform all actions necessary to
of the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 3602) and be extended for up to an additional 180 days, become an eligible non-borrowing spouse fol-
includes houses and dwellings described in up to a maximum of 360 days (including the lowing the death of all borrowers; or
section 803(b) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 3603(b)). period of automatic forbearance), upon the ‘‘(iii) a successor-in-interest of the bor-
‘‘(d) NOTICE TO VACATE AFTER MORATORIUM borrower’s request, oral or written, sub- rower’s request, oral or written, submitted
EXPIRATION DATE.—After the expiration of mitted to the borrower’s servicer affirming to the servicer affirming the heir’s difficulty
the period described in subsection (b), the that the borrower is experiencing a financial satisfying the reverse mortgage loan due, di-
lessor of a covered dwelling may not require hardship that prevents the borrower from rectly or indirectly, to the COVID-19 emer-
the tenant to vacate the covered dwelling by making timely payments on the covered gency.
reason of nonpayment of rent or other fees mortgage loan due, directly or indirectly, to ‘‘(D) CURTAILMENT OF DEBENTURE INTER-
or charges before the expiration of the 30-day the COVID–19 emergency. EST.—Where any covered mortgage loan
period that begins upon the provision by the ‘‘(D) RIGHT TO ELECT TO CONTINUE MAKING which is also a federally insured reverse
lessor to the tenant, after the expiration of PAYMENTS.—With respect to a forbearance mortgage loan is in default during the cov-
the period described in subsection (b), of a provided under this paragraph, the borrower ered period and subject to a prior event
notice to vacate the covered dwelling.’’. of such loan may elect to continue making which provides for curtailment of debenture
(b) MORTGAGE RELIEF.— regular payments on the loan. A borrower interest in connection with a claim for insur-
(1) FORBEARANCE AND FORECLOSURE MORA- who makes such election shall be offered a ance benefits, the curtailment of debenture
TORIUM FOR COVERED MORTGAGE LOANS.—Sec- loss mitigation option pursuant to sub- interest shall be suspended during any for-
tion 4022 of the CARES Act (15 U.S.C. 9056) is section (d) within 30 days of resuming reg- bearance period provided herein.’’.
amended— ular payments to address any payment defi- (3) ADDITIONAL FORECLOSURE AND REPOSSES-
(A) by striking ‘‘Federally backed mort- ciency during the forbearance. SION PROTECTIONS.—Section 4022(c) of the
gage loan’’ each place such term appears and ‘‘(E) RIGHT TO SHORTEN FORBEARANCE.—At CARES Act (15 U.S.C. 9056(c)) is amended—
inserting ‘‘covered mortgage loan’’; and a borrower’s request, any period of forbear- (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘may not
(B) in subsection (a)— ance provided under this paragraph may be initiate any judicial or non-judicial fore-
(i) by amending paragraph (2) to read as shortened. A borrower who makes such a re- closure process, move for a foreclosure judg-
follows: quest shall be offered a loss mitigation op- ment or order of sale, or execute a fore-
‘‘(2) COVERED MORTGAGE LOAN.—The term tion pursuant to subsection (d) within 30 closure-related eviction or foreclosure sale
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‘covered mortgage loan’ means any credit days of resuming regular payments to ad- for not less than the 60-day period beginning
transaction that is secured by a mortgage, dress any payment deficiency during the for- on March 18, 2020’’ and inserting ‘‘may not
deed of trust, or other equivalent consensual bearance. initiate or proceed with any judicial or non-
security interest on a 1- to 4-unit dwelling or ‘‘(10) AUTOMATIC FORBEARANCE FOR CERTAIN judicial foreclosure process, schedule a fore-
on residential real property that includes a REVERSE MORTGAGE LOANS.— closure sale, move for a foreclosure judg-
1- to 4-unit dwelling, except that it shall not ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—When any covered mort- ment or order of sale, execute a foreclosure
include a credit transaction under an open gage loan which is also a federally-insured related eviction or foreclosure sale for six
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H2648 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 29, 2020
months after the date of enactment of the servicer described under this section may be from any escrow account established on the
Emergency Housing Protections and Relief made in writing or orally, at the borrower’s covered mortgage loan.
Act of 2020’’; and choice. ‘‘(7) NOTIFICATION FOR BORROWERS.—During
(B) by adding at the end the following: ‘‘(5) COMMUNICATION WITH BORROWERS WITH the period that begins 90 days after the date
‘‘(3) REPOSSESSION MORATORIUM.—In the A DISABILITY.—Upon request from a bor- of the enactment of this paragraph and ends
case of personal property, including any rec- rower, servicers shall communicate with bor- at the end of the covered period, each
reational or motor vehicle, used as a dwell- rowers who have a disability in the bor- servicer of a covered mortgage loan shall be
ing, no person may use any judicial or non- rower’s preferred method of communication. required to—
judicial procedure to repossess or otherwise For purposes of this paragraph, the term ‘‘(A) make available in a clear and con-
take possession of such property for six ‘disability’ has the meaning given that term spicuous manner on their webpage accurate
months after date of enactment of this para- in the Fair Housing Act, the Americans with information, in English and Spanish, for bor-
graph.’’. Disabilities Act of 1990, or the Rehabilitation rowers regarding the availability of forbear-
(4) MORTGAGE FORBEARANCE REFORMS.— Act of 1973.’’; and ance as provided under subsection (b); and
Section 4022 of the CARES Act (15 U.S.C. (B) in subsection (c), by amending para- ‘‘(B) notify every borrower whose pay-
9056) is amended— graph (1) to read as follows: ments on a covered mortgage loan are delin-
(A) in subsection (b), by striking para- ‘‘(1) NO DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED.—A quent in any oral communication with or to
graphs (1), (2), and (3) and inserting the fol- servicer of a covered mortgage loan shall not the borrower that the borrower may be eligi-
lowing: require any documentation with respect to a ble to request forbearance as provided under
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—During the covered pe- subsection (b), except that such notice shall
forbearance under this section other than
riod, a borrower with a covered mortgage not be required if the borrower already has
the borrower’s affirmation (oral or written)
loan who has not obtained automatic for- requested forbearance under subsection (b).
to a financial hardship that prevents the bor-
bearance pursuant to this section and who is ‘‘(8) CERTAIN TREATMENT UNDER RESPA.—As
rower from making timely payments on the
experiencing a financial hardship that pre- long as a borrower’s payment on a covered
covered mortgage loan due, directly or indi-
vents the borrower from making timely pay- mortgage loan was not more than 30 days de-
rectly, to the COVID–19 emergency. An oral
ments on the covered mortgage loan due, di- linquent on March 13, 2020, a servicer may
request for forbearance and oral affirmation
rectly or indirectly, to the COVID–19 emer- not deem the borrower as delinquent while a
gency may request forbearance on the loan, of hardship by the borrower shall be suffi-
cient for the borrower to obtain or extend a forbearance granted under subsection (b) is
regardless of delinquency status, by— in effect for purposes of the application of
‘‘(A) submitting a request, orally or in forbearance.’’.
(5) OTHER SERVICER REQUIREMENTS DURING sections 6 and 10 of the Real Estate Settle-
writing, to the servicer of the loan; and ment Procedures Act and any applicable reg-
FORBEARANCE.—Section 4022(c) of the CARES
‘‘(B) affirming that the borrower is experi- ulations.’’.
encing a financial hardship that prevents the Act (15 U.S.C. 9056(c)), as amended by para-
graph (3) of this subsection, is further (6) POST-FORBEARANCE LOSS MITIGATION.—
borrower from making timely payments on (A) AMENDMENT TO CARES ACT.—Section
the covered mortgage loan due, directly or amended by adding at the end the following:
‘‘(4) FORBEARANCE TERMS NOTICE.—Within 4022 of the CARES Act (15 U.S.C. 9056) is
indirectly, to the COVID–19 emergency. amended by adding at the end the following:
‘‘(2) DURATION OF FORBEARANCE.— 30 days of a servicer of a covered mortgage
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Upon a request by a bor- loan providing forbearance to a borrower ‘‘(d) POST-FORBEARANCE LOSS MITIGA-
rower to a servicer for forbearance under under subsection (b) or paragraph (9) or (10), TION.—
paragraph (1), such forbearance shall be or 10 days if the forbearance is for a term of ‘‘(1) NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF ADDITIONAL
granted by the servicer for the period re- less than 60 days, but only where the forbear- FORBEARANCE.—With respect to any covered
quested by the borrower, up to an initial ance was provided in response to a bor- mortgage loan as to which forbearance under
length of 180 days, the length of which shall rower’s request for forbearance or when an this section has been granted and not other-
be extended by the servicer, at the request of automatic forbearance was initially provided wise extended, including by automatic ex-
the borrower for the period or periods re- under paragraph (9) or (10), and not when an tension, a servicer shall, no later than 30
quested, for a total forbearance period of up existing forbearance is automatically ex- days before the end of the forbearance pe-
to 12-months. tended, the servicer shall provide the bor- riod, in writing, notify the borrower that ad-
‘‘(B) MINIMUM FORBEARANCE AMOUNTS.—For rower with a notice in accordance with the ditional forbearance may be available and
purposes of granting a forbearance under terms in paragraph (5). how to request such forbearance, except that
this paragraph, a servicer may grant an ini- ‘‘(5) CONTENTS OF NOTICE.—The written no- no such notice is required where the bor-
tial forbearance with a term of not less than tice required under paragraph (4) shall state rower already has requested an extension of
90 days, provided that it is automatically ex- in plain language— the forbearance period, is subject to auto-
tended for an additional 90 days unless the ‘‘(A) the specific terms of the forbearance; matic extension pursuant to subsection
servicer confirms the borrower does not want ‘‘(B) the beginning and ending dates of the (b)(2)(B), or no additional forbearance is
to renew the forbearance or that the bor- forbearance; available.
rower is no longer experiencing a financial ‘‘(C) that the borrower is eligible for up to ‘‘(2) LOSS MITIGATION OFFER BEFORE EXPIRA-
hardship that prevents the borrower from 12 months of forbearance; TION OF FORBEARANCE.—No later than 30 days
making timely mortgage payments due, di- ‘‘(D) that the borrower may request an ex- before the end of any forbearance period that
rectly or indirectly, to the COVID–19 emer- tension of the forbearance unless the bor- has not been extended or 30 days after a re-
gency. rower will have reached the maximum period quest by a consumer to terminate the for-
‘‘(C) RIGHT TO SHORTEN FORBEARANCE.—At a at the end of the forbearance; bearance, which time shall be before the
borrower’s request, any period of forbearance ‘‘(E) that the borrower may request that servicer initiates or engages in any fore-
described under this paragraph may be short- the initial or extended period be shortened at closure activity listed in subsection (c)(2),
ened. A borrower who makes such a request any time; including incurring or charging to a bor-
shall be offered a loss mitigation option pur- ‘‘(F) that the borrower should contact the rower any fees or corporate advances related
suant to subsection (d) within 30 days of re- servicer before the end of the forbearance pe- to a foreclosure, the servicer shall, in writ-
suming regular payments to address any riod; ing—
payment deficiency during the forbearance. ‘‘(G) a description of the loss mitigation ‘‘(A) offer the borrower a loss mitigation
‘‘(3) ACCRUAL OF INTEREST OR FEES.—A options that may be available to the bor- option, without the charging of any fees or
servicer shall not charge a borrower any rower at the end of the forbearance period penalties other than interest, such that the
fees, penalties, or interest (beyond the based on the borrower’s specific loan; borrower’s principal and interest payment
amounts scheduled or calculated as if the ‘‘(H) information on how to find a housing remains the same as it was prior to the for-
borrower made all contractual payments on counseling agency approved by the Depart- bearance, subject to any adjustment of the
time and in full under the terms of the mort- ment of Housing and Urban Development; index pursuant to the terms of an adjustable
gage contract) in connection with a forbear- ‘‘(I) in the case of a forbearance provided rate mortgage, and that either—
ance, provided that a servicer may offer the pursuant to paragraph (9) or (10), that the ‘‘(i) defers the payment of total arrearages,
borrower a modification option at the end of forbearance was automatically provided and including any escrow advances, to the end of
a forbearance period granted hereunder that how to contact the servicer to make arrange- the existing term of the loan, without the
includes the capitalization of past due prin- ments for further assistance, including any charging or collection of any additional in-
cipal and interest and escrow payments as renewal; and terest on the deferred amounts; or
long as the borrower’s principal and interest ‘‘(J) where applicable, that the forbearance ‘‘(ii) extends the term of the mortgage
payment under such modification remains at is subject to an automatic extension includ- loan, and capitalizes, defers, or forgives all
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE
or below the contractual principal and inter- ing the terms of any such automatic exten- escrow advances and other arrearages;
est payments owed under the terms of the sions and when any further extension would provided, however, that the servicer may
mortgage contract before such forbearance require a borrower request. offer the borrower a loss mitigation option
period except as the result of a change in the ‘‘(6) TREATMENT OF ESCROW ACCOUNTS.— that reduces the principal and interest pay-
index of an adjustable rate mortgage. During any forbearance provided under this ment on the loan and capitalizes, defers, or
‘‘(4) COMMUNICATION WITH SERVICERS.—Any section, a servicer shall pay or advance funds forgives all escrow advances or arrearages if
communication between a borrower and a to make disbursements in a timely manner the servicer has information indicating that
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June 29, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2649
the borrower cannot resume the pre-forbear- ‘‘(i) make a good faith effort to commu- ‘‘(2) may not charge any late fees, pen-
ance mortgage payments; and nicate with the borrower regarding available alties, or other charges with respect to pay-
‘‘(B) concurrent with the loss mitigation home retention options to cure the property ments on the loan that were due during the
offer in subparagraph (A), notify the bor- charge default, including encouraging the forbearance period, if such payments are
rower that the borrower has the right to be borrower to apply for home retention op- made before the end of the 12-month period;
evaluated for other loss mitigation options if tions; and and
the borrower is not able to make the pay- ‘‘(ii) consider the borrower for all available ‘‘(3) may not report any adverse informa-
ment under the option offered in subpara- home retention options as allowed by the tion to a credit rating agency (as defined
graph (A). Secretary. under section 603 of the Fair Credit Report-
‘‘(3) EVALUATION FOR LOSS MITIGATION PRIOR ‘‘(B) PERMISSIBLE REPAYMENT PLANS.—The ing Act with respect to any payments on the
TO FORECLOSURE INITIATION.—Before a Secretary shall amend its allowable home re- loan that were due during the forbearance
servicer may initiate or engage in any fore- tention options to permit a repayment plan period, if such payments are made before the
closure activity listed in subsection (c)(2), of up to 120 months in length, and to permit end of the 12-month period.).’’; and
including incurring or charging to a bor- a repayment plan without regard to prior de- (F) in subsection (g), as so redesignated—
rower any fees or corporate advances related faults on repayment plans. (i) in paragraph (2)—
to a foreclosure on the basis that the bor- ‘‘(C) LIMITATION ON INTEREST CURTAIL- (I) by striking ‘‘that—’’ and all that fol-
rower has failed to perform under the loss MENT.—The Secretary may not curtail inter- lows through ‘‘(A) is secured by’’ and insert-
mitigation offer in paragraph (2)(A) within est paid to mortgagees who engage in loss ing ‘‘that is secured by’’;
the first 90 days after the option is offered, mitigation or home retention actions (II) by striking ‘‘; and’’ and inserting a pe-
including a failure to accept the loss mitiga- through interest curtailment during such riod; and
tion offer in paragraph (2)(A), the servicer loss mitigation or home retention review or (III) by striking subparagraph (B); and
shall— during the period when a loss mitigation or (ii) by amending paragraph (5) to read as
‘‘(A) unless the borrower has already sub- home retention plan is in effect and ending follows:
mitted a complete application that the 90 days after any such plan terminates.’’. ‘‘(5) COVERED PERIOD.—With respect to a
servicer is reviewing— (B) AMENDMENT TO HOUSING ACT OF 1949.— loan, the term ‘covered period’ has the mean-
‘‘(i) notify the borrower in writing of the Section 505 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 ing given that term under section
documents and information, if any, needed U.S.C. 1475) is amended— 4022(a)(3).’’.
by the servicer to enable the servicer to con- (i) by striking the section heading and in- (8) RENTER PROTECTIONS DURING FORBEAR-
sider the borrower for all available loss miti- serting ‘‘LOSS MITIGATION AND FORECLOSURE ANCE PERIOD.— A borrower that receives a
gation options; PROCEDURES’’;
forbearance pursuant to section 4022 or 4023
‘‘(ii) exercise reasonable diligence to ob- (ii) in subsection (a), by striking the sec- of the CARES Act (15 U.S.C. 9056 or 9057) may
tain the documents and information needed tion designation and all that follows through not, for the duration of the forbearance—
to complete the borrower’s loss mitigation ‘‘During any’’ and inserting the following: (A) evict or initiate the eviction of a ten-
application; ‘‘SEC. 505. (a) MORATORIUM.—(1) In deter- ant solely for nonpayment of rent or other
‘‘(B) upon receipt of a complete application mining a borrower’s eligibility for relief, the fees or charges; or
or if, despite the servicer’s exercise of rea- Secretary shall make all eligibility decisions (B) charge any late fees, penalties, or other
sonable diligence, the loss mitigation appli- based on the borrower’s household’s income, charges to a tenant for late payment of rent.
cation remains incomplete sixty days after expenses, and circumstances. (9) EXTENSION OF GSE PATCH.—
the notice in paragraph (2)(A) is sent, con- ‘‘(2) During any’’. (A) NON-APPLICABILITY OF EXISTING SUN-
duct an evaluation of the complete or incom- (iii) by redesignating subsection (b) as sub- SET.—Section 1026.43(e)(4)(iii)(B) of title 12,
plete loss mitigation application without section (c); and Code of Federal Regulations, shall have no
reference to whether the borrower has pre- (iv) by inserting after subsection (a) the force or effect.
viously submitted a complete loss mitiga- following new subsection: (B) EXTENDED SUNSET.—The special rules in
tion application and offer the borrower all ‘‘(b) LOAN MODIFICATION.—(1) Notwith- section 1026.43(e)(4) of title 12, Code of Fed-
available loss mitigation options for which standing any other provision of this title, for eral Regulations, shall apply to covered
the borrower qualifies under applicable in- any loan made under section 502 or 504, the transactions consummated prior to June 1,
vestor guidelines, including guidelines re- Secretary may modify the interest rate and 2022, or such later date as the Director of the
garding required documentation. extend the term of such loan for up to 30 Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection
‘‘(4) EFFECT ON FUTURE REQUESTS FOR LOSS years from the date of such modification. may determine, by rule.
MITIGATION REVIEW.—An application, offer, or ‘‘(2) At the end of any moratorium period (10) SERVICER SAFE HARBOR FROM INVESTOR
evaluation for loss mitigation under this sec- granted under this section or under the LIABILITY.—
tion shall not be the basis for the denial of Emergency Housing Protections and Relief (A) SAFE HARBOR.—
a borrower’s application as duplicative or for Act of 2020, the Secretary shall determine (i) IN GENERAL.—A servicer of covered
a reduction in the borrower’s appeal rights whether the borrower can reasonably resume mortgage loans or multifamily mortgage
under Regulation X (12 C.F.R. 1024) in regard making principal and interest payments loans shall be deemed not to have violated
to any loss mitigation application submitted after the Secretary modifies the borrower’s any duty or contractual obligation owed to
after the servicer has complied with the re- loan obligations in accordance with para- investors or other parties regarding such
quirements of paragraphs (2) and (3). graph (1).’’. mortgage loans on account of offering or im-
‘‘(5) SAFE HARBOR.—Any loss mitigation op- (7) MULTIFAMILY MORTGAGE FORBEAR- plementing in good faith forbearance during
tion authorized by the Federal National ANCE.—Section 4023 of the CARES Act (15 the covered period or offering or imple-
Mortgage Association, the Federal Home U.S.C. 9057) is amended— menting in good faith post-forbearance loss
Loan Corporation, or the Federal Housing (A) by striking ‘‘Federally backed multi- mitigation (including after the expiration of
Administration that either— family mortgage loan’’ each place such term the covered period) in accordance with the
‘‘(A) defers the payment of total arrear- appears and inserting ‘‘multifamily mort- terms of sections 4022 and 4023 of the CARES
ages, including any escrow advances, to the gage loan’’; Act to borrowers, respectively, on covered or
end of the existing term of the loan, without (B) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘during’’ multifamily mortgage loans that it services
the charging or collection of any additional and inserting ‘‘due, directly or indirectly, and shall not be liable to any party who is
interest on the deferred amounts, or to’’; owed such a duty or obligation or subject to
‘‘(B) extends the term of the mortgage (C) in subsection (c)(1)— any injunction, stay, or other equitable re-
loan, and capitalizes, defers, or forgives all (i) in subparagraph (A), by adding ‘‘and’’ at lief to such party on account of such offer or
escrow advances and other arrearages, with- the end; implementation of forbearance or post-for-
out the charging of any fees or penalties be- (ii) by striking subparagraphs (B) and (C) bearance loss mitigation.
yond interest on any amount capitalized into and inserting the following: (ii) OTHER PERSONS.—Any person, including
the loan principal, ‘‘(B) provide the forbearance for up to the a trustee of a securitization vehicle or other
shall be deemed to comply with the require- end of the period described under section party involved in a securitization or other
ments of paragraph (1)(B). 4024(b).’’; and investment vehicle, who in good faith co-
‘‘(6) HOME RETENTION OPTIONS FOR CERTAIN (D) by redesignating subsection (f) as sub- operates with a servicer of covered or multi-
REVERSE MORTGAGE LOANS.— section (g); family mortgage loans held by that
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—For a covered mortgage (E) by inserting after subsection (e) the fol- securitization or investment vehicle to com-
loan which is also a federally-insured reverse lowing: ply with the terms of section 4022 and 4023 of
mortgage loan, a servicer’s conduct shall be ‘‘(f) TREATMENT AFTER FORBEARANCE.— the CARES Act, respectively, to borrowers
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deemed to comply with this section provided With respect to a multifamily mortgage loan on covered or multifamily mortgage loans
that if the loan is eligible to be called due provided a forbearance under this section, owned by the securitization or other invest-
and payable due to a property charge de- the servicer of such loan— ment vehicle shall not be liable to any party
fault, the mortgagee shall, as a precondition ‘‘(1) shall provide the borrower with a 12- who is owed such a duty or obligation or sub-
to sending a due and payable request to the month period beginning at the end of such ject to any injunction, stay, or other equi-
Secretary or initiating or continuing a fore- forbearance to become current on the pay- table relief to such party on account of its
closure process— ments under such loan; cooperation with an offer or implementation
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H2650 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 29, 2020
of forbearance during the covered period or ‘‘(i) A debtor shall not be denied a dis- menced after such date of enactment, in
post-forbearance loss mitigation, including charge under this section because, as of the which a plan under chapter 13 of title 11,
after the expiration of the covered period. date of discharge, the debtor did not make 6 United States Code, was not confirmed be-
(B) STANDARD INDUSTRY PRACTICE.—During or fewer payments directly to the holder of a fore March 27, 2020.
the covered period, notwithstanding any con- debt secured by real property. SEC. 104. LIQUIDITY FOR MORTGAGE SERVICERS
tractual restrictions, it is deemed to be ‘‘(j) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and AND RESIDENTIAL RENTAL PROP-
standard industry practice for a servicer to (b), upon the debtor’s request, the court shall ERTY OWNERS.
offer forbearance or loss mitigation options grant a discharge of all debts provided for in (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 4003 of the
in accordance with the terms of sections 4022 the plan that are dischargeable under sub- CARES Act (15 U.S.C. 9042), is amended by
and 4023 of the CARES Act to borrowers, re- section (a) if the debtor— adding at the end the following:
spectively, on all covered or multifamily ‘‘(1) has made payments under a confirmed ‘‘(i) LIQUIDITY FOR MORTGAGE SERVICERS.—
mortgage loans it services. plan for at least 1 year; and ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to paragraph (2),
(C) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in ‘‘(2) is experiencing or has experienced a the Secretary shall ensure that servicers of
this paragraph may be construed as affecting material financial hardship due, directly or covered mortgage loans (as defined under
the liability of a servicer or other person for indirectly, to the coronavirus disease 2019 section 4022) and multifamily mortgage
actual fraud in the servicing of a mortgage (COVID–19) pandemic.’’. loans (as defined under section 4023) are pro-
loan or for the violation of a State or Fed- (5) EXPANDED ELIGIBILITY FOR CHAPTER 13.— vided the opportunity to participate in the
eral law. Section 109(e) of title 11, United States Code, loans, loan guarantees, or other investments
(D) DEFINITIONS.—In this paragraph: made by the Secretary under this section.
is amended—
(i) COVERED MORTGAGE LOAN.—The term The Secretary shall ensure that servicers are
(A) by striking ‘‘$250,000’’ each place the
‘‘covered mortgage loan’’ has the meaning provided with access to such opportunities
term appears and inserting ‘‘$850,000’’; and
given that term under section 4022(a) of the under equitable terms and conditions regard-
(B) by striking ‘‘$750,000’’ each place the
CARES Act. less of their size.
term appears and inserting ‘‘$2,600,000’’.
‘‘(2) MORTGAGE SERVICER ELIGIBILITY.—In
(ii) COVERED PERIOD.—The term ‘‘covered (6) EXTENDED CURE PERIOD FOR HOMEOWNERS
order to receive assistance under subsection
period’’ has the meaning given that term HARMED BY COVID–19 PANDEMIC.—
(b)(4), a mortgage servicer shall—
under section 4023(g) of the CARES Act. (A) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 13 of title 11,
‘‘(A) demonstrate that the mortgage
(iii) MULTIFAMILY MORTGAGE LOAN.—The United States Code, is amended by adding at
servicer has established policies and proce-
term ‘‘multifamily mortgage loan’’ has the the end thereof the following:
dures to use such funds only to replace funds
meaning given that term under section ‘‘§ 1331. Special provisions related to COVID– used for borrower assistance, including to
4023(g) of the CARES Act. 19 pandemic advance funds as a result of forbearance or
(iv) SERVICER.—The term ‘‘servicer’’— ‘‘(a) Notwithstanding subsections (b)(2) and other loss mitigation provided to borrowers;
(I) has the meaning given the term under
(d) of section 1322, if the debtor is experi- ‘‘(B) demonstrate that the mortgage
section 6(i) of the Real Estate Settlement
encing or has experienced a material finan- servicer has established policies and proce-
Procedures Act of 1974 (12 U.S.C. 2605(i)); and
cial hardship due, directly or indirectly, to dures to provide forbearance, post-forbear-
(II) means a master servicer and a
the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID–19) pan- ance loss mitigation, and other assistance to
subservicer, as such terms are defined, re-
demic, a plan may provide for the curing of borrowers in compliance with the terms of
spectively, under section 1024.31 of title 12,
any default within a reasonable time, not to section 4022 or 4023, as applicable;
Code of Federal Regulations.
exceed 7 years after the time that the first ‘‘(C) demonstrate that the mortgage
(v) SECURITIZATION VEHICLE.—The term
payment under the original confirmed plan servicer has established policies and proce-
‘‘securitization vehicle’’ has the meaning
was due, and maintenance of payments while dures to ensure that forbearance and post-
give that term under section 129A(f) of the
the case is pending on any unsecured claim forbearance assistance is available to all bor-
Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1639a(f)).
or secured claim on which the last payment rowers in a non-discriminatory fashion and
(c) BANKRUPTCY PROTECTIONS.—
is due after the expiration of such time. Any in compliance with the Fair Housing Act,
(1) BANKRUPTCY PROTECTIONS FOR FEDERAL
such plan provision shall not affect the ap- the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, and other
CORONAVIRUS RELIEF PAYMENTS.—Section
plicable commitment period under section applicable fair housing and fair lending laws;
541(b) of title 11, United States Code, is
1325(b). and
amended—
‘‘(b) For purposes of sections 1328(a) and ‘‘(D) comply with the limitations on com-
(A) in paragraph (9), in the matter fol-
1328(b), any cure or maintenance payments pensation set forth in section 4004.
lowing subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘or’’;
under subsection (a) that are made after the ‘‘(3) MORTGAGE SERVICER REQUIREMENTS.—A
(B) in paragraph (10)(C), by striking the pe-
end of the period during which the plan pro- mortgage servicer receiving assistance under
riod at the end and inserting ‘‘; or’’; and
vides for payments (other than payments subsection (b)(4) may not, while the servicer
(C) by inserting after paragraph (10) the
under subsection (a)) shall not be treated as is under any obligation to repay funds pro-
following:
payments under the plan. vided or guaranteed under this section—
‘‘(11) payments made under Federal law re- ‘‘(c) Notwithstanding section 1329(c), a plan
lating to the national emergency declared by ‘‘(A) pay dividends with respect to the
modified under section 1329 at the debtor’s common stock of the mortgage servicer or
the President under the National Emer- request may provide for cure or maintenance
gencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) with re- purchase an equity security of the mortgage
payments under subsection (a) over a period servicer or any parent company of the mort-
spect to the coronavirus disease 2019 that is not longer than 7 years after the time
(COVID–19).’’. gage servicer if the security is listed on a na-
that the first payment under the original tional securities exchange, except to the ex-
(2) PROTECTION AGAINST DISCRIMINATORY confirmed plan was due.
TREATMENT OF HOMEOWNERS IN BANKRUPTCY.—
tent required under a contractual obligation
‘‘(d) Notwithstanding section 362(c)(2), dur- that is in effect on the date of enactment of
Section 525 of title 11, United States Code, is ing the period after the debtor receives a dis-
amended by adding at the end the following: this subsection; or
charge and the period during which the plan ‘‘(B) prepay any debt obligation.’’.
‘‘(d) A person may not be denied any for-
provides for the cure of any default and (b) CREDIT FACILITY FOR RESIDENTIAL
bearance, assistance, or loan modification
maintenance of payments under the plan, RENTAL PROPERTY OWNERS.—
relief made available to borrowers by a
section 362(a) shall apply to the holder of a (1) IN GENERAL.—The Board of Governors of
mortgage creditor or servicer because the
claim for which a default is cured and pay- the Federal Reserve System shall—
person is or has been a debtor, or has re-
ceived a discharge, in a case under this ments are maintained under subsection (a) (A) establish a facility, using amounts
title.’’. and to any property securing such claim. made available under section 4003(b)(4) of the
‘‘(e) Notwithstanding section 1301(a)(2), the CARES Act (15 U.S.C. 9042(b)(4)), to make
(3) INCREASING THE HOMESTEAD EXEMP-
stay of section 1301(a) terminates upon the long-term, low-cost loans to residential rent-
TION.—Section 522 of title 11, United States
granting of a discharge under section 1328 al property owners as to temporarily com-
Code, is amended—
with respect to all creditors other than the pensate such owners for documented finan-
(A) in subsection (d)(1), by striking
holder of a claim for which a default is cured cial losses caused by reductions in rent pay-
‘‘$15,000’’ and inserting ‘‘$100,000’’; and
and payments are maintained under sub- ments; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
‘‘(r) Notwithstanding any other provision section (a).’’. (B) defer such owners’ required payments
of applicable nonbankruptcy law, a debtor in (B) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of sec- on such loans until after six months after
any State may exempt from property of the tions of chapter 13, title 11, United States the date of enactment of this Act.
estate the property described in subsection Code, is amended by adding at the end there- (2) REQUIREMENTS.—A borrower that re-
(d)(1) not to exceed the value in subsection of the following: ceives a loan under this subsection may not,
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(d)(1) if the exemption for such property per- ‘‘Sec. 1331. Special provisions related to for the duration of the loan—
mitted by applicable nonbankruptcy law is COVID–19 Pandemic.’’. (A) evict or initiate the eviction of a ten-
lower than that amount.’’. (C) APPLICATION.—The amendments made ant solely for nonpayment of rent or other
(4) EFFECT OF MISSED MORTGAGE PAYMENTS by this paragraph shall apply only to any fees or charges;
ON DISCHARGE.—Section 1328 of title 11, case under title 11, United States Code, com- (B) charge any late fees, penalties, or other
United States Code, is amended by adding at menced before 3 years after the date of en- charges to a tenant for late payment of rent;
the end the following: actment of this Act and pending on or com- and
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June 29, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2651
(C) with respect to a person or entity de- priated for an additional amount for fiscal costs of providing service coordinators that
scribed under paragraph (4), discriminate on year 2020 for the tenant-based rental assist- are allocated for a grantee and remain unex-
the basis of source of income. ance under section 8(o) of the United States pended upon the expiration of the 12-month
(3) REPORT ON RESIDENTIAL RENTAL PROP- Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)) period beginning upon such allocation shall
ERTY OWNERS.—The Board of Governors shall $3,000,000,000, to remain available until Sep- be recaptured by the Secretary.
issue a report to the Congress containing the tember 30, 2021, of which not more than (d) FUNDING FOR SUPPORTIVE HOUSING FOR
following, with respect to each property $500,000,000 may be used for administrative PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES.—There is au-
owner receiving a loan under this subsection: fees under section 8(q) of such Act (42 U.S.C. thorized to be appropriated $200,000,000 for
(A) The number of borrowers that received 1437f(q)). fiscal year 2020 for additional assistance for
assistance under this subsection. (c) APPLICABILITY OF WAIVERS.—Any waiv- supportive housing for persons with disabil-
(B) The average total loan amount that er or alternative requirement made by the ities under section 811 of the Cranston-Gon-
each borrower received. Secretary of Housing and Urban Develop- zalez National Affordable Housing Act (42
(C) The total number of rental units that ment pursuant to the heading ‘‘Tenant- U.S.C. 8013). Any provisions of, and waivers
each borrower owned. Based Rental Assistance’’ or ‘‘Public Hous- and alternative requirements issued by the
(D) The average rent charged by each bor- ing Operating Fund’’ in title XII of division Secretary pursuant to, the heading ‘‘Depart-
B of the CARES Act (Public Law 116–136) ment of Housing and Urban Development—
rower.
shall apply with respect to amounts made Housing Programs—Housing for Persons
(4) REPORT ON LARGE RESIDENTIAL RENTAL
available pursuant to this section. With Disabilities’’ in title XII of division B
PROPERTY OWNERS.—The Board of Governors
SEC. 107. SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING FOR SUP- of the CARES Act (Public Law 116–136) shall
shall issue a report to Congress that identi- PORTIVE HOUSING FOR THE ELDER-
fies any person or entity that in aggregate apply with respect to amounts made avail-
LY, SUPPORTIVE HOUSING FOR PER-
owns or holds a controlling interest in any SONS WITH DISABILITIES, SUP-
able pursuant to this subsection.
entity that, in aggregate, owns— PORTIVE HOUSING FOR PERSONS
(e) FUNDING FOR HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
WITH AIDS, AND PROJECT-BASED FOR PEOPLE WITH AIDS PROGRAM.—There is
(A) more than 100 rental units that are lo-
cated within in a single Metropolitan Statis- SECTION 8 RENTAL ASSISTANCE. authorized to be appropriated $15,000,000 for
tical Area; (a) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— fiscal year 2020 for additional assistance for
There is authorized to be appropriated the Housing Opportunities for Persons with
(B) more than 1,000 rental units nation-
$500,000,000 for fiscal year 2020 for additional AIDS program under the AIDS Housing Op-
wide; or
assistance for supportive housing for the el- portunity Act (42 U.S.C. 12901 et seq.). Any
(C) rental units in three or more States.
derly, of which— provisions of, and waivers and alternative re-
(c) AMENDMENTS TO NATIONAL HOUSING
(1) $200,000,000 shall be for rental assistance quirements issued by the Secretary pursuant
ACT.—Section 306(g)(1) of the National Hous-
under section 202 of the Housing Act of 1959 to, the heading ‘‘Department of Housing and
ing Act (12 U.S.C. 1721(a)) is amended—
(12 U.S.C. 1701q) or section 8 of the United Urban Development—Community Planning
(1) in the fifth sentence, by inserting after
States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f), and Development—Housing Opportunities for
‘‘issued’’ the following: ‘‘, subject to any
as appropriate, and for hiring additional Persons With AIDS’’ in title XII of division
pledge or grant of security interest of the
staff and for services and costs, including ac- B of the CARES Act (Public Law 116–136)
Federal Reserve under section 4003(a) of the
quiring personal protective equipment, to shall apply with respect to amounts made
CARES Act (Public Law 116–136; 134 Stat. 470;
prevent, prepare for, or respond to the public available pursuant to this subsection.
15 U.S.C. 9042(a)) and to any such mortgage (f) FUNDING FOR PROJECT-BASED SECTION 8
or mortgages or any interest therein and the health emergency relating to Coronavirus
Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic; and RENTAL ASSISTANCE.—There is authorized to
proceeds thereon, which the Association may be appropriated $750,000,000 for fiscal year
elect to approve’’; and (2) $300,000,000 shall be for grants under sec-
tion 676 of the Housing and Community De- 2020 for additional assistance for project-
(2) in the sixth sentence— based rental assistance under section 8 of the
(A) by striking ‘‘or (C)’’ and inserting velopment Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 13632) for
costs of providing service coordinators for United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C.
‘‘(C)’’; and 1437f). Any provisions of, and waivers and al-
(B) by inserting before the period the fol- purposes of coordinating services to prevent,
prepare for, or respond to the public health ternative requirements issued by the Sec-
lowing: ‘‘, or (D) its approval and honoring of retary pursuant to, the heading ‘‘Depart-
any pledge or grant of security interest of emergency relating to Coronavirus Disease
2019 (COVID-19). ment of Housing and Urban Development—
the Federal Reserve under section 4003(a) of Housing Programs—Project-Based Rental
the CARES Act and to any such mortgage or Any provisions of, and waivers and alter-
native requirements issued by the Secretary Assistance’’ in title XII of division B of the
mortgages or any interest therein and pro- CARES Act (Public Law 116–136) shall apply
ceeds thereon as’’. pursuant to, the heading ‘‘Department of
Housing and Urban Development—Housing with respect to amounts made available pur-
SEC. 105. RURAL RENTAL ASSISTANCE. suant to this subsection.
Programs—Housing for the Elderly’’ in title
There is authorized to be appropriated for XII of division B of the CARES Act (Public SEC. 108. FAIR HOUSING.
fiscal year 2020 $309,000,000 for rural rental Law 116–136) shall apply with respect to (a) DEFINITION OF COVID–19 EMERGENCY
assistance, which shall remain available amounts made available pursuant to this PERIOD.— For purposes of this Act, the term
until September 30, 2021, of which— subsection. ‘‘COVID–19 emergency period’’ means the pe-
(1) up to $25,000,000 may be used for an ad- (b) ELIGIBILITY OF SUPPORTIVE HOUSING FOR riod that begins upon the date of the enact-
ditional amount for rural housing vouchers PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES.—Subsection (a) ment of this Act and ends upon the date of
for any low-income households (including of section 676 of the Housing and Community the termination by the Federal Emergency
those not receiving rental assistance) resid- Development Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 13632(a)) Management Agency of the emergency de-
ing in a property financed with a section 515 shall be applied, for purposes of subsection clared on March 13, 2020, by the President
loan which has been prepaid after September (a) of this section, by substituting ‘‘(G), and under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief
30, 2005, or has matured after September 30, (H)’’ for ‘‘ and (G)’’. and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C.
2019; and (c) SERVICE COORDINATORS.— 4121 et seq.) relating to the Coronavirus Dis-
(2) the remainder shall be used for an addi- (1) HIRING.—In the hiring of staff using ease 2019 (COVID–19) pandemic.
tional amount for rural rental assistance amounts made available pursuant to this (b) FAIR HOUSING ACTIVITIES.—
agreements entered into or renewed pursu- section for costs of providing service coordi- (1) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—To
ant to section 521(a)(2) of the Housing Act of nators, grantees shall consider and hire, at ensure existing grantees have sufficient re-
1949 (42 U.S.C. 1490a(a)(2)) to— all levels of employment and to the greatest source for fair housing activities and for
(A) supplement the rental assistance of extent possible, a diverse staff, including by technology and equipment needs to deliver
households on whose behalf assistance is race, ethnicity, gender, and disability status. services through use of the Internet or other
being provided; and Each grantee shall submit a report to the electronic or virtual means in response to
(B) provide rental assistance on behalf of Secretary of Housing and Urban Develop- the public health emergency related to the
households who are not being assisted with ment describing compliance with the pre- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pan-
such rental assistance but who qualify for ceding sentence not later than the expiration demic, there is authorized to be appropriated
such assistance. of the 120-day period that begins upon the $4,000,000 for Fair Housing Organization Ini-
SEC. 106. FUNDING FOR PUBLIC HOUSING AND termination of the emergency declared on tiative grants through the Fair Housing Ini-
TENANT-BASED RENTAL ASSIST- March 13, 2020, by the President under the tiatives Program under section 561 of the
ANCE. Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emer- Housing and Community Development Act of
(a) PUBLIC HOUSING OPERATING FUND.— gency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 4121 et seq.) 1987 (42 U.S.C. 3616a).
There is authorized to be appropriated for an relating to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (2) 3-YEAR AVAILABILITY.—Any amounts
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additional amount for fiscal year 2020 for the (COVID-19) pandemic. made available pursuant paragraph (1) that
Public Housing Operating Fund under sec- (2) ONE-TIME GRANTS.—Grants made using are allocated for a grantee and remain unex-
tion 9(e) of the United States Housing Act of amounts made available pursuant to sub- pended upon the expiration of the 3-year pe-
1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437g(e)) $2,000,000,000, to re- section (a) for costs of providing service co- riod beginning upon such allocation shall be
main available until September 30, 2021. ordinators shall not be renewable. recaptured by the Secretary.
(b) TENANT-BASED SECTION 8 RENTAL AS- (3) ONE-YEAR AVAILABILITY.—Any amounts (c) FAIR HOUSING EDUCATION.—There is au-
SISTANCE.—There is authorized to be appro- made available pursuant to this section for thorized to be appropriated $10,000,000 for the
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H2652 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 29, 2020
Office of Fair Housing and Equal Oppor- (4) training, including capacitating hous- available pursuant to paragraph (1) are used
tunity of the Department of Housing and ing counseling staff in various modes of to procure goods and services relating to ac-
Urban Development to carry out a national counseling, including rental and foreclosure, tivities to prevent, prepare for, or respond to
media campaign and local education and delivery of remote counseling utilizing im- the coronavirus or COVID-19, the standards
outreach to educate the public of increased proved technology, enhanced network secu- and requirements regarding procurement
housing rights during COVID–19 emergency rity, and supportive options for the delivery that are otherwise applicable shall not
period, that provides that information and of client services; and apply.
materials used in such campaign are avail- (5) administration and oversight of the pro- (5) INAPPLICABILITY OF HABITABILITY AND
able— gram in accordance with the Corporation’s ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STANDARDS.—Any
(1) in the languages used by communities rate for program administration. Federal standards and requirements regard-
with limited English proficiency; and (e) DISBURSEMENT.—The Corporation shall ing habitability and environmental review
(2) to persons with disabilities. disburse all grant funds made available pur- shall not apply with respect to any emer-
SEC. 109. FUNDING FOR HOUSING COUNSELING suant to subsection (b) as expeditiously as gency shelter that is assisted with amounts
SERVICES. possible, through grants to housing coun- made available pursuant to paragraph (1) and
(a) CONGRESSIONAL FINDINGS.—The Con- seling intermediaries approved by the De- has been determined by a State or local
gress finds that— partment of Housing and Urban Develop- health official, in accordance with such re-
(1) the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 ment, State housing finance agencies, and quirements as the Secretary shall establish,
(COVID–19), which is now considered a global NeighborWorks organizations. The aggregate to be necessary to prevent and mitigate the
pandemic, is expected to negatively impact amount provided to NeighborWorks organi- spread of coronavirus or COVID-19, such
the incomes of potentially millions of home- zations shall not exceed 15 percent of the shelters.
owners, renters, individuals experiencing total of grant funds made available pursuant (6) INAPPLICABILITY OF CAP ON EMERGENCY
homelessness, and individuals at risk of to subsection (b). SHELTER ACTIVITIES.—Subsection (b) of sec-
homelessness, making it difficult for them to tion 415 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless
TITLE II—PROTECTING PEOPLE
pay their mortgages or rents on time; Assistance Act shall not apply to any
EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS
(2) housing counseling is critical to ensur- amounts made available pursuant to para-
ing that homeowners, renters, individuals SEC. 201. HOMELESS ASSISTANCE FUNDING.
graph (1) of this subsection.
experiencing homelessness, and individuals (a) EMERGENCY HOMELESS ASSISTANCE.— (7) INITIAL ALLOCATION OF ASSISTANCE.—
at risk of homelessness have the resources (1) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— Section 417(b) of the McKinney-Vento Home-
they need to manage financial hardships There is authorized to be appropriated under less Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11376(b)) shall
from the COVID-19 crisis; the Emergency Solutions Grants program be applied with respect to amounts made
(3) loan preservation and foreclosure miti- under subtitle B of title IV of the McKinney- available pursuant to paragraph (1) of this
gation services are also critical to address Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. subsection by substituting ‘‘30-day’’ for ‘‘60-
the needs of homeowners who lose employ- 11371 et seq.) $11,500,000,000 for grants under day’’.
ment and income because of the pandemic such subtitle in accordance with this sub- (8) WAIVERS AND ALTERNATIVE REQUIRE-
and who face serious delinquency or home section to respond to needs arising from the MENTS.—
loan default, or are in foreclosing pro- public health emergency relating to (A) AUTHORITY.—In administering amounts
ceedings during this period; Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Of such made available pursuant to paragraph (1),
(4) evaluations from the National Fore- amounts made available, $4,000,000,000 shall the Secretary may waive, or specify alter-
closure Mitigation Counseling program re- be allocated in accordance with sections 413 native requirements for, any provision of
vealed that homeowners at risk of or facing and 414 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless As- any statute or regulation (except for any re-
foreclosure are better served when they have sistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11372, 11373). quirements related to fair housing, non-
access to a housing counselor and a range of (2) FORMULA.—Notwithstanding sections discrimination, labor standards, and the en-
tools and resources to help them avoid losing 413 and 414 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless vironment) that the Secretary administers
their home and have the support they need Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11372, 11373), the in connection with the obligation or use by
to tailor the best possible response to their Secretary of Housing and Urban Develop- the recipient of such amounts, if the Sec-
situation. ment (in this Act referred to as the ‘‘Sec- retary finds that good cause exists for the
(b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— retary’’) shall allocate any amounts remain- waiver or alternative requirement and such
There is authorized to be appropriated to the ing after amounts are allocated pursuant to waiver or alternative requirement is con-
Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation (in paragraph (1) in accordance with a formula sistent with the purposes described in this
this section referred to as the ‘‘Corpora- to be established by the Secretary that takes subsection.
tion’’) established under the Neighborhood into consideration the following factors: (B) NOTIFICATION.—The Secretary shall no-
Reinvestment Corporation Act (42 U.S.C. 8101 (A) Risk of transmission of coronavirus in tify the public through the Federal Register
et seq.) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2020 for a jurisdiction. or other appropriate means 5 days before the
housing counseling services, which shall re- (B) Whether a jurisdiction has a high num- effective date of any such waiver or alter-
main available until September 30, 2023. ber or rate of sheltered and unsheltered
(c) PRIORITIZATION OF HOUSING COUNSELING native requirement, and any such public no-
homeless individuals and families. tice may be provided on the Internet at the
SERVICES.—Of any grant funds made avail- (C) Economic and housing market condi-
able pursuant to subsection (b), not less than appropriate Government web site or through
tions in a jurisdiction. other electronic media, as determined by the
40 percent shall be provided to counseling or-
(3) ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES.—In addition to eli- Secretary.
ganizations that target counseling services
gible activities under section 415(a) of the (C) EXEMPTION.—The use of amounts made
to minority and low-income homeowners,
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act available pursuant to paragraph (1) shall not
renters, individuals experiencing homeless-
(42 U.S.C. 11374(a), amounts made available be subject to the consultation, citizen par-
ness, and individuals at risk of homelessness
or provide such services in neighborhoods pursuant to paragraph (1) may also be used ticipation, or match requirements that oth-
with high concentrations of minority and for costs of the following activities: erwise apply to the Emergency Solutions
low-income homeowners, renters, individuals (A) Providing training on infectious dis- Grants program, except that a recipient
experiencing homelessness, and individuals ease prevention and mitigation. shall publish how it has and will utilize its
at risk of homelessness. (B) Providing hazard pay, including for allocation at a minimum on the Internet at
(d) ELIGIBLE USES.—Amounts made avail- time worked before the effectiveness of this the appropriate Government web site or
able pursuant to subsection (b) may be used subparagraph, for staff working directly to through other electronic media.
in such amounts as the Corporation deter- prevent and mitigate the spread of (9) INAPPLICABILITY OF MATCHING REQUIRE-
mines for costs of— coronavirus or COVID-19 among people expe- MENT.—Subsection (a) of section 416 of the
(1) public education and outreach; riencing or at risk of homelessness. McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
(2) direct services, including the full range (C) Reimbursement of costs for eligible ac- (42 U.S.C. 11375(a)) shall not apply to any
of services provided by housing counselors to tivities (including activities described in this amounts made available pursuant to para-
assist homeowners, including manufactured paragraph) relating to preventing, preparing graph (1) of this subsection.
homeowners, regardless of financing type, for, or responding to the coronavirus or (10) PROHIBITION ON PREREQUISITES.—None
renters, individuals experiencing homeless- COVID-19 that were accrued before the date of the funds authorized under this subsection
ness, and individuals at risk of homelessness, of the enactment of this Act. may be used to require people experiencing
including the practices, tools, and innova- (D) Notwithstanding 24 CFR 576.102(a)(3), homelessness to receive treatment or per-
tions in foreclosure mitigation that were uti- providing a hotel or motel voucher for a form any other prerequisite activities as a
lized in the National Foreclosure Mitigation homeless individual or family. condition for receiving shelter, housing, or
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Counseling Program, and financial capa- Use of such amounts for activities described other services.
bility, credit counseling, homeless coun- in this paragraph shall not be considered use (b) CONTINUUM OF CARE PROGRAM.—Due to
seling, and rental counseling; for administrative purposes for purposes of the emergency relating to the Coronavirus
(3) equipment and technology, including section 418 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Notice
broadband internet and equipment upgrades Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11377). of Funding Availability (NOFA) for fiscal
needed to ensure timely and effective service (4) INAPPLICABILITY OF PROCUREMENT year 2020 for the Continuum of Care program
delivery; STANDARDS.—To the extent amounts made under subtitle C of title IV of the McKinney-
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June 29, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2653
Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. others public housing agencies according to HECK, DAVID SCOTT, CHUY GARCÍA,
11381 et seq.) shall have no force or effect and the criteria under subparagraph (B)(ii). CINDY AXNE, NYDIA VELÁZQUEZ,
the Secretary of Housing and Urban Develop- (3) WAIVERS AND ALTERNATIVE REQUIRE- AYANNA PRESSLEY, KATIE PORTER, and
ment shall distribute amounts made avail- MENTS.—Any waiver or alternative require-
able for such fiscal year for such program AL GREEN.
ment that the Secretary makes available to
based on the results of the competition for all public housing agencies in connection
Mr. Speaker, America was facing an
amounts made available for such program with assistance made available under the affordable housing crisis before this
for fiscal year 2019 (FR-6300-–25), except that heading ‘‘Tenant-Based Rental Assistance’’ pandemic hit. With so many families
grant amounts may be adjusted to account in title XII of division B of the CARES Act struggling as a result of the pandemic,
for changes in fair market rents. (Public Law 116–136; 134 Stat.601) shall apply we are now on the precipice of an evic-
SEC. 202.
EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE to assistance under this section until the ex-
VOUCHER PROGRAM.
tion and a homeless crisis like we have
piration of such waiver or alternative re- never seen in our lifetime.
(a) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— quirement.
There is authorized to be appropriated to the We can’t wait any longer. We have
(4) TERMINATION OF VOUCHERS UPON TURN-
Secretary of Housing and Urban Develop- OVER.—
got to move. The CARES Act was an
ment (in this section referred to as the ‘‘Sec- (A) IN GENERAL.—A public housing agency important step towards providing re-
retary’’), $1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2020, to may not reissue any vouchers made available lief, but more help is needed. We knew,
remain available until expended, for incre- for example, that an eviction morato-
under this section when assistance for the
mental emergency vouchers under sub-
family initially assisted is terminated. rium without the provision of rental
section (b).
(b) EMERGENCY VOUCHERS.— (B) REALLOCATION.—Upon termination of assistance would only delay disastrous
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall pro- assistance for one or more families assisted outcomes as families would have to pay
vide emergency rental assistance vouchers by a public housing agency under this sec- more than they could afford, a lump
under this subsection, which shall be tenant- tion, the Secretary shall reallocate amounts
sum of 3 to 4 months of unpaid rent at
based rental assistance under section 8(o) the that are no longer needed by such public
housing agency for assistance under this sec- the expiration of the moratorium.
United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. This House followed through on pro-
1437f(o)). tion to another public housing agency for
the renewal of vouchers previously author- viding several additional and targeted
(2) SELECTION OF FAMILIES.—
(A) MANDATORY PREFERENCES.—Each public ized under this section. housing solutions when it passed the
housing agency administering assistance The SPEAKER pro tempore. The bill HEROES Act. Unfortunately, in the 45
under this section shall provide preference shall be debatable for 1 hour, equally days since the HEROES Act passed,
for such assistance to eligible families that divided and controlled by the chair and there has been no action taken by ei-
are— ranking minority member of the Com- ther our Republican colleagues in the
(i) homeless (as such term is defined in sec- Senate or the Trump administration.
tion 103(a) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless mittee on Financial Services.
The gentlewoman from California This is simply unacceptable.
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11302(a));
(Ms. WATERS) and the gentleman from As a matter of fact, someone said
(ii) at risk of homelessness (as such term is
defined in section 401 of the McKinney-Vento Michigan (Mr. HUIZENGA) each will con- this morning, and I repeat, we have not
Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11360); or trol 30 minutes. heard one word, not one peep from this
(iii) fleeing, or attempting to flee, domes- The Chair recognizes the gentle- administration about rental assistance.
tic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, woman from California. We saw in the aftermath of the 2008
or stalking. GENERAL LEAVE crisis what the consequences are when
(B) ALLOCATION.—In allocating amounts Congress acts too slowly: 10 million
made available under this section, the Sec- Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I ask
unanimous consent that all Members foreclosures, almost $17 trillion in
retary shall—
have 5 legislative days within which to household wealth lost, increases in
(i) not later than 60 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, allocate at least revise and extend their remarks on rates of homelessness all across the
50 percent of such amounts to public housing H.R. 7301 and to insert extraneous ma- country. And we saw how communities
agencies in accordance with a formula that terial thereon. of color were disproportionately hit
considers— The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there with foreclosures and a corresponding
(I) the capability of public housing agen-
objection to the request of the gentle- loss of wealth after they had been tar-
cies to promptly use emergency vouchers geted with predatory mortgage prod-
provided under this section; and woman from California?
There was no objection. ucts.
(II) the need for emergency vouchers pro- Today, there are over 2.5 million con-
vided under this section in the geographical b 1415 firmed cases of COVID–19 in the United
area, based on factors determined by the
Secretary, including risk of transmission of Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield States and over 125,000 Americans have
coronavirus, high numbers or rates of shel- myself such time as I may consume. died. The Centers for Disease Control
tered and unsheltered homelessness, and eco- Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support reported that as of June 20, hospitaliza-
nomic and housing market conditions; of H.R. 7301, the Emergency Housing tion rates for COVID–19 are highest
(ii) allocate remaining amounts in accord- Protections and Relief Act of 2020. among Native, Black, and Latinx
ance with a formula that considers— This bill includes several provisions Americans. We also know that people
(I) the criteria under clause (i) and the suc- that were included in the HEROES Act of color account for the largest portion
cess of a public housing agency in promptly and independently led by a number of
utilizing vouchers awarded under clause (i);
of the essential workers, have a higher
and
members of the Financial Services incidence of preexisting health condi-
(II) the capability of the public housing Committee. Some people hearing this tions, and that with these preexisting
agency to create and manage structured bill won’t understand what we are at- health conditions they have, they have
partnerships with service providers for the tempting to do here today. As I said, limited access to healthcare, and have
delivery of appropriate community-based this was a part of the HEROES Act fewer opportunities to isolate because
services; and that passed this House, but we have they cannot work from home.
(iii) designate the number of vouchers been waiting on the Senate to take up But I must emphasize that this pan-
under this section that each public housing the HEROES Act. They are not taking demic did not create such disparities,
agency that is awarded funds under this sec-
tion is authorized to administer.
it up. They don’t seem to care. They it only exacerbated them, and I hope
(C) ELECTION NOT TO ADMINISTER.—If a pub- don’t seem to understand that there this pandemic has finally drawn wide-
lic housing agency elects not to administer are people out there who are going to spread public attention to all of these
amounts under this section, the Secretary be evicted, and so, we have pulled it disparities.
shall award such amounts to other public out of the HEROES Act, and we are Congress cannot fail again to quickly
housing agencies according to the criteria in taking it up independently so that we act as we did in the aftermath of the
subparagraph (B). can send a message to the Senate that 2008 crisis. Since passage of the HE-
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(D) FAILURE TO USE VOUCHERS PROMPTLY.— we want this measure heard. ROES Act, our Nation’s renters and
If a public housing agency fails to issue all of
So, we have a number of Members homeowners have experienced renewed
its authorized vouchers under this section on
behalf of eligible families within a reason- who have participated in putting this pressures.
able period of time as determined by the Sec- legislation together and who had inde- When June rent came due, one in
retary, the Secretary shall reallocate any pendent bills to do so. That includes three renters were unable to fully pay
unissued vouchers and associated funds to Representatives LACY CLAY, DENNY their rent.
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H2654 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 29, 2020
On June 14, the Mortgage Bankers Specifically, let me tell what you the An ‘‘open’’ rule, meaning you can add
Association reported that the number bill does. It provides $100 billion for an any amendment that you want.
of homeowners in forbearance reached emergency rental assistance fund and A ‘‘structured’’ rule, which says, you
4.2 million. $75 billion for a homeowners’ assist- know what, we are going to narrow
Since passage of the HEROES Act, ance fund to ensure renters and home- those amendments to those areas that
we have now experienced record days of owners can cover their housing ex- we think are most pertinent to the bill.
both new positive coronavirus tests, in- penses, including rent, mortgage pay- And then a ‘‘closed’’ rule, which says
cluding in Texas, Florida, Georgia and ments, and utility bills. you get nothing. You don’t have any
my State of California. It extends and expands the eviction say in trying to change this or improve
And since the HEROES Act passed, and foreclosure moratoria for all rent- this bill. It doesn’t matter. We don’t
over 11 million Americans have filed ers and homeowners, as well as pro- want to hear from the minority. We
for unemployment insurance. There are vides additional forbearance relief. don’t even want to hear from our own
now only 25 days left before the Fed- It provides $18 billion in funding for Members what ideas they might have.
eral eviction ban expires on July 25. homeless assistance and other Federal So, notwithstanding there have been
When it does, many families who have housing assistance programs to ensure numerous concerns raised about this
been unable to pay their rent because rents remain affordable and housing is bill, there will be no opportunity to
of the COVID–19 pandemic will face maintained in a safe and decent condi- amend it. There will be no opportunity
eviction and the devastating con- tion. to strengthen it or to improve what is
sequences that evictions have on fami- It creates a lending facility for mort- already, in my opinion, a bad bill.
lies, particularly children. gage servicers and rental property own- This outcome will only stifle debate.
Our committee heard testimony in ers to help them finance their obliga- This outcome will only hurt the bill’s
January from one gentleman about tions and shortfalls in rent. chances for any type of actual success.
what it was like when all of his belong- It ensures robust, fair housing en- But clearly that is not the goal here. It
ings were put out on the sidewalk and forcement and housing counseling to is an attempt to find another wedge
he and his children were forced out of protect all renters and homeowners. issue to divide us.
What happens next is up to us. Each Nevertheless, I would like to empha-
their home. He told us how he fell be-
of us in this Chamber knows the value size that Republicans and I are com-
hind on rent while trying to obtain
of a place where we and our family mitted to working together to support
training for a higher paying job and
come together, share a meal, and safely efforts that are targeted and effective
how the sheriff banged on his door one
rest our heads. We also know that in responding to this devastating pan-
morning while his 9-year-old son was
households of color still have not fully demic. When we work together there is
getting ready for school. He described
recovered from the 2008 crisis, and we nothing that can stand in our way. The
how he and his wife watched as all of
know that they will continue to be dis- CARES Act is proof of that, as well as
their personal belongings were thrown
proportionately impacted if the pan- all the other response bills that we
on to the front lawn, including items
demic causes the housing crisis to had.
with sentimental value like their wed-
worsen. As I mentioned earlier, Congress
ding photos. He said, ‘‘I remember the I, for one, refuse to do nothing while
feeling that I’d failed. Failed as a hus- acted swiftly back in March to pass the
families suffer. This is an emergency,
band and as a father to provide a place CARES Act. The CARES Act provided
and it calls for the emergency response
for my family.’’ robust financial support to individuals
provided by this legislation.
Several landlords declined his rental We can’t wait. I strongly urge my and small businesses impacted by
applications after charging a nonreim- colleagues to support this bill. COVID–19. The CARES Act also in-
bursable application fee, likely because Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of creased funding for HUD, Housing and
they saw the eviction on his record, my time. Urban Development, and its assisted
and he and his family stayed at motels Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise housing programs by approximately 25
that were even more costly than pay- in opposition to this bill, and I yield percent over its appropriated budget.
ing rent. myself such time as I may consume. For renters, the CARES Act provided
Maya Angelou once wrote that: Mr. Speaker, this is the second time critical protections through a Federal
‘‘Home is a refuge not only from the the House will vote on the provisions moratorium on evictions for residents
world, but a refuge from my worries, in this bill, and the Chair just laid that from Federally assisted properties.
my troubles, my concerns.’’ And we out. Every single one of these provi- This moratorium, which lasts through
know all too well what happens to fam- sions was included in the so-called HE- the summer, is in addition to any State
ilies, and especially children, when ROES Act, a partisan attempt that we or locally enacted eviction moratoria. I
their homes are forcibly taken from debated last month. know that in Michigan, in my home
them. Well, just like that $3 trillion grab State, there has been that moratoria,
We cannot sit idly by. We must un- bag, this bill will have no chance in the as well.
derstand that an eviction can disrupt Senate. It will not be signed by the For homeowners, the CARES Act cre-
every aspect of a family’s life, putting President. At the conclusion of this de- ated a new forbearance option for Fed-
them at greater risk of job loss, home- bate, we will be right back where we erally backed borrowers directly or in-
lessness, and gaps or other disruptions started. directly impacted by COVID–19 finan-
to a child’s education. I say to my colleagues, why not try cial hardship.
Housing instability can be particu- something new, try bipartisanship. It What does ‘‘forbearance’’ mean? For-
larly traumatic for young children and worked in the CARES Act and the bearance means you don’t have to pay
can have lifelong impacts. Studies other four COVID–19 response bills that that month; you can attach those pay-
show that children who avoid eviction we had, and I tell you it could work ments at the end. You have a time out
due to a long-term housing subsidy here, as well. from having to go and pay your mort-
have better educational achievement, But rather than work across the gage. Borrowers can automatically
obtain higher paying jobs as adults, aisle, the Democratic leadership, gave claim up to 1 year of payments protec-
and are less likely to become incarcer- us no advance warning this bill would tion penalty free.
ated. Many families with evictions on be debated on the House floor, and This historic relief has worked. In
their records cannot find another home rather than work across the aisle, my fact, it was negotiated out in a bipar-
and fall into homelessness. colleagues jammed through the bill the tisan manner. It has been stable and
So, again, we cannot sit idly by and day the Rules Committee held a meet- stabilized and has actually slightly de-
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let this eviction crisis cause irrep- ing on five other bills. clined nationwide forbearance rates as
arable harm to millions of families Moreover, the Rules Committee re- well as rent collections largely con-
around the country. The bill before us ported out a closed rule on this bill. sistent with pre-COVID trends. This is
today pulls out the key housing protec- Now, let’s explain that to America proof that the CARES Act—a bipar-
tion and relief provisions from the HE- what a closed bill or closed rule means. tisan bill that I think had four or
ROES Act. There are three types of rules: maybe six total votes against it, some
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June 29, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2655
from both parties—works. This is proof This is not help; it is scandalous. And for safety and shelter dwindle due to
that bipartisanship and consensus ap- I don’t understand how any of my col- the pandemic’s impact on social serv-
proach has been the right one in the leagues could defend that. ices.
past, and it ought to be the right one Well, additionally, this bill spends The bill is a bold and necessary step
now. more than $119 billion—again, with a toward providing economic and hous-
Of course, we should never accept B—in new funding for HUD programs, ing relief for millions of Americans.
good enough. As an answer it comes to new funding, yet the bill fails to in- It expands the eviction moratorium
providing housing and economic secu- clude a single meaningful permanent to protect all renters and the fore-
rity for our Nation’s most vulnerable reform to any of the HUD programs. closure moratorium to protect all
families. However, the bill today that Moreover, the bill fails to provide any homeowners. It creates a $100 billion
we are considering, like the bill that oversight for that new funding. emergency rental assistance fund and
we considered last month, goes in the To that end, figuring out how HUD provides nearly $13 billion targeted
opposite direction. Instead of following will spend a 240 percent increase in its money for homeless grants, housing
the CARES Act model to focus on budget is a critical element to ensuring choice vouchers for people experiencing
those hit hardest by the pandemic, this that any new funding is helping real homelessness, and survivors of domes-
bill simply plays politics. This bill families who are in need, who are tic violence.
dusts off an old Democratic grab bag struggling and not getting just lost in Nobody should lose sleep about how
wish list of policy goals predating and some bureaucratic shuffle in Wash- they are going to keep a roof over their
unrelated to COVID–19 under the guise ington, D.C., or at some metropolis’s head while they are suffering through a
of relief, all of which are nonstarters in housing authority. pandemic.
the Senate, let’s be clear. In fact, Chairwoman WATERS said it Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on
If we really want to start a real con- best when talking about the CARES both sides of the aisle to support this
versation about affordable housing in Act: ‘‘Since taxpayers are footing the necessary and important bill.
this country, let’s start with the facts. bill, all Americans deserve to examine Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield
The fact is that far too many large, any and all information related to the 2 minutes to the gentleman from Wis-
high-cost metropolitan areas’ local de- administration, disbursement, and uti- consin (Mr. STEIL), a member of the Fi-
cisions and regulations have made the lization of these funds.’’ nancial Services Committee.
Boy, I wish I had the ability to put in Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, I thank my
cost of housing in those areas too high
an amendment to do just that, but we colleague from Michigan for yielding.
for many hardworking families. We I rise today in opposition to the act.
should not be rewarding these high- don’t have that opportunity today. So, The coronavirus pandemic has af-
cost cities for decades of self-made mis- I agree. I agree with her on that, and fected every community in our coun-
takes with more taxpayer dollars. We we need to have that transparency. try. As this disease hit our shores, our
should be looking at ways to support That is why Republicans stand ready economy has contracted dramatically.
families, not cities and municipalities to work together to find consensus on Businesses were forced to close; work-
and housing authorities, but families meaningful reforms and ways to help ers have been sidelined; and Americans
to meet those challenges that this pan- those households deal with the chal- are staying home.
demic has forced upon them. lenges of this awful pandemic. While we recognize the public health
Republicans have and will continue Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to benefits of this strategy, the serious
to support targeted and efficient aid take a look at this. We know it is a re- economic harm is very hard to ignore.
that goes to those who are most in cycled partisan bill. We know that it is Families are still worried about mak-
need. We support solutions for those not going to go anywhere in the Sen- ing ends meet, even as States have
that have been impacted by the pan- ate. We know that it is not going to be begun to reopen.
demic that are, one, administered effi- signed into law. Let’s have a real con- With that in mind, I understand my
ciently. That is a key. For you as a versation about the issues, not just colleagues’ desire to do something to
taxpayer I would assume you would pick another political football. keep affected families in their homes. I
want to have that. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of remain committed to just that, helping
Two, targeted to those who need it my time. families who are directly impacted by
most. That is the safety net we are try- Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield the coronavirus to stay in their homes
ing to provide. myself such time as I may consume. and to stay in their apartments. But
And, three, include much-needed Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from this bill fails on multiple fronts.
oversight. Michigan (Mr. HUIZENGA) had an oppor- At a time when our national deficits
tunity when this bill went through the are rising, and our national debt now
b 1430 House. It is over on the Senate side. If exceeds $26 trillion, my colleagues are
This bill fails those tests. the Republicans want to do more nego- proposing more than $194 billion in new
Let me give you one example of why tiation, they know they have to take it spending. More than half of that, $119
this bill fails all parts of that test. Sec- up over there. billion, is earmarked for HUD, the
tion 101 of the bill creates a new $100 I don’t care how we get it, with this Housing and Urban Development De-
billion—that is with a B—‘‘emergency bill or with the one over there. partment.
rental assistance’’ grant program for Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the This would triple HUD’s 2020 budget.
individuals or families ‘‘at risk of gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Importantly, it does it without imple-
homelessness,’’ a policy both sides cer- CAROLYN B. MALONEY), the senior mem- menting meaningful reforms to ensure
tainly do and can support. ber of the Financial Services Com- accountability and transparency.
But the bill takes the policy to the mittee and chair of the Committee on The new spending comes on top of
next level, making funding available to Oversight and Reform. trillions of dollars in relief already pro-
individuals making up to 120 percent Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New vided in the form of expanded unem-
not of the poverty level but of their York. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentle- ployment benefits and other types of
area median income. woman for yielding and for her leader- economic relief.
So, what does that mean? That ship. We have seen legislation come before
means that an individual living in San Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support us in the HEROES Act, a grab bag of
Francisco making $131,000 would qual- of H.R. 7301, the Emergency Housing liberal ideas. We now come back to the
ify for a homelessness grant. Protections and Relief Act. table with this.
Now, I am just a simple guy from the Through no fault of their own, New One of those ideas, which I think is
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Midwest in Michigan, but making Yorkers and Americans across this important to highlight the impact that
$131,000 a year qualifies you for a home- country are struggling to pay their this will have in our community, is a
lessness grant? Oh, by the way, what rent or make mortgage payments. resurrection of misguided ideas, long-
does that get you? $6,012 per month in Even worse, people experiencing home- term eviction moratoriums.
rental assistance. $6,000 a month in lessness and survivors of domestic vio- Under the Emergency Housing Pro-
rental assistance. lence have seen their limited options tections and Relief Act, the CARES
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H2656 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 29, 2020
Act eviction moratorium now would be Importantly, this bill also extends include one provision holding the agen-
extended until June 25, 1 year from the the eviction and foreclosure morato- cy accountable on how that new money
date of enactment. This moratorium riums we created in the CARES Act for is spent. Moreover, every single provi-
would apply to all renters regardless of 1 year. Further, it expands those pro- sion included in H.R. 7301 was already
whether or not they have been nega- tections to all renters and home- included as part of the partisan HE-
tively impacted by the coronavirus. owners. ROES Act and has no future in the
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The The bill helps subsidize monthly United States Senate.
time of the gentleman has expired. housing costs by creating a $100 billion It is our role to ensure that we are
Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield rental assistance fund and a $75 billion being prudent, and I believe we need to
an additional 1 minute to the gen- homeownership fund, crucial resources be smarter. More innovative solutions
tleman. for those struggling with their month- are needed than the legislation we are
Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, this mora- ly housing costs. discussing today.
torium would apply to all renters, not Creation of these funds will also en- Mr. Speaker, I will vote ‘‘no’’ on this
just those negatively impacted, sure that individuals and families will legislation again, and I urge my fellow
through no fault of their own, due to not face lump-sum obligations and pay- Members to do the same.
the coronavirus, not just those living ments when the moratoriums end. b 1445
in buildings with mortgages backed by The urgency of the moment is upon
the Federal Government, but to every- us. We need this bill more than ever. Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2
one. The eviction moratorium provided for minutes to the gentleman from Mis-
In other words, if enacted, this bill in the CARES Act is set to expire in souri (Mr. CLAY), chairman of the Sub-
would impose broad and unprecedented late July. committee on Housing, Community De-
eviction moratoriums that would last In New York City, tenants’ fear of velopment and Insurance.
for 15 months, without regard to the eviction by unscrupulous landlords is Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the
impact of the coronavirus. ever-present. It has been predicted we chairwoman for yielding.
This would be very challenging for could see a wave of 50,000 evictions in Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support
mom-and-pop landlords and very the city if we do not act fast. of H.R. 7301.
impactful negatively to our local Mr. Speaker, I am proud to sponsor The COVID–19 global pandemic has
economies. Property taxes have a high- the bill. I urge its speedy adoption. resulted in an unprecedented economic
er priority on rent payments than Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield decline that has greatly affected the
mortgages, and an extension on the 3 minutes to the gentleman from Ten- health and well-being of the people I
eviction moratorium, in particular, nessee (Mr. JOHN W. ROSE), a distin- represent in St. Louis, Missouri, and
would hurt local governments trying to guished member of the Financial Serv- millions of other Americans.
provide critical services that are in ices Committee. As the Brookings Institution pointed
need right now. Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Mr. out recently, the United States hous-
Especially in these challenging Speaker, I thank Mr. HUIZENGA for ing crisis is not new, because even be-
times, we should not pursue policies yielding to me. fore the coronavirus pandemic, 10 to 15
that increase stress for cash-strapped Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposi- percent of households reported being
cities and towns. tion to H.R. 7301. housing insecure. With unemployment
Again, I understand and share our de- The government shutdown of the at all-time levels, the housing crisis is
sired goal to keep people in their economy due to COVID–19 created sig- not just affecting those on the mar-
homes. This bill just falls flat. nificant challenges for both renters and gins.
Mr. Speaker, we have a responsibility landlords. Folks, including back home I want my colleagues to step back
to do that thoughtfully and in a tar- in Tennessee’s Sixth District, are hav- and imagine being a Black person in
geted manner. Therefore, I urge my ing to make difficult decisions regard- St. Louis, Los Angeles, or Chicago and
colleagues to oppose this legislation. ing their finances. having to deal with all of the problems
Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I would The shock the economy received was of a global pandemic on top of the
like to remind all Members and the the largest our generation has ever usual unbridled racism that comes
gentleman that Republicans don’t care seen, and the Federal Government has with being Black in America. It is men-
about debt as long as they are doing taken unprecedented action to reme- tally debilitating, but for Blacks in
the spending; it is only when Demo- diate the damage done to the economy. America, just another day in the office.
crats are helping Americans, even in a The CARES Act significantly in- I received a letter last week from
time of crisis. Remember, it was the creased funding for existing assisted Legal Services of Eastern Missouri,
President of the United States, Trump, housing programs at Housing and which states: ‘‘Thousands of families
who said he likes debt. I quote him. He Urban Development and suspended have gone from stability to sudden loss
said he likes debt. evictions of residents from federally of income, which threatens access to
Mr. Speaker, I yield 11⁄2 minutes to assisted properties for 120 days. basic needs—food, housing,
the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. CARES also provided direct relief healthcare—and many who were al-
VELÁZQUEZ), the senior member of the through economic impact payments, ready living on the economic margins
Financial Services Committee and expanded unemployment insurance, are now in even more dire cir-
chair of the Committee on Small Busi- and the paycheck protection program cumstances.’’
ness. to keep Americans on their feet and In short, the past 3 months have been
Ms. VELÁZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise the doors of our Main Street businesses a disaster for many Americans. Just
in support of H.R. 7301. This important open. This aid has been successful in when we see signs of things getting
bill extends and expands critical tenant many cases in providing renters with better, new statistics show an increase
protections and authorizes key housing the financial means to keep paying in forbearance requests. But today, we
assistance that is vital to keeping our rent throughout this pandemic. can help mitigate the harmful effects
neighbors safely housed during this on- Any further assistance should be ad- of the pandemic and help millions of
going pandemic. ministered efficiently, be targeted to- Americans keep a roof over their head
Mr. Speaker, I especially want to ward those who need it most, and in- by voting for this act.
thank Chair WATERS for including lan- clude oversight. Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I re-
guage I wrote that will authorize addi- This legislation before us today, how- serve the balance of my time.
tional funding for the Public Housing ever, includes a massive spending in- Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2
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Operating Fund and the Section 8 pro- crease that fails to put into place any minutes to the gentleman from Geor-
gram. substantive reforms. gia (Mr. DAVID SCOTT), a senior mem-
The money we are providing today H.R. 7301 contains $119 billion in new ber of the Financial Services Com-
would allow public housing authorities HUD spending, tripling HUD’s fiscal mittee.
to continue taking necessary steps to year 2020 appropriated budget for old Mr. DAVID SCOTT of Georgia. Mr.
protect residents from the coronavirus. and new programs, yet the bill does not Speaker, I say to ladies and gentlemen
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June 29, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2657
on the floor and people all across this (Mr. GREEN), the chairman of the Sub- the time of the gentlewoman from
Nation: If you listened to my Repub- committee on Oversight and Investiga- California.
lican friends, you would think we are tions. Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I con-
not in a crisis. We are in a terrible cri- Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I tinue to reserve the balance of my
sis. thank Chairwoman WATERS. It is al- time.
Just think, 42 million Americans ways an honor to serve under her lead- Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2
that had jobs just 14 weeks ago no ership. minutes to the gentleman from Wash-
longer have those jobs. Their homes I thank the gentlewoman greatly for ington (Mr. HECK), a senior member of
are on the verge of being foreclosed. including H.R. 6760 within this bill, the Financial Services Committee and
They need our help. H.R. 7301. I am grateful because the sponsor of the emergency rental assist-
Yes, the gentleman from Michigan is gentlewoman is imminently correct ance title of this bill.
right. We did pass this bill in the HE- when she says that people can’t wait. Mr. HECK. Mr. Speaker, I thank
ROES Act, but the Republican leader They can’t wait because invidious dis- Chairwoman WATERS. I rise in support
over there says: Let’s pause. crimination still exists, and it is in- of H.R. 7301, and I thank the chair for
This is the wrong time for this Na- creasing. including my legislation, the Emer-
tion to pause. This is a crisis. The National Fair Housing Alliance gency Rental Assistance Act, in this
And let me tell the gentleman some- surveyed their members, their organi- bill.
thing. It is a crisis in terms of health, zations, and here is what they found as In 2 days, the rent comes due, and as
but it is also a crisis in terms of our it relates to the declared pandemic, de- we face historic levels of unemploy-
great economy going down and the clared on March 11, 2020. ment, far too many are going to come
great pillars of our economy: our They found that 13 percent indicated up short in their rent payment. Failure
homeownership, real estate values, and that there is an increase in complaints to address the rent crisis will have dire
the security of our banking system. related to sexual harassment, 16 per- consequences for millions of Americans
That is what is at stake here. cent related to domestic violence, an 8 and for the housing ecosystem that for-
So it makes sense for us to move. percent increase related to national or- tifies our economy.
Our legislation has 150 House spon-
With 42 million Americans no longer igin of Asian Americans and Pacific Is-
sors and the endorsement of almost 700
working, they are not going to be able landers.
But here is one that will really cap- organizations, and it passed the House
to pay for their mortgages. They are
ture your attention. With reference to as a part of the HEROES Act. It pro-
not going to be able to keep their
persons who have disabilities—didn’t vides $100 billion in rental assistance
water on, the electricity on, the utili-
say that they were of a specific hue, through the Emergency Solutions
ties. They are coming due already.
nothing about their sex—those with Grants program. It would change the
So I want to say to the gentleman
disabilities, a 45 percent increase in lives of millions of tenants across the
that, when Senator MCCONNELL says
complaints. They need help. Yes, we country who have been hit hard by the
‘‘put a pause on it,’’ this Nation stands
can wait, but they can’t, and we have COVID–19 crisis.
in horror when we see this epidemic al-
Over 10 million families pay more
ready creating 42 million jobless peo- to do something to help them.
than half of their incomes for rent. As
ple, but now burdening us with the re- That is what this bill does. It affords
job losses continue and eviction mora-
vival of an additional thrust of this additional money for enforcement of
toriums expire, that is not going to im-
pandemic. laws that already exist with reference
prove. We must protect the housing
Nothing is more important than to discrimination in housing.
It also will give people an oppor- ecosystem.
showing the American people we care Residential rent payments are $50
about them. And we can’t tell them to tunity to get some additional edu-
billion each month and represent a
keep in their homes if they don’t have cation. Some people make mistakes,
chain of payment between staff, main-
a home, I urge my Republican friends. but we don’t know that they are mak-
tenance, and contractors. As unem-
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ing mistakes until we give them an op-
ployment claims remain at historic
time of the gentleman has expired. portunity to be educated. So we will
highs, we can’t afford to lose those
Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I have give them the opportunity.
jobs.
yielded to the gentleman extra time. And finally, this: These complaints This legislation is also for mom-and-
His time has expired. are increasing in part because of the pop landlords. Yes, they own more than
PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY incendiary, incitive comments made by half of the 20 million rental properties,
Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, par- the President when he uses terms re- and they can’t afford a big rental in-
liamentary inquiry. lated to the virus that relate to people, come loss for a sustained period.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- and there are some people who take If we do nothing to stop the spike in
tleman from Michigan will state his these statements to extremes and they evictions, in homelessness, commu-
parliamentary inquiry. discriminate against people. nities of color will be hardest hit. We
Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, there So I am proud to support the legisla- need to be fighting systemic racism,
was not a granting on the front end of tion. I ask my colleagues to do so, be- not exacerbating it.
that. Will that time be counted against cause the people who are being dis- So support this legislation. Keep
the majority’s time? criminated against cannot wait. Americans safely in their homes
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, may I throughout the pandemic. Save the
tleman is correct. inquire of the remaining time on both renters. Save the jobs. Save the hous-
Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I ap- sides. ing ecosystem by voting ‘‘yes’’ on this
preciate that. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- measure.
I just wanted to clarify and make tleman from Michigan has 15 minutes Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I con-
sure that we are all on the same page. remaining. The gentlewoman from tinue to reserve the balance of my
And I might add that I deeply respect California has 101⁄2 minutes remaining. time.
my colleague and friend from Georgia, PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2
and we have worked on some issues. Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, par- minutes to the gentlewoman from Mas-
I will note that HUD has not been liamentary inquiry. sachusetts (Ms. PRESSLEY), a member
able to get the money out the door to The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- of the Financial Services Committee.
those families that need the help with tleman from Michigan will state his Ms. PRESSLEY. Mr. Speaker, I
what they have already been given, and parliamentary inquiry. thank Madam Chair for her leadership
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yet we are trying to put more into that Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, may I at such a time as this.
pipeline. also inquire as to how much time was Two months ago, I stood before my
Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve taken off of the last—for the previous colleagues in this Chamber sounding
the balance of my time. speaker? the alarms that, without immediate re-
Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 The SPEAKER pro tempore. One ad- lief, millions in our communities would
minutes to the gentleman from Texas ditional minute was charged against face housing instability and eviction.
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H2658 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 29, 2020
Today I rise once more to remind us to keep everyone in their homes; and it Americans remain in their housing
all that, in only 2 days, the rent is due. strengthens the mortgage forbearance until this pandemic ends and they are
In my district, Massachusetts Seventh, protections. able to go back to work.
30 percent of families have missed a I know what a housing crisis looks At a time of a national crisis, I urge
rent payment during the pandemic—30 like. During the last financial crisis, I my colleagues to please put aside their
percent. saw my neighbors lose their homes. partisan bickering and obstruction and
Our families, in particular Black Without protections in place, economic pass the Emergency Housing Protec-
families, are on the edge of an eviction recovery will be all but impossible. tions and Relief Act.
tsunami just as the renter protections Congress must act now and pass H.R. Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I do
put in place through the CARES Act 7301 to support our renters and home- have an inquiry of the majority as to
are due to expire next month. owners. how many more speakers she may
A report released yesterday by City Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I con- have.
Life/Vida Urbana found that 78 percent tinue to reserve the balance of my Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to the
time. time remaining on both sides.
of all evictions filed in Boston before
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen-
evictions were banned statewide were Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1
tleman from Michigan has 15 minutes
in census tracts where the majority of minute to the gentlewoman from Or-
remaining. The gentlewoman from
residents are people of color. egon (Ms. BONAMICI), who is a member
California has 4 minutes remaining.
This is an issue of racial, economic, of the Committee on Education and Mr. HUIZENGA. Madam Speaker, I
and health justice. Labor. reserve the balance of my time.
Housing is a critical determinant of Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, this Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 45
public health, as evidenced by the dis- week another month’s rent or mort- seconds to the gentleman from New
proportionately high infection rate gage is due for millions of Americans York (Mr. ESPAILLAT), who is a mem-
amongst our neighbors experiencing who are out of work or barely making ber of the Foreign Affairs Committee.
homelessness. I am proud that this bill ends meet. Without swift action, many Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I
includes my Public Health Emergency struggling Americans will soon face thank Chairwoman WATERS for her
Shelter Act and will provide more than eviction or foreclosure. steadfast support of tenants. With
$11 billion in funding for rapid rehous- I rise in strong support of the Emer- close to 130,000 deaths that are COVID–
ing and efforts to improve the health gency Housing Protections and Relief 19 related, 40 million unemployed,
and safety of those experiencing home- Act to help desperate families main- these are difficult times.
lessness. tain stability by providing additional But now we are facing a housing tsu-
We must support this critical legisla- financial support and expanding pro- nami as millions of families go to sleep
tion and affirm our commitment to tections that were included in the bi- every night afraid and anxious of where
housing as a human right and housing partisan CARES Act. they are going to get their rent money.
as a form of justice. A family of five living in Sherwood, The rent is too damn high.
Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I con- Oregon, wrote to me and said: ‘‘It feels That is why Congressman CHUY
tinue to reserve the balance of my cruel to be facing eviction during a GARCÍA and I introduced the STAY
time. pandemic that stripped our family of HOME Act of 2020 that provides billions
Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 its only income.’’ It feels cruel, be- of dollars of financial support for rent-
minutes to the gentleman from Illinois cause it is cruel. And thousands more ers. This is a good bill that will provide
(Mr. GARCÍA), a member of the Finan- families will face the same cruel re- $100 billion for renters, people who
cial Services Committee. ality unless the President and Senate really don’t know where they are get-
join us in acting swiftly. ting their money to pay their rent.
Mr. GARCÍA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker,
Today, I led many of my colleagues They want to keep a roof over their
I thank Madam Chair for yielding.
in calling on HUD Secretary Carson to head. They don’t want to be homeless.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the
immediately extend protections for This is a critical time in America, and
Emergency Housing Protections and
tenants in federally supported housing this bill will produce the moneys that
Relief Act. This bill provides much-
until the comprehensive solution be- we need to ensure that people are not
needed relief for renters and home-
fore us today is signed into law. homeless.
owners while more than 40 million peo- Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I con-
ple have filed for unemployment insur- Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairwoman
tinue to reserve the balance of my
ance and struggle to make ends meet. WATERS for her leadership, and I urge
time.
My constituents need the help. My all of my colleagues to support this im- Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I would
district is a working-class, largely im- portant legislation. like to inquire, if I may, how much
migrant district, and many people have Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I con- time do I have remaining?
not qualified for any relief so far. tinue to reserve the balance of my The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen-
time. tlewoman from California has 31⁄4 min-
b 1500 Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 utes remaining.
Families just down the street in the seconds to the gentleman from Rhode Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1
barrio where I live and have lived for 50 Island (Mr. CICILLINE), who is a member minute to the gentlewoman from Cali-
years are being forced to choose be- of the Committee on the Judiciary. fornia (Ms. PELOSI), who is the distin-
tween paying rent and putting food on Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, during guished Speaker of the House of Rep-
the table or between making the mort- this pandemic millions of Americans resentatives.
gage payment or buying prescription have lost their jobs and are dan- Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I thank
medicine. Families are staring down gerously close to losing their homes. the gentlewoman for yielding and for
the barrel at yet another first-of-the- The relief this Congress provided has her exceptional leadership on behalf of
month difficult decision: Will my fam- kept millions of Americans housed. America’s working families. I espe-
ily have a place to live? We must continue to act. cially salute her now for bringing the
Will we have food to eat? Thirty percent of renters are not able Emergency Housing Protections and
Where will we go? to pay their rent in June—one in three. Relief Act to the floor. It is urgently
These are the very real questions We passed the HEROES Act to pro- needed, and I rise in support of it be-
that families are asking themselves. vide emergency relief for renters and cause it is, as I said, an urgently need-
Mr. Speaker, we must act with ur- homeowners who desperately need it, ed lifeline for working families as
gency to protect families. This Emer- because everyone deserves a safe home, COVID–19 exacts its devastating im-
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gency Housing Protections and Relief especially during a pandemic when pact on millions of lives and liveli-
Act is a lifeline for communities like being in our houses keeps us safe. hoods across America.
mine. It prohibits landlords from evict- The Senate has chosen not to act on I salute Chairwoman MAXINE
ing tenants for failure to pay rent; it the HEROES Act so we must pass the WATERS, who, as the chair of the Fi-
provides $100 billion of assistance to Emergency Housing Protections and nancial Services Committee, is a re-
renters and $75 billion to homeowners Relief Act to ensure that millions of lentless, persistent, and dissatisfied
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June 29, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2659
force for good on behalf of America’s lion in emergency assistance to help 44 our economy, for the first time in
working families, and she is especially million rental households remain ever—certainly, in the modern era—
focused on their financial security, stably housed, along with another $100 came to a screeching halt, not because
housing being central to that. billion for additional housing support of bad business decisions, not because
I thank DENNY HECK for his leader- and homelessness prevention initia- of malicious or malfeasance or illegal
ship on this important legislation as tives, all of this under the leadership of activities, much like we saw in the
well. Madam Chair MAXINE WATERS. 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 financial crisis that
As we know, Mr. Speaker, there had Again, she has been fighting this started in housing.
been an affordable housing crisis in fight for a long time, reaching down We don’t know exactly where our re-
America long before this pandemic into existing law and statute to find covery is going to go. We have gotten
which challenges the conscience of our ways to take us forward. some good signs. But, again, we cannot
country and now has been exacerbated Yet after we passed the HEROES Act, be overly optimistic without being pre-
by COVID–19. Leader MCCONNELL said that we had to pared. But facts are facts, and here is
Before the crisis, one-quarter of take a pause—take a pause. The virus one fact: In April, we saw historic de-
America’s 44 million renters paid over is not pausing, the rent demands are clines in new home purchases. I
half their income on rent, putting not pausing, and so we cannot pause. shouldn’t say ‘‘new homes.’’ These were
them just one financial emergency While McConnell is denying these fami- contracts to purchase homes.
away from eviction and homelessness. lies relief, the House will pass this bill In May, we saw a historic rebound of
For many, COVID–19 is that one emer- to promote housing security. 44.3 percent. Why did that happen? Be-
gency. We continue to call on the Senate to cause in April, both buyers and sellers
Tens of millions of Americans have pass the HEROES Act to secure life- were sidelined by this pandemic. Why
lost jobs, with rental households dis- saving housing and homelessness pre- did we see this rebound in May? Be-
proportionately affected. We cannot vention measures which include, as I cause the American people have opti-
accept a situation in which millions of said, the $100 billion, the $75 billion, mism, as well. That and basically zero
families are forced to make the dev- and the $11.5 billion for assistance to interest rates from the Fed probably
astating choice between paying the people experiencing homelessness and helped, too.
rent or paying for groceries, prescrip- for homelessness prevention, building But that is the point. We have been
tions, and other essentials, but even on the $4 billion provided in the coming together to try to turn this
before COVID that was the challenge. CARES Act. We need more now. It in- economy around.
That is why earlier today we brought cludes: Well, in this bill today, we are told
legislation to the floor to lower the The freezing of evictions and fore- that we can’t wait. This bill can’t wait.
cost of prescription drugs, because it closures, including expanding the mor- Yet, what you need to know is, this bill
had such an impact on the financial se- atorium in the CARES Act to cover all is not ready. And I will give you a per-
curity of families, and now helping renters until March 2021. fect example of this.
with the rent. Rental assistance support for the Page 71, section 105 of the bill that
Thirty percent of renters could not most vulnerable in urban and rural was debated in the Rules Committee
make rent in June, exposing them to areas, including seniors, persons with that had been part of the original HE-
the threat of eviction, particularly as HIV/AIDS, people with disabilities, and ROES Act, the so-called HEROES Act,
eviction bans that Democrats secured people living in Tribes. from a month ago, was part of my col-
in the CARES Act end. Evictions are I am so pleased that Madam Chair league from Iowa Mrs. AXNE’s stand-
devastating, dismantling financial se- put the special rural housing initiative alone bill. It actually referenced a
curity, and exposing children and fami- in here. It includes rural emergency rural housing program as having $25
lies to situations of financial insta- vouchers to support people who are trillion, not $25 million as it had been
bility that harm their health and well- homeless or at risk of homelessness, in- intended, but $25 trillion in that.
being. cluding those fleeing domestic violence Clearly, this bill has been a cut-and-
Children who experience evictions and assault. paste job all the way along. It was
are already vulnerable. They are more This COVID is a vicious and insidious rushed when it was the HEROES Act,
likely to live in families earning low virus. It is resourceful. It just is out the so-called HEROES Act, because
incomes, belong to communities of there, and it attacks people, not only that was part of the grab bag that was
color which have a disproportionate their lives, but their livelihood, their out there. It was rushed when my col-
impact here, and have more special housing, their psychological well- league, Mrs. AXNE, introduced it. It
education needs than children who being, and everything else. So there are was rushed now in this bill.
don’t face eviction. other reasons we should be passing the So, it does beg the question: What
I say this issue carefully because HEROES Act, but right now I will stay else got missed, Mr. Speaker?
when I was a girl, my father was the focused on this. Well, here is what else: We are told
mayor of Baltimore and my mother as I thank Madam Chair also for having that the money has run out. We have
first lady had, as her mission, afford- the provisions that relate to staving off run out of the money that we have ap-
able housing. She said: How can we foreclosures for those who will not be propriated. What you need to know is
teach children love and respect when able to pay the mortgage. that all the billions of dollars that
we don’t even show them that love and Mr. Speaker, I urge a strong bipar- were allocated have not yet been spent.
respect by giving them a decent place tisan vote for the Emergency Housing But, wait, we are told that this was
to live? Protections and Relief Act to safeguard spent already, and it isn’t enough.
I was so proud because when she America’s housing and financial secu- Well, what you need to know is that
passed away many years after that, rity during this time of crisis. they want to create new programs to
The Baltimore Sun used that state- Mr. Speaker, we are asking people to spend hundreds of billions of dollars
ment in her obituary. But this has al- shelter in place, to shelter at home, with zero new reforms or oversight put
ways been important. and they should do that. But because of into this bill. None. That is not respon-
When we did our Summit on Chil- COVID they may be evicted, but not if sible.
dren, talking about their health, their Madam Chair MAXINE WATERS has her While you were told that this bill is
education, and their financial security, way. I urge a strong bipartisan vote for only going to go to the needy, the poor,
health leaders told us that we must in- financial security for America’s work- the disenfranchised—after all, this is a
clude housing in that because it has ing families. homelessness program—what you need
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such an impact on the psychological to know is they are going to send $6,000
well-being of children. So think of the b 1515 per month—$6,000 per month—to some-
children when you think of this, Mr. Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield one making $131,000 in the Speaker’s
Speaker. myself such time as I may consume. district—$131,000.
Again, in May, the House passed the Mr. Speaker, let’s not be That person qualifies for a homeless-
HEROES Act, which secured $100 bil- Pollyannaish. The facts are facts. Yes, ness program? I can tell you, not in
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H2660 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 29, 2020
west Michigan. I can tell you, not vir- Mr. Speaker, I come from a family of keeping them in their homes is either a local,
tually anywhere else in the country. 13 children. We were poor. We lived in state, or federal moratorium or the kindness of
I don’t understand how my col- inadequate housing. It was cold in the landlords.
leagues, with a straight face, can say wintertime, and the pipes froze on the We know we are engaged with a deadly foe
that this is all about homelessness and inside of our house. In the summer- that preys on the most vulnerable. Our new
all about helping those who have been time, it was too hot to be in the house. normal is not going away and our public poli-
disadvantaged and have not had a We sat on the stoop through the wee cies need to respond to help the tens of mil-
break in life. Well, $131,000 a year is a hours of the morning, trying to stay lions of Americans who are now living on the
pretty darn good break in life, I think. cool. But it was home. edge, through no fault of their own.
Mr. Speaker, I wish I had an oppor- I worried that we were going to be In my state of Wisconsin, according to
tunity to amend this bill. I would have evicted, but my mother managed to media reports, we saw ‘‘eviction filings jump-
some amendments. I wish we were put together the money, and we never ing 42 percent statewide in the first two weeks
doing a modified rule. It would even got evicted. But my neighbors and my of June’’ following the end of a statewide mor-
allow some of those amendments. Yet, friends, I saw evicted. Maybe my atorium on such actions.
here we are today, no input from any- The number of eviction filings will only wors-
friends on the opposite side of the aisle
body other than what the Speaker’s of- en if we allow the federal moratorium, cur-
have never seen this. They don’t under-
rently scheduled to lapse no later than July 25
fice and the chair’s office had said is stand this.
that affect federally subsidized housing and
going to be in this bill. I have my friend from Michigan talk-
backed mortgages, to come to a sharp halt.
We are plowing ahead with a bill that ing about a family that makes $131,000 The Trump Administration and Senate Ma-
we know will not see the light of day per year. The Members of Congress jority Leader MCCONNELL may be content to
when it hits the Senate. make $175,000 a year, and we have wait and watch as more and more Americans
By the way, I am a little confused Members of Congress who sleep free in falter in these trying economic times, but we
when the chair early on admonished this place, don’t pay any rent when must not be so callous.
me and said I should go and negotiate they are in Washington, D.C., and you This bill would extend the eviction morato-
with the Senate about the bill that had have the audacity to come here and rium to March 27, 2021. It would also extend
been passed previously. talk about denying assistance to people it to help all renters and provide $100 billion
So, I say this a little tongue in who are at the worst part of their lives for an emergency rental assistance fund that
cheek, but anybody who has watched to be evicted. would help renters cover their rent and utility
‘‘Schoolhouse Rock!’’ knows the House No, I do not yield. This is an emer- bills, including any unpaid bills.
passes their legislation; the Senate gency. The hospitals are filling up. We also help homeowners by banning fore-
passes their legislation; and then it Children are hungry. People have lost closures for an additional 6 months and cre-
comes together, if we are going to ne- their jobs. ating a Homeowner Assistance Fund that
gotiate it out, not in the middle of this This is about whether or not people would help with mortgage payments, property
process. are going to have a place to lay their taxes, property insurance, and other housing
Why not negotiate and amend the heads. This is about whether or not related costs.
bill that is before us today, where it families are going to stay together. We The legislation also takes steps to help the
properly should be happening? have hospitals where the ICU rooms homeless, who were already vulnerable before
Mr. Speaker, at the end of the day, are all filled, and these people may be this pandemic. Strong funding for homeless
this is a serious, serious issue for our sick and not have a place to go home assistance grants will help ensure that people
country. I know this. My family has to. experiencing homelessness are able to follow
been in construction and in housing for So, I am not about to wait. Yes, he social distancing guidance and have access to
now three—going on a fourth—genera- mocked us when we said we can’t wait necessary services to get them into perma-
tions. We have seen it. We have seen any longer. No, we cannot wait any nent housing.
the ups and downs. My grandfather, my longer. This bill would also give $1 billion to for new
namesake, started in the Depression Mr. Speaker, this is why I am in the Housing Choice Vouchers that would be tar-
era. My dad continued it through the Congress of the United States of Amer- geted to people experiencing or at risk of
1970s, through the 1980s, into the 1990s. ica. This is why I came, for moments homelessness and survivors of domestic vio-
Then, I started getting involved. I have like this, to speak for the least of lence. Because homelessness leads many
lived through a couple of economic these, to speak for the poorest families people to cycle through costly emergency sys-
downturns myself, trying to keep a in America, to speak for families when tems and shortens life expectancy, it is good
family company afloat, trying to pro- they need help. public policy to put resources toward keeping
vide housing and jobs. This is an emergency. Our families people from becoming homeless in the first
Mr. Speaker, here is what we need to need help, and I cannot wait. You place and helping those who are homeless get
do, in my opinion. We need to nego- should not wait. stable housing.
The middle of a pandemic is not the time to
tiate in good faith. This bill is not an Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance
take away lifelines. Housing is crucially impor-
attempt to do that today. I am dis- of my time.
tant. Let us act to help keep people homed
appointed in that. I wish we could, but Ms. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in
and to support those experiencing homeless-
I think, once again, we are seeing poli- strong support of H.R. 7301, legislation to pro-
ness.
tics triumphing over people. We are vide help to our renters, homeowners, and As I said on this floor nearly four years ago,
seeing political footballs take the place landlords who are at risk of becoming home- ‘‘The American people deserve a Congress
of real policy issues. less. The bill would strengthen and renew crit- and a President who will keep them in their
When your objective is nothing but ical protections to ensure that tens of millions houses and in their homes.’’
November, guess what? The American of Americans can keep a roof over their Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, as a sen-
people lose. That is the shame in to- heads. It also makes sure we can continue to ior member of the Judiciary, Homeland Secu-
day’s debate. get help to those who are already homeless. rity, and Budget Committees, I rise in strong
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to The economic shock created by COVID–19 and enthusiastic support of H.R. 7301, the
vote ‘‘no.’’ I know that there are some is still ongoing. Now is not the time to relax ‘‘Emergency Housing Protections and Relief
people on the other side of the aisle the protections that Congress has put in place. Act of 2020,’’ which addresses the needs of
who are a little uncomfortable with When this health crisis escalated in March and renters and homeowners who have been se-
this bill but don’t feel they can vote the House first acted, no one could imagine verely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic
‘‘no.’’ I wish they had the courage of the devastation that would befall our commu- through targeted relief measures.
their convictions. Today, I will be vot- nities. Over 120,000 Americans dead, more In the month of June alone, 32 percent of
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ing ‘‘no’’ and encourage my colleagues than 2 million infected. And the confirmed renters were unable to fully pay their rent
as well. death and case counts remain on the rise. Our while 20 percent of renters were unable to
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance nation has experienced 14 straight weeks of make any rent payment at all.
of my time. over 1 million unemployment weekly claims According to the Mortgage Bankers Asso-
Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield and national unemployment rates that have tri- ciation, the number of homeowners in forbear-
myself such time as I may consume. pled. Many have lost jobs and the only thing ance reached 4.2 million as of June 14, 2020.
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June 29, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2661
The coronavirus pandemic has created a the unprecedented societal and economic up- At the end of the bill, add the following
dire housing crisis that must be addressed im- heaval caused by this pandemic, as home- new title:
mediately. lessness will only exacerbate the health-re- TITLE III—PROTECTING LOCAL
As more and more states across the country lated dangers of this public health crisis. COMMUNITIES AND TAXPAYERS
face a second wave of the coronavirus out- Specifically, I am pleased that the three SEC. 301. YES IN MY BACKYARD DEVELOPMENT
LAND USE PLANS.
break, it is imperative that we extend the evic- funding requests made by the Congressional (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 104 of the Hous-
tion moratorium and other housing protections Homelessness Caucus during the stimulus ing and Community Development Act of 1974
in an effort to prevent an increase in home- discussions have also been included in H.R. (42 U.S.C. 5304) is amended by adding at the
lessness. 7301. This bill will authorize an additional end the following:
Texas is one of those states. $11.5 billion in Emergency Solutions Grants ‘‘(n) PLAN TO TRACK DISCRIMINATORY LAND
In the state alone, there are nearly 150,000 for assistance to the homelessness services USE POLICIES.—
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Prior to receipt in any
cases of coronavirus with over 2,300 deaths. providers serving our communities. Addition-
fiscal year of a grant from the Secretary
As the number of cases continue to rise ally, $1 billion will be directed into emergency under subsection (b), (d)(1), or (d)(2)(B) of
dramatically, we must encourage tighter re- housing vouchers to provide permanent hous- section 106, each recipient shall have pre-
strictions to slow the spread of the disease. ing for individuals experiencing homelessness. pared and submitted, not less frequently
Yet, many people fear that abiding by tighter Finally, this bill includes $100 billion to estab- than once during the preceding 5-year period,
restrictions means a continued loss of income, lish an Emergency Rental Assistance program in accordance with this subsection and in
which could then result in an inability to make to counter any rise in housing insecurity linked such standardized form as the Secretary
a housing payment and consequently cause shall, by regulation, prescribe, with respect
to the economic turmoil of this public health
to each land use policy described in para-
an eviction. crisis. graph (2) that is applicable to the jurisdic-
In fact, in Houston, Texas, eviction pro- The National Alliance to End Homelessness tion served by the recipient, a description
ceedings resumed as early as May 19, 2020. determined that during COVID–19, individuals of—
Without an intervention from the Federal experiencing homelessness are twice as likely ‘‘(A) whether the recipient has already
Government, we will soon see a dramatic to be hospitalized, two to four times as likely adopted the policy in the jurisdiction served
spike in evictions and rates of homelessness. to require critical care, and two to three times by the recipient;
Mr. Speaker, I stand here in support of H.R. as likely to die than the general population. It ‘‘(B) the plan of the recipient to implement
7301 because it not only protects renters, but the policy in that jurisdiction; or
is our duty as representatives from each cor-
‘‘(C) the ways in which adopting the policy
it also provides targeted solutions that help ner of this nation to prevent mounting housing will benefit the jurisdiction.
landlords, homeowners, and people experi- instability and to care for our most vulnerable ‘‘(2) LAND USE POLICIES.—The policies de-
encing homelessness during this pandemic. constituents. Therefore, I am proud to support scribed in this paragraph are as follows:
For example, it extends the eviction morato- the Emergency Housing Protections and Relief ‘‘(A) Enacting high-density single-family
rium to March 27, 2021, and expands it to pro- Act for the advancement of resources needed and multifamily zoning.
tect all renters. to address housing insecurity in our commu- ‘‘(B) Expanding by-right multifamily zoned
It also provides low cost loans for landlords areas.
nities during this public health crisis.
through the Federal Reserve and expands for- ‘‘(C) Allowing duplexes, triplexes, or
The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time fourplexes in areas zoned primarily for sin-
bearance protections for all landlords. for debate has expired. gle-family residential homes.
Under H.R. 7301, $75 billion is invested in Pursuant to House Resolution 1017, ‘‘(D) Allowing manufactured homes in
a Homeowner Assistance Fund that provides the previous question is ordered on the areas zoned primarily for single-family resi-
direct assistance to those who are struggling bill. dential homes.
to pay their mortgage, property taxes, property The question is on the engrossment ‘‘(E) Allowing multifamily development in
insurance, and other housing-related costs. and third reading of the bill. retail, office, and light manufacturing zones.
The bill also allocates $11.5 billion for The bill was ordered to be engrossed ‘‘(F) Allowing single-room occupancy de-
and read a third time, and was read the velopment wherever multifamily housing is
homeless assistance grants that ensure peo- allowed.
ple who experiencing homelessness are able third time. ‘‘(G) Reducing minimum lot size.
to follow social distancing guidance and have MOTION TO RECOMMIT ‘‘(H) Reducing the impact of historic pres-
access to necessary services. Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I have ervation on housing production and afford-
Mr. Speaker, the coronavirus epidemic has a motion to recommit at the desk. ability.
irrevocably changed the world. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is the ‘‘(I) Increasing the allowable floor area
It has affected every aspect of our lives, gentleman opposed to the bill? ratio in multifamily housing areas.
and, right now, it is affecting millions of Ameri- Mr. HUIZENGA. I am currently op- ‘‘(J) Creating transit-oriented development
zones.
cans who are without an income and are terri- posed to the bill.
‘‘(K) Streamlining or shortening permit-
fied that they might not have a roof over their The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ting processes and timelines, including
heads tomorrow. Clerk will report the motion to recom- through one-stop and parallel-process per-
And so, I urge my colleagues on both sides mit. mitting.
of the aisle to vote in favor of H.R. 7301 and The Clerk read as follows: ‘‘(L) Eliminating or reducing off-street
provide much-needed housing protections to Mr. Huizenga moves to recommit the bill, parking requirements.
those who have been severely impacted by H.R. 7301, to the Committee on Financial ‘‘(M) Ensuring impact and utility invest-
Services with instructions to report the ment fees accurately reflect required infra-
the pandemic. structure needs and related impacts on hous-
same back to the House forthwith with the
Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, following amendment: ing affordability are otherwise mitigated.
today, I rise in support of H.R. 7301, the In section 101, strike subsection (k). ‘‘(N) Allowing prefabricated construction.
Emergency Housing Protections and Relief In section 101(l)(1)(A), strike ‘‘prohibition ‘‘(O) Reducing or eliminating minimum
Act of 2020. This bill directly addresses the on prerequisites,’’. unit square footage requirements.
needs of renters and homeowners who have At the end of title II, add the following ‘‘(P) Allowing the conversion of office
been severely impacted by this novel corona new section: units to apartments.
virus pandemic. As the provisions of this bill SEC. 203. INCLUSION OF HOMELESS CHILDREN. ‘‘(Q) Allowing the subdivision of single-
Section 103(a) of the McKinney-Vento family homes into duplexes.
were also included in the Heroes Act which Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11302(a)) ‘‘(R) Allowing accessory dwelling units, in-
passed the House last month, I am dedicated is amended— cluding detached accessory dwelling units,
to continuing pushing for these critically need- (1) at the end of paragraph (5)(C), by strik- on all lots with single-family homes.
ed federal resources to reach our hard-hit ing ‘‘and’’; ‘‘(3) EFFECT OF SUBMISSION.—A submission
communities. (2) at the end of paragraph (6)(C), by strik- under this subsection shall not be binding
As founder and co-chair of the Congres- ing the period and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and with respect to the use or distribution of
sional Homelessness Caucus, I am proud of (3) by adding at the end the following new amounts received under section 106.
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this effort to ensure that our most vulnerable paragraph: ‘‘(4) ACCEPTANCE OR NONACCEPTANCE OF
‘‘(7) beginning upon the date of the enact- PLAN.—The acceptance or nonacceptance of
constituents and families dealing with housing
ment of this paragraph, homeless children any plan submitted under this subsection in
insecurity during COVID–19 are not forgotten. and youths (as such term is defined in sec- which the information required under this
It is of utmost urgency that our communities tion 725 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless subsection is provided is not an endorsement
are provided the resources needed to ensure Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11434a(2))), and the or approval of the plan, policies, or meth-
that no individual faces homelessness due to families thereof.’’.’’. odologies, or lack thereof.’’.
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H2662 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 29, 2020
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The requirements want to disqualify shelters and other fill up? We are not through with this
under subsection (n) of section 104 of the housing service providers that make it pandemic, and recent trends suggest it
Housing and Community Development Act of their mission to treat individuals who is getting worse.
1974 (42 U.S.C. 5304), as added by subsection Six weeks ago, this Chamber passed
are struggling with alcoholism or drug
(a), shall—
addiction makes no sense at all to me. the HEROES Act, but the Republican-
(1) take effect on the date that is 1 year
after the date of enactment of this Act; and Finally, this amendment would en- led Senate and Trump administration
(2) apply to recipients of a grant under sub- sure that these funds would be directed have done nothing to advance the bill.
section (b), (d)(1), or (d)(2)(B) of section 106 of to where they are needed: to the Na- This is totally unacceptable.
the Housing and Community Development tion’s taxpayers and their dependents Fully one-third of renters were un-
Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5306) before, on, and who are struggling right now. Basic able to pay their rent in June, and at
after such date. common sense says that we should not least 4.2 million homeowners are now
SEC. 302. LIMITATION.
be spending money on those who are in forbearance. And we know evictions
Notwithstanding any other provision of are already on the rise.
law, any individual who is unlawfully
unlawfully present in the United
In North Carolina, 9,000 eviction
present in the United States shall be ineli- States at a time when millions of
cases have been filed since this morato-
gible to receive any financial assistance pro- Americans and legal residents are out
rium expired last week.
vided under this Act or any amendment of work, overmatched with their bills, In Columbus, Ohio, eviction hearings
made by this Act. and fighting to do more with less. are taking place in a convention center
Mr. HUIZENGA (during the reading). Combined, these provisions would to accommodate the number of cases
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent help make a bad bill better and give and comply with social distancing
to dispense with the reading of the mo- greater accountability and focus to the guidelines.
tion. nearly $200 billion in new, unpaid-for, In Tennessee, more than 9,000 evic-
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there untargeted, unaccounted-for spending tion cases are pending in one county
objection to the request of the gen- in this bill. alone.
tleman from Michigan? Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to The Michigan State Court Adminis-
There was no objection. support this motion to recommit, and I trative Office estimates 75,000 evictions
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- yield back the balance of my time. will be filed when its moratorium ends
ant to the rule, the gentleman from Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I claim this month.
Michigan is recognized for 5 minutes in the time in opposition. I would like to share one story about
support of his motion. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- someone this bill seeks to help. Deanna
Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, this tlewoman from California is recognized Brooks, a Navy veteran from Dallas,
motion to recommit would remedy for 5 minutes. Texas, lost her job because of the pan-
some of the shortfalls in H.R. 7301 and Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in demic. However, because her former
would add some bipartisanship to this opposition to the amendment offered employer was unresponsive, she had
legislation. This motion only strength- by my Republican colleague to H.R. trouble collecting the needed docu-
ens this legislation and increases the 7301. mentation to collect unemployment or
chance of this bill making it through Mr. Speaker, the amendment before other assistance and was unable to pay
the Senate and being signed into law. us does nothing to bring relief to strug- rent, so her landlord filed for her to be
This amendment would simply add gling families. The amendment would evicted.
four provisions to the bill, each of deny millions of families, including She has no friends or family she can
which would reduce bureaucracy and children, assistance during a crisis be- move in with and has been in and out
increase oversight of these funds so cause someone in their family is here of the hospital because she has a heart
that they reach the people who need without proper documentation. Rac- condition. She said: ‘‘I’m scared.
them swiftly. ism, anti-immigrant policies hurt chil- They’ll throw everything I have out-
First, this amendment would har- dren the most. side on the street. I have nowhere to
monize the definitions of homelessness We are on the precipice of a housing go.’’
between HUD and the Department of In Delaware, Rhiannon Clark and her
crisis not seen since the Great Depres-
Education. For too long, HUD has fiance were unable to pay their rent
sion, a crisis that threatens to strip after Clark, who was a bartender, lost
failed to think of the children who lack countless families of a home at a time
a permanent and stable home, shifting her job and her fiance fell ill with
when they are being asked to stay COVID–19 and couldn’t go to work.
funding away from this vulnerable pop- home. The House must take emergency
ulation, who, as the Department of Eventually, Clark and one of her two
action to respond and pass emergency children also came down with the ill-
Education acknowledges, is, in practice legislation. ness. Now her family faces eviction,
and in fact, homeless. Our amendment
permanently ends that disparate treat- b 1530 even as they recover from COVID–19.
Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, rent and
ment of the kids and makes them fully Over the weekend, States across the
mortgages are due for millions of fami-
eligible for the substantial increase in country, including my home of Cali-
lies. These are two stories. They are
funding at HUD under this bill. fornia, experienced the highest levels
sad stories. I fear that this is going to
Second, the amendment would in- of infection since the pandemic began. be repeated a million times over if Con-
clude the bipartisan Yes in My Back- On Sunday, Texas reported more gress fails to act.
yard Act, H.R. 4351, which passed the than 5,000 cases for the sixth day in a And so here we are, Members of Con-
House by voice vote earlier this year. row. Shortly after passage of the HE- gress. We are comfortable. We can af-
This provision would strengthen the ROES Act in May, Texas had 1,791 ford to pay our rent. We have million-
oversight in this legislation and com- COVID–19 patients in hospital beds; aires in Congress. They can afford to
pel high-cost localities to consider the yesterday, there were 5,500. pay the rent of a whole lot of people if
local regulations that have been put in In California, hospitalizations have they wanted to. And they are going to
place that increase housing costs and now increased by 32 percent, while go home to their families. They are
put increased rent and homeownership ICUs have gone up 19 percent over the going to be safe, and they are going to
barriers on American families. Getting past 14 days. be secure. And while they are in Wash-
rid of these barriers would help cities These trends are similar in Arizona, ington, they don’t pay any rent, many
all over America build more housing Georgia, and Florida, and many of of them. They sleep in their offices at
and lower costs for everyone. these States are halting their plans to night. And yet they are talking about
Third, this amendment would get rid reopen the economy. On Friday, Texas denying people rent who don’t have an-
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of the bureaucratic red tape currently closed down bars across the State and other dime.
in the bill that prevents some of our on Saturday warned residents in San Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance
most accomplished and successful Antonio and Bexar County that local of my time.
housing and addiction treatment serv- hospitals were approaching capacity. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without
ice providers from being eligible to re- Where exactly are COVID–19 patients objection, the previous question is or-
ceive funds. Why the majority would expected to isolate when the hospitals dered on the motion to recommit.
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June 29, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2663
There was no objection. ‘‘(i) PROHIBITION ON THE USE OF SOCIAL SE- identify consumers as it relates to
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The CURITY NUMBERS.—A consumer reporting credit reporting.
question is on the motion to recommit. agency described under section 603(p)— The bill directs GAO to study the
The question was taken; and the ‘‘(1) may not make any consumer report
means and feasibility to replace our
containing a social security number; and
Speaker pro tempore announced that Social Security numbers as an identi-
‘‘(2) may not use the social security num-
the noes appeared to have it. ber of a consumer as a method to verify the fier.
Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, on that consumer.’’. To that end, I would simply ask my
I demand the yeas and nays. (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section colleagues, before we put consumers at
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- 609(a)(1) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 risk, let’s do our work. Let’s see what
ant to section 3 of House Resolution U.S.C. 1681g(a)(1)) is amended by striking GAO reports and work together on a bi-
965, the yeas and nays are ordered. ‘‘except that—’’ and all that follows through partisan solution.
Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- ‘‘(B) nothing’’ and inserting ‘‘except that
We need to make sure that whatever
ther proceedings on this question will nothing’’.
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments we do in the name of improving accu-
be postponed. racy in credit reporting is not putting
made by this section shall take effect on
f January 1, 2021. Americans at greater risk of fraud.
RECESS Mr. RIGGLEMAN (during the read- Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to
ing). Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous support this amendment.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance
ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair consent to dispense with the reading.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there of my time.
declares the House in recess for a pe- Mr. CASTEN of Illinois. Mr. Speaker,
riod of less than 15 minutes. objection to the request of the gen-
tleman from Virginia? I claim the time in opposition to the
Accordingly (at 3 o’clock and 35 min-
There was no objection. motion to recommit.
utes p.m.), the House stood in recess. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen-
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu-
f tleman from Illinois is recognized for 5
ant to the rule, the gentleman from
b 1547 Virginia is recognized for 5 minutes in minutes.
support of his motion. Mr. CASTEN of Illinois. Mr. Speaker,
AFTER RECESS
Mr. RIGGLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, this I appreciate my colleague from Vir-
The recess having expired, the House ginia. I greatly appreciate his service
amendment will not kill the bill but
was called to order by the Speaker pro on the committee and his expertise in
simply ensure that it will not exacer-
tempore (Mr. CUELLAR) at 3 o’clock and all matters of data integrity, and nor-
bate the risks of identity theft or mis-
47 minutes p.m. mally I defer to you on everything, but
use of consumer data.
f Mr. Speaker, a Social Security num- this one is kind of silly.
REMOVAL OF NAME OF MEMBER ber may be the single most important Look, we all know you can’t open a
AS COSPONSOR OF H.R. 6742 piece of government-issued identifica- bank account, you can’t buy a car, you
tion that a U.S. citizen can have. can’t get a mortgage, you can’t get a
Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speak- credit card without giving somebody
H.R. 5332 takes that single most im-
er, I ask unanimous consent to have your Social Security number. We also
portant piece of identification and in-
my name removed as a cosponsor of know, and you know well, that when
creases its overuse, which will have
H.R. 6742. the hackers want to try to get that
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there negative consequences for consumers.
In the digital age, relying on one data, they don’t limit themselves to
objection to the request of the gen-
number that defines each of us has public websites, they go in to find
tleman from Texas?
made us extremely vulnerable to iden- where the servers are.
There was no objection.
tity theft. Someone can use your So- The Equifax breach wasn’t because it
f was sitting in a public-facing consumer
cial Security number to open credit
PROTECTING YOUR CREDIT SCORE cards, take loans in your name, and de- website, it was because they knew
ACT OF 2019 stroy your credit. where the data was. All that data is
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- According to the Privacy Rights still out there. We are not protecting
ant to clause 1(c) of rule XIX, further Clearinghouse, identity theft now af- anything by saying, let’s not link this
consideration of the bill (H.R. 5332) to fects between 500,000 and 700,000 people to a Social Security number.
amend the Fair Credit Reporting Act annually. Victims often do not discover We have a legit data issue. How are
to ensure that consumer reporting the crime until months after its occur- you going to uniquely identify every
agencies are providing fair and accu- rence. American? The way we do that now is
rate information reporting in consumer As we speak, Washington State is through our Social Security number,
reports, and for other purposes, will working to recover more than $500 mil- we have to protect that.
now resume. lion in unemployment benefits paid to We have to make sure that every
The Clerk read the title of the bill. criminals who used stolen identities to company that maintains personal
MOTION TO RECOMMIT file claims during the coronavirus pan- records of Americans bends over back-
Mr. RIGGLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I demic. wards to protect that data. For the
have a motion to recommit at the These attacks on data will only esca- most part they do, sometimes they
desk. late. We are in a new era of economic don’t. But you have absolutely no
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is the and data warfare and creating a com- greater protection by saying that in
gentleman opposed to the bill? mon node of exploitation, a Social Se- this one specific instance on this one
Mr. RIGGLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am curity number, in a centralized loca- specific public-facing website you can’t
opposed to the bill in its current form. tion will advance bad actors’ ability to use a Social Security number.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The infiltrate our data. Now, we know this. We all know this.
Clerk will report the motion to recom- When your Social Security number is That is why when we debated the bill
mit. exposed and sold through nefarious in committee, we included the provi-
The Clerk read as follows: means, it is extremely difficult to sim- sion to put a yearlong study for the
Mr. Riggleman moves to recommit the bill ply go get a new one. This bill will GAO to figure this out, to determine if
H.R. 5332 to the Committee on Financial cause a proliferation in the use of So- maybe there is maybe some better
Services with instructions to report the cial Security numbers. That is exactly unique identifier they could develop for
same back to the House forthwith with the this bill.
the wrong direction to go.
following amendment:
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE
The amendment I am offering simply And, quite frankly, maybe we should
Strike section 3 and insert the following:
ensures that we are not putting poli- apply that to a whole host of other
SEC. 3. PROHIBITION ON THE USE OF SOCIAL SE-
CURITY NUMBERS. cies forward that increase the risks to issues. Maybe the Social Security num-
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 605 of the Fair consumers. During the floor debate, ber should not be the unique identifier.
Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681c) is the bill’s own sponsor agreed that we That is a long conversation. I trust the
amended by adding at the end the following: should be studying alternative ways to GAO, for a year, to figure that out.
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