Letters in Support of H.R. 7301, July 1, 2020 — Congressional Record, Extensions of Remarks
Summary
Pages E600 and E601 of the Congressional Record, Extensions of Remarks, July 1, 2020. In a speech on the Emergency Housing Protections and Relief Act of 2020, Ms. WATERS includes letters in support of H.R. 7301, among them letters from the National Low Income Housing Coalition and the National Urban League. The letters urge Congress to enact housing provisions that they say are in the HEROES Act, including emergency rental assistance. The pages also print tributes: Mrs. LESKO commemorates Brigadier General Todd Canterbury, Mr. WITTMAN recognizes Police Chief Barry Barnard, and Mr. GARCÍA of Illinois speaks about the DBE program.
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“Letters in Support of H.R. 7301, July 1, 2020 — Congressional Record, Extensions of Remarks.”
Original at www.govinfo.gov. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/crec-crec-2020-07-01-crec-2020-07-01-pt1-pge600-4-4021fd4963/
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E600 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 1, 2020
COMMEMORATING BRIGADIER study didn’t just examine Pace’s own spend- EMERGENCY HOUSING PROTEC-
GENERAL TODD CANTERBURY ing, but also examined how businesses in the TIONS AND RELIEF ACT OF 2020
broader Illinois construction market are faring.
HON. DEBBIE LESKO This is very important because Pace operates SPEECH OF
OF ARIZONA the DBE program which at least opens the HON. MAXINE WATERS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES door to businesses owned by women and mi- OF CALIFORNIA
norities, while the broader construction market IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Wednesday, July 1, 2020 is dominated by the private sector which gen-
Mrs. LESKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today erally lacks such equal opportunity measures. Monday, June 29, 2020
to commemorate the retirement of Brigadier The study performed regression analyses to Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I include in the
General Todd Canterbury. He began his ca- determine what business earnings were for RECORD the following letters:
reer in the Air Force after earning his commis- women and minority business owners even 1. A letter on behalf of 600 organizations in
sion from Arizona State University’s ROTC after adjusting for a number of factors such as support of the housing provisions included in
program in 1993 and is retiring as the Com- education, age, occupation and industry. The the Heroes Act, which are the same provisions
mander of the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke Air results were startling: business earnings for included in the bill we are considering today,
Force Base, Arizona. Latino firm owners as compared to white male H.R. 7301.
Flying fighter jets is in his blood as General firm owners were 6 percent lower, for Asians 2. A letter on behalf of over 800 national,
Canterbury is the son of the former Com- they were 10 percent lower, for white women state, and local organizations in support of
mander of the 56th Fighter Wing—making they were 19 percent lower, for Native Ameri- H.R. 6820, the Emergency Rental Assistance
them the first and only father-son combination cans and African Americans, they were 26 and Rental Market Stabilization Act of 2020,
to hold base commanding positions at Luke percent lower. Pace Suburban Bus Disparity which is also included in H.R. 7301.
Air Force Base. Study 2015, Colette Holt & Associates, 2015, 3. A letter from the National Urban League
In his 27-year Air Force career, he had 20 at 96. These statistics make clear why it’s so in support of H.R. 7301.
assignments, was a graduate of the National incredibly difficult for women and minorities to 4. A letter from the Consortium for Citizens
War College, and served as a Command Pilot. get ahead in business—and why the DBE Pro- with Disabilities Housing Task Force in sup-
He has more than 4,200 flight hours in the F– gram is so necessary. port of H.R. 7301.
15 Eagle, F–16 Fighting Falcon, F–35 Light- f 5. A letter from the National Alliance to End
ning II, and MC–12W Liberty aircraft with over Homelessness in support of H.R. 7301
650 being combat hours defending our great RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT JUNE 29, 2020.
nation. OF POLICE CHIEF BARRY BAR- Hon. MITCH MCCONNELL,
During his time in service, General Canter- NARD OF PRINCE WILLIAM Washington, DC.
COUNTY AFTER 44 YEARS OF Hon. CHUCK SCHUMER,
bury acquired a long list of achievements and
PUBLIC SERVICE Washington, DC.
awards to include the Defense Superior Serv- Hon. NANCY PELOSI,
ice Medal, Bronze Star Medal, multiple combat Washington, DC.
campaign medals, and more. HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN Hon. KEVIN MCCARTHY,
I would also like to recognize General Can- OF VIRGINIA Washington, DC.
terbury’s leadership in making Luke Air Force IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DEAR MAJORITY LEADER MCCONNELL, MI-
Base the F–35 fighter pilot training head- NORITY LEADER SCHUMER, SPEAKER PELOSI,
Wednesday, July 1, 2020 AND MINORITY LEADER MCCARTHY: We, the
quarters, which created a partnership between
Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise National Low Income Housing Coalition on
the United States and NATO members to train
today in recognition of the Retirement of Po- behalf of more than 600 national, state, and
their pilots on the F–35 aircraft. local organizations across the country, urge
General Canterbury has not only made his lice Chief Barry Barnard of Prince William you to immediately enact the critical hous-
family proud, but the United States Air Force, County after 44 Years of Public Service. Barry ing investments and protections included in
Arizona, and his country. We appreciate his Barnard was selected as police chief in 2016, the ‘‘Emergency Housing Protections and
selfless service and wish him the best in his and has served in the Prince William County Relief Act of 202Q’’ (H.R. 7301) and the
next adventure. Police Department since 1976. ‘‘Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus
On this day, I invite my colleagues to join Police Chief Barry Barnard joined the Prince Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act’’ to ad-
me in recognizing the sacrifices that his family William County Police Department as an offi- dress the health and housing needs of Amer-
cer in patrol. Barnard served as an officer in ica’s lowest-income renters and people expe-
has made over the years and to thank Briga- riencing homelessness during and after the
dier General Canterbury for his service to the patrol until 2000, when he was named an as- coronavirus pandemic. Every day that Con-
United States of America. sistant chief of police. In 2009, Barnard was gress waits to enact this vital legislation,
f appointed as the deputy chief of police in policymakers put millions of low-income
2009, and held the position of acting chief of people—including seniors, people with dis-
INVESTING IN A NEW VISION FOR police in 2012, before becoming Chief of Po- abilities, families with children, low-wage
THE ENVIRONMENT AND SUR- lice in 2016. workers and other individuals who were al-
FACE TRANSPORTATION IN Police Chief Barry Barnard’s long history ready struggling to pay rent before the cur-
AMERICA ACT with the Prince William County Police Depart- rent pandemic—at risk of eviction and home-
lessness. Without the protections and re-
ment shows his dedication and loyalty to his
SPEECH OF sources in H.R. 7301 and the HEROES Act,
community. Throughout his time as police our nation will see an increase in homeless-
HON. JESÚS G. ‘‘CHUY’’ GARCÍA chief, Barnard was committed to providing effi- ness as renters lose their homes.
OF ILLINOIS cient and interactive police service to the resi- The ‘‘Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Eco-
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES dents of Prince William County. He served as nomic Security Act (CARES Act)’’ included
the final authority in all matters of policy oper- $12 billion in housing and homelessness re-
Tuesday, June 30, 2020 ations and discipline. sources and other critical protections for
Mr. GARCÍA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise Barnard committed to the principles of integ- low-income renters. This bill was an impor-
tant first step, but far more resources are
today to say a few words about the Disadvan- rity and trust during his time with the Prince
needed to protect those individuals living on
taged Business Enterprise—or DBE—Pro- William County Police Department, and he be- the brink. While the CARES Act’s stimulus
gram. While our progress toward equal oppor- lieves that honesty and equality in delivery of checks and expanded unemployment benefits
tunity for minority and women entrepreneurs police services is essential. Barnard is a will certainly help, they only last a short du-
has been slower than I would like, the DBE strong example of what public service should ration, many people with the greatest needs
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program is a big part of the reason we are at look like, and he is leaving a strong and posi- are facing challenges in accessing these re-
least moving in the right direction. In a recent tive legacy on the Prince William County Po- sources, and even those who were successful
study in my home State of Illinois, researchers lice Department. in receiving these benefits will still be se-
verely rent-burdened and at risk of home-
examined business opportunities associated Therefore, Madam Speaker, I ask that you
lessness unless Congress provides targeted
with the Pace Suburban Bus agency. This rise with me in recognizing Prince William assistance.
agency connects my district to the suburbs County Police Chief Barry Barnard’s public Even before the pandemic, people of color
surrounding Chicago and also provides para- service and dedication to his community in the were significantly more likely than white
transit services to people with disabilities. This First District of Virginia. people to experience housing instability,
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July 1, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E601
evictions, and homelessness, the result of The HEROES Act and H.R. 7301 also pro- arrears will accumulate. People who have
centuries of institutional racism and eco- vide an additional $13 billion to further ad- lost income as a result of the COVID–19 out-
nomic inequity. People of color will also dress housing instability, including 100,000 break will struggle to cover large sums of
likely experience greater burdens in the new emergency housing vouchers targeted to back-rent once it comes due. Without emer-
aftermath of the acute crisis. In addition to people with the greatest needs, including gency rental assistance, these households
facing higher mortality rates, people of color people experiencing or at risk of homeless- will face the destabilizing impacts of evic-
are more likely to be impacted by job insecu- ness and survivors of domestic violence. tions and, in worst cases, homelessness, with
rity, food insecurity, housing instability and We urge you to immediate enact to imme- enormous negative consequences for individ-
homelessness. diately provide the critical resources and uals, their communities, and our economy.
HOMELESS ASSISTANCE FUNDS
protections included in H.R. 7301 and the HE- Emergency rental assistance is also nec-
ROES Act to prevent evictions and home- essary to ensure the continued viability of
To address these challenges, H.R. 7301 and lessness and promote housing stability our country’s essential affordable housing
the HEROES Act provide the full $11.5 billion among those individuals with the greatest infrastructure.
needed to prevent and respond to outbreaks needs during and after this crisis. In enacted, the Emergency Rental Assist-
among people experiencing homelessness, ance and Rental Market Stabilization Act
who are at a higher risk of severe illness and JUNE 29, 2020. would provide states, localities, territories,
death due to the disease. People who are Hon. MITCH MCCONNELL, and tribes with flexible resources to provide
homeless and contract coronavirus are twice Washington, DC. direct support to households in need with
as likely to be hospitalized, two to four Hon. NANCY PELOSI, short-and medium-term rental assistance or
times as likely to require critical care, and Washington, DC. to cover up to 6 months of back rent and late
two to three times as likely to die than oth- Hon. CHUCK SCHUMER, fees. The funds may also be used to stabilize
ers in the general public. If unchecked, as Washington, DC. households by helping to address the cost of
many as 20,000 people who are homeless Hon. KEVIN MCCARTHY, security deposits and utility deposits and
could require hospitalization and nearly 3,500 Washington, DC. payments, among other expenses. These
could die. This has enormous implications DEAR MAJORITY LEADER MCCONNELL, MI- funds are designed to reach people in need
for individuals, their communities, and our NORITY LEADER SCHUMER, SPEAKER PELOSI, quickly and directly; half of the funds must
already overstretched hospital systems. AND MINORITY LEADER MCCARTHY: We, the be allocated to states and local governments
These funds are needed to minimize the num- National Low Income Housing Coalition on within 7 days. The Emergency Solutions
ber of people living in homeless encamp- behalf of more than 800 national, state, and Grants program utilized in this legislative
ments and congregate shelters and identify local organizations across the country, urge proposal was modelled by Congress on the
alternative space, including hotels, for isola- you to address in the next coronavirus relief Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-hous-
tion and self-quarantine. package the urgent health and housing needs ing (HPRP) program created and used suc-
NATIONAL, UNIFORM MORATORIUM ON EVICTIONS of America’s lowest-income renter house- cessfully in the aftermath the 2008 financial
The HEROES Act and H.R. 7301 include a holds—8 million of which were struggling to crisis.
uniform, 12–month eviction and foreclosure pay rent and make ends meet before the cur- We urge you to include in any comprehen-
moratorium policy to protect all renters and rent coronavirus pandemic and who now are sive coronavirus relief package the Emer-
homeowners at a time when our collective facing increased risks of evictions and home- gency Rental Assistance and Rental Market
health depends on each of us staying home. lessness. To avert a surge in evictions and Stabilization Act to prevent evictions and
In the CARES Act, Congress instituted a homelessness, we urge you to include in any homelessness and promote housing stability
shorter, temporary moratorium for only comprehensive coronavirus relief package among those individuals with the greatest
some renters and homeowners in federally the Emergency Rental Assistance and Rental needs during and after this crisis.
subsidized housing. NLIHC created a search- Market Stabilization Act proposed by Sen-
able database and map to help renters deter- ator Sherrod Brown (D–OH), Congressman NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE,
mine whether they are protected under the Denny Heck (D–WA), and Congresswoman JUNE 29, 2020.
CARES Act, but these tools are not complete Maxine Waters (D–CA) to provide $100 billion House of Representatives,
because not all data is publicly available. in emergency rental assistance to help keep Washington, DC.
States and localities have also instituted America’s low-income seniors, people with DEAR REPRESENTATIVES: On behalf of the
their own eviction and foreclosure morato- disabilities, families with children, low-wage National Urban League and our 90 affiliates
riums, creating a patchwork of responses— workers, and others stably housed during across 36 states, I write to express strong
many of which expire in the coming weeks— this crisis. support for the important housing assistance
that provides relief to only some and creates The ‘‘Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Eco- provisions included in the ‘‘Emergency Hous-
confusion that has allowed some landlords to nomic Security Act (CARES Act)’’ included ing Protections And Relief Act of 2020’’ (H.R.
move forward with illegal evictions. $12 billion in housing and homelessness re- 7301). As Congress considers further legisla-
sources and other critical protections for tion to help combat the many devastating
EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE
low-income renters. This bill was an impor- economic impacts of the novel coronavirus
To help keep low-income seniors, people tant first step, but far more resources are (COVID–19) pandemic, passage of the sweep-
with disabilities, families with children, low- needed to protect those individuals living on ing housing assistance measures included in
wage workers, and other individuals stably the brink. While the CARES Act’s stimulus H.R. 7301 will be crucial to ensuring that
housed, the HEROES Act and H.R. 7301 in- checks and expanded unemployment benefits American families are given the tools they
clude the ‘‘Emergency Rental Assistance and will certainly help, they only last a short du- need to adequately navigate this unprece-
Rental Market Stabilization Act’’ proposed ration, many people with the greatest needs dented crisis. We urge members to vote in
by Senator Sherrod Brown (D–OH), Congress- are facing challenges in accessing these re- favor of this legislation when it comes to the
woman Maxine Waters (D–CA), Congressman sources, and even those who were successful House floor for a vote.
Denny Heck (D–WA) and 145 House cospon- in receiving these benefits will still be se- As you know, the collapse of our nation’s
sors and 35 Senate cosponsors to provide $100 verely rent-burdened and at risk of home- economy due to the COVID–19 pandemic
billion in emergency rental assistance. lessness unless Congress provides targeted marked a formal end to 128–months of eco-
Research from the National Low Income emergency rental assistance. Research from nomic expansion that started when the U.S.
Housing Coalition estimates that at least the National Low Income Housing Coalition began recovering from the depths of the 2008
$100 billion in emergency rental assistance is estimates that at least $100 billion in emer- financial crisis, and the beginning of another
needed. Emergency rental assistance pro- gency rental assistance is needed. prolonged downturn. The Congressional
vides direct support to renters in need—in- Even before the pandemic, people of color Budget Office estimates that the COVID–19
cluding those who have lost jobs or wages were significantly more likely than white pandemic will shrink the size of the U.S.
due to the pandemic—to help them shelter in people to experience evictions and homeless- economy by roughly $8 trillion over the next
place and avoid housing instability. A mora- ness, the result of centuries of institutional decade.
torium on evictions offers renters some im- racism and economic inequity. People of The worsening economic outlook will un-
portant protections, but rent arrears will ac- color will also likely experience greater bur- fortunately lead to even higher unemploy-
cumulate. People who have lost income as a dens in the aftermath of the acute crisis. In ment, lower wages, and significantly less in-
result of the pandemic will struggle to cover addition to facing higher mortality rates in come for working families nationwide, many
large sums of back-rent once it comes due. their communities, the economic impact of of whom were struggling to make ends meet
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Without emergency rental assistance, these COVID–19 will likely increase rates of job in- long before the pandemic hit. According to a
households will face the destabilizing im- security, food insecurity, housing instability May 2020 survey released by the Federal Re-
pacts of evictions and, in worst cases, home- and homelessness. serve, nearly 40% of U.S. adults reported
lessness, with enormous negative con- Emergency rental assistance provides di- lacking enough savings or cash on hand to
sequences for individuals, their commu- rect support to people who have lost jobs to cover an unexpected emergency of $400 or
nities, and our economy. Emergency rental help them shelter in place and avoid housing more without needing to borrow. Addition-
assistance is also necessary to ensure the instability during and after the pandemic. ally, 32% of all U.S. renters reported being
continued viability of our country’s essential Temporary moratoria on evictions offer tem- unable to pay their full rent last month
affordable housing infrastructure. porary protections for some renters, but rent while more than 4.2 million homeowners
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E602 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 1, 2020
needed to request forbearance on their mort- housing counseling assistance has tradition- low-income Americans during this public
gages due to COVID–19 related financial ally proved immensely helpful when it comes health crisis. The CCD Housing Task Force
hardships. Without additional legislation to wealth-building and homeownerships op- urges all House Members to support H.R.
from Congress, our nation may soon face un- portunities. For example, from 2009–2015, 7301.
precedented levels of evictions and fore- over 12.2 million Americans received housing Sincerely,
closures that will increase homelessness and counseling assistance from HUD-approved CCD HOUSING TASK FORCE
ultimately many harm our economic recov- counselor; 45% of those received counseling CO-CHAIRS,
ery. were were racial minorities while 71% of had MOLLY BURGDORF,
The housing assistance protections in- low or moderate incomes. The Arc of the United
cluded as part of H.R. 7301 are particularly Housing counseling is particularly vital States.
important in light of the many financial during times of crisis when unscrupulous ac- A NDREW SPERLING,
challenges homeowners and renters nation- tors in the financial marketplace typically National Alliance on
wide will continue to face as a result of this seek to further exploit the most financially Mental Illness.
pandemic. As such, the bill’s inclusion of $100 vulnerable in our society. For many families, NATIONAL ALLIANCE
billion for the creation of an emergency being able to speak with a housing counselor TO END HOMELESSNESS,
rental assistance fund aimed at helping rent- to ask questions about how to avoid fore- Washington, DC, June 29, 2020.
ers meet financial obligations such as rent, closure may be the difference between being Hon. MAXINE WATERS,
property taxes, property taxes, and unpaid homeless or staying in their homes during Chairwoman, House Committee on Financial
utilities will be crucial to ensuring a faster and after this unprecedented crisis. Services,
recovery for workers takes place after this Given that the purchase of a home is still Washington, DC.
pandemic has subsided. The extension of ex- the single most significant financial deci- DEAR CHAIRWOMAN WATERS: On behalf of
isting federal eviction moratoriums through sions most Americans will make in their the National Alliance to End Homelessness,
at least March 2021 will also provide impor- lifetime, housing counseling should continue which is a nonpartisan, mission-driven orga-
tant assurances for families faced with to be widely available to help families make nization committed to preventing and ending
COVID–19-related financial hardships during better and more-informed decisions during homelessness in the United States, I strong-
these challenging times. challenging economic times. To this end, the ly endorse the Emergency Housing Protec-
As Americans continue to face economic National Urban League urges members to tions and Relief Act (H.R. 7301), a thoughtful
circumstances that threaten their financial vote in favor H.R. 7301 when it comes to the and comprehensive approach towards ad-
and housing insecurity, the bill’s inclusion of House floor for a vote. dressing the serious health and economic
additional resources for federally assisted Should you have any questions, please feel consequences of the COVID–19 pandemic,
housing programs such as public housing and free to contact Julius Niyonsaba at the Na- which will be considered by the House of
Section 8 will help keep them affordable and tional Urban League. Thank you for your at- Representatives later this month.
available to those who need them. Moreover, tention and consideration on this important That this legislation was already approved
the dedication of $11.5 billion in funding for matter. by the House as part of the massive Health
homeless assistance grants to help ensure Sincerely, and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency
that Americans experiencing homelessness MARC H. MORIAL, Solutions (HEROES) Act (H.R. 6800) may
during this difficult time will also be able to President and CEO, make it anti-climactic to some. However, I
receive access to the necessary health serv- National Urban League. commend you for seizing the opportunity to
ices they need while following social CCD, focus national attention during this public
distancing guidance rules. CONSORTIUM FOR CITIZENS WITH health emergency on homelessness and hous-
As the outbreak of the corona virus pan- DISABILITIES, ing issues specifically, thus increasing the
demic continues to bring about unprece- June 29, 2020. prospects that the federal government will
dented declines in economic productivity Re: H.R. 7301, the Emergency Housing Pro- provide additional meaningful assistance to
across the entire U.S. economy, homeowners tections and Relief Act of 2020 homeless and unstably-housed Americans
and renters nationwide will need help com- Hon. MAXINE WATERS, Chair, later this Summer.
bating the the devastating economic effects Hon. PATRICK MCHENRY, Ranking Member, Your bill includes many helpful provisions,
of this crisis. To this end, we are especially Committee on Financial Services, but please allow me to single out three:
pleased that the bill includes$ 100 million in House of Representatives, Washington, DC. 1. Section 201 would authorize an addi-
funding to the Department of Housing and DEAR CHAIR WATERS AND RANKING MEMBER tional $11.5 billion in Emergency Solutions
Urban Development’s (HUD) Housing Coun- MCHENRY: On behalf of the Consortium for Grants (ESG) to help homelessness services
seling Assistance program (Section 109) will Citizens With Disabilities (CCD) Housing providers safely shelter and quarantine
be crucial to ensuring that Americans have Task Force, we are writing to offer our en- homeless Americans and help a substantial
access to the necessary housing information thusiastic support for the Emergency Hous- fraction of them move into permanent hous-
and resources they need to secure affordable ing Protections and Relief Act of 2020 (H.R. ing. This is a natural extension of the bipar-
housing or avoid foreclosure on their homes. 7301). CCD is the largest coalition of national tisan Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic
We are especially pleased that the housing organizations working together to advocate Recovery Security Act (P.L. 116–136), which
counseling provision in this bill is modeled for Federal public policy that ensures the provided the homelessness system with a
after the National Foreclosure Mitigation self-determination, independence, empower- crucial $4 billion in initial ESG funding.
Counseling (NFMC) program, which Congress ment, integration and inclusion of children Homeless Americans are twice as likely to
created in response to the 2008 financial cri- and adults with disabilities in all aspects of be hospitalized, two to four times as likely
sis to assist homeowners who were at risk of society; the CCD Housing Task Force focuses to require critical care, and two to three
foreclosure. As you know, the NFMC pro- on expanding access to decent, safe and af- times as likely to die than the general popu-
gram proved uniquely successful in helping fordable rental housing for people with dis- lation. Section 201 would allow providers to
stabilize U.S. households during the worst abilities. safely shelter homeless Americans in adapt-
economic crisis since the Great Depression. H.R. 7301 is particularly well-timed in re- ed or new facilities and quarantine the most
In its 10 year reign, the program provided in- sponding to the current COVID 19 pandemic. vulnerable homeless Americans in motels.
dividualized counseling and education serv- Many people with disabilities are especially ESG would also be used by providers to pay
ices to more than 2.1 million Americans who vulnerable to increase rates of infection and for the additional staff required to meet the
needed advise on things such as how to re- death from the virus, and in need of stable increased demand for services and the loss of
ceive a loan modification on their mortgage housing options in order to stay safe and volunteers due to the virus as well as the ad-
from their lender, avoid serious delinquency healthy. The extended moratorium on evic- ditional supplies required during a pandemic,
or foreclosure, or purchase a home. tion proceedings is crucial to preventing including testing, soaps, sinks, toilets,
As one of a number of HUD-approved hous- homelessness and housing instability. In ad- gloves, masks, personal protective equip-
ing counseling intermediaries that received dition, the inclusion of $200 million in fund- ment, food, and cleaning supplies.
funding through NFMC, the National Urban ing for the Section 811 program will serve as ESG would allow providers to continue to
League’s 90 affiliates across 36 states played a critical resource to expand access to af- serve unsheltered homeless Americans—
a vital role in providing struggling families fordable rental housing for non-elderly peo- those who cannot come inside, usually be-
with services such as foreclosure prevention ple with disabilities, and help existing multi- cause of inadequate shelter capacity—which
counseling, rental counseling, homelessness family properties address the needs of their has never been more important because of
rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with REMARKS
prevention counseling, how to and fair hous- tenants to adhere to the CDC guidelines for public health concerns. However, such out-
ing education. self-distancing and quarantining when need- reach has also become more difficult, more
Homeowners and renters nationwide who ed. Overall, the package of housing-related expensive, and more dangerous than ever be-
are facing difficult economic times will need provisions in the bill are urgently needed fore.
precisely this kind of advice on what their protect the people with disabilities and their Finally, ESG would allow providers to
available options are for withstanding the families who are at risk during this pan- move a significant fraction of homeless
difficult economic challenges that lay ahead. demic. Americans into permanent housing through
This is particularly true for minority and Thank you for your leadership in respond- rapid re-housing (RRH), a successful program
underserved potential homebuyers for whom ing to the affordable rental housing needs of that combines short-term rental subsidies,
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July 1, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E603
help finding affordable rentals, and some the commitment and dedication of our asso- Soon after, he returned to Vermont to run the
case management. RRH is widely credited ciates and supplier network. Every BMW X5 Orleans County Grammar School in
with a steep nationwide reduction in family in the world comes from Plant Spartanburg. Brownington. To accommodate increasing en-
homelessness. We are proud to call South Carolina home.’’
Among homelessness services providers,
rollment, he organized the funding and con-
More than half of the BMW vehicles sold in
the operative maxim is: ‘‘it’s a marathon, the United States are built at Plant struction of a new school building to house
not a sprint!’’ This pandemic will last well Spartanburg, according to Bernhard Kuhnt, and educate students. He also served as the
into calendar year 2021, and they know their president and CEO of BMW of North Amer- local pastor, delivering sermons decrying slav-
workload will likely get even heavier. There- ica. ery and supporting temperance. His sermons
fore, it is imperative that the federal govern- ‘‘We cannot overstate the importance of reveal a man of strong convictions, who
ment sufficiently resource those providers Plant Spartanburg to our sales network,’’ he viewed human history as a progression to-
through enactment of Section 201. said in the news release. ‘‘BMW Group has wards greater individual freedom guided by
2. Section 202 would authorize the estab- long considered the United States to be our
lishment of $1 billion in emergency housing conscience.
second home and we are proud to say that
vouchers which could provide permanent the U.S. is in fact home to the biggest BMW
In 1836, Twilight became ‘‘the first’’ again,
housing to homeless Americans, those at plant in the world. We congratulate our col- this time as the first African American elected
risk of becoming homeless, as well as those leagues on this historic achievement.’’ to serve in a state legislature. He continued to
escaping from domestic violence. With re- BMW celebrated 25 years of manufacturing teach at the Orleans County School and in
spect to homeless families and individuals, in the Upstate last year, when it built a Quebec until 1855, when a stroke left him par-
specifically, these vouchers could be used to record 411,620 vehicles. Nearly 70% of the alyzed. He died two years later, on June 19,
provide safe spaces to those most vulnerable plant’s production was exported from 2010– 1857. The next year, Vermont passed a com-
to the virus—the elderly, the disabled, and 2019. Last year’s value of exports was $9.6 bil- plete ban on slavery, declaring that anyone
the sick—who need deeper subsidies. Addi- lion, more than any other U.S. carmaker for
tional funding beyond what is provided here the sixth consecutive year, according to the
who entered the state was free.
will be needed to ensure a permanent hous- news release. The plant has expanded seven Today, Twilight’s house, the school where
ing solution for all homeless people who are times, with $10.6 billion in investment, and he taught, and the dormitory he built still stand
elderly or have serious disabilities, and we has 11,000 workers on site. as part of the Old Stone House Museum in
look forward to working with you to fulfill ‘‘BMW changed the very fabric of our the Brownington Historic District. His legacy as
this need. state’s economy when it decided to locate in an educator lives on through the Museum,
3. Section 101 would establish a $100 billion South Carolina nearly three decades ago,’’ where his ideals are reflected in the museum’s
rental assistance fund in order to prevent a Gov. Henry McMaster said in the release. educational programs, community services
wave of homelessness from sweeping across ‘‘That this great company built its 5 mil-
the nation and overwhelming homelessness and his personal collection. Twilight’s memory
lionth American-made vehicle in
services providers. Many renters, who were Spartanburg should be a source of great is etched in Vermont’s higher learning institu-
already spending unsustainable amounts of pride for our people and a reason for celebra- tions, such as Middlebury College’s Alexander
their incomes on rent, are incurring signifi- tion. It’s one more example of South Caro- Twilight Hall and Alexander Twilight Audito-
cant arrearages during state and federal linians sharing in the success of a company rium at Northern Vermont University—Lyndon.
eviction moratoria, and they are in danger of that has become an integral part of our state I hope that Alexander Twilight will continue
eviction when those moratoria expire. because of its dedication to our people.’’ to be remembered and celebrated as a pio-
Your legislation offers homeless and
f neer who persevered against long odds. He
unstably-housed Americans hope and inspi-
ration during this terrible time, so thank
should also serve as a reminder of how far we
HONORING ALEXANDER TWILIGHT have come as a nation, and how far we still
you for your extraordinary leadership.
Sincerely, have to go to achieve equality for all Ameri-
STEVE BERG, HON. PETER WELCH cans, regardless of skin color, race or eth-
Vice President for Programs and Policy, OF VERMONT nicity.
National Alliance to End Homelessness. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f
f
Wednesday, July 1, 2020 PERSONAL EXPLANATION
BMW PRODUCES 5 MILLION Mr. WELCH. Madam Speaker, I rise today
to celebrate the 225th anniversary of the birth HON. BRETT GUTHRIE
HON. JOE WILSON of a trailblazing Vermonter, Alexander Lucius OF KENTUCKY
OF SOUTH CAROLINA Twilight, and to honor his legacy. Alexander IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES was not only the first African American to Wednesday, July 1, 2020
Wednesday, July 1, 2020 graduate from a U.S. college or university, but
the first African American to serve in a state Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I was un-
Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam legislature. In recognition of his contributions able to vote in person due to a family commit-
Speaker, South Carolina has become Amer- and his legacy as a trailblazer, the Vermont ment. Had I been present, I would have voted
ica’s number one exporter of autos with the legislature passed a resolution in June 2020 NAY on Roll Call No. 130.
success of BMW and now enhanced with new marking his birthday, September 23, 2020, as f
Volvo production and Mercedes vans. With the Alexander Twilight Day.
vision of the late Governor Carroll Campbell IN RECOGNITION OF RAY PETER-
Alexander was born on September 23, 1795 SEN’S DECADES OF REMARK-
who recruited BMW, thousands of jobs have to mixed-race parents. His father, Ichabod
been achieved at BMW and its suppliers. ABLE PUBLIC SERVICE TO UTAH
Twilight, fought with the Second New Hamp-
The achievements of 5 million produced by shire Regiment in the Revolutionary War. After
BMW was highlighted by The Columbia Busi- the war, Ichabod and his wife, Mary, moved to
HON. JOHN R. CURTIS
ness Report of June 22nd: OF UTAH
Bradford, Vermont.
BMW MANUFACTURING PASSES PRODUCTION IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Vermont’s 1777 constitution prohibited adult
MILESTONE
slavery, but the letter of the law was not re- Wednesday, July 1, 2020
BMW has made 5 million vehicles in flected in practice. In the decades following Mr. CURTIS. Madam Speaker, I rise to con-
Spartanburg County. Vermont’s acceptance as the 14th state, Black
The milestone U.S.-made BMW is a red X5
gratulate Mr. Ray Petersen on a remarkable
M Competition equipped with a 617-horse- children were still held as slaves and all Black career of indispensable service to the great
power M TwinPower Turbo V–8 engine, ac- Vermonters continued to face the threat of State of Utah. By virtue of Ray’s enduring
cording to a news release. It was completed being kidnapped and sold out of state. Against commitment to overseeing proper land man-
June 5 and will remain at the factory to be- this backdrop of widespread discrimination, agement practices, Emery County flourishes
rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with REMARKS
come part of the BMW history collection. Twilight graduated with a bachelor’s degree with beauty and opportunity. The residents of
Others in the collection include the first car from Middlebury College in 1823. He is the Emery County, and the countless visitors who
made at the plant. first known African American to receive a enjoy the region, have Ray to thank for his 18
‘‘You cannot be successful in business if
bachelor’s degree from any U.S. college or years as Emery County’s Public Lands Admin-
you do not have great products and great
people,’’ Knudt Flor, president and CEO of university. istrator, and his lifetime of public service to
BMW Manufacturing, said in the news re- After he graduated, Twilight became a rural Utah.
lease. ‘‘This BMW X5 M Competition is a teacher and a minister. He moved to New Ray has dedicated his career to addressing
symbol of the success of our products and York to teach and married Mercy Ladd Merrill. critical rural issues. As a fourth-generation
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