Congressional Record, House, May 13, 2022 — House of Representatives
Summary
Page H4925 of the House section of the Congressional Record for May 13, 2022, in interleaved columns. Ms. Bonamici calls up H.R. 5129, the Community Services Block Grant Modernization Act of 2022, under House Resolution 1097, with a substitute consisting of the text of Rules Committee Print 117-42, and the Clerk redesignates amendments en bloc. Bill text includes a definitions section with a poverty line revised annually using the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers. Short tributes honor Cantor Martha Novick of Temple Emanu-El in Westfield, New Jersey, a retiring staffer and the remains of Corporal Van Dyke identified in Papua New Guinea.
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“Congressional Record, House, May 13, 2022 — House of Representatives.”
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May 13, 2022 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4925
great service to two Members of Con- Despite an extensive search, mem- problems and needs in their communities
gress, as well as the constituents of bers of the Fifth Air Force were not through their maximum feasible participation in
Kansas’ Fourth Congressional District. able to locate the plane or the airmen. advising, planning, and evaluating the pro-
grams, projects, and services funded under this
I speak for myself and the entire D.C. Many years later the wreckage was dis-
subtitle;
and district staff when I say we will covered in the mountains of Papua New ‘‘(C) using innovative community-based ap-
miss Ralene as she retires from con- Guinea, and the remains of Corporal proaches that produce a measurable impact on
gressional service. Van Dyke and others were seemingly the causes and effects of poverty, including
We are excited to see what the future identified but were inconclusive. How- whole family approaches that create opportuni-
holds for Ralene and wish her many ever, recently the Department of De- ties for, and address the needs of, parents and
blessings as she enjoys more time with fense officially considered Corporal children together;
‘‘(D) coordinating Federal, State, local, and
her husband, Kansas State Representa- Van Dyke accounted for. other assistance, including private resources, re-
tive Emil Bergquist, their children, and Madam Speaker, we will never forget lated to the reduction of poverty so that re-
their grandchildren. the selfless actions, sacrifice, and dedi- sources can be used in a manner responsive to
Congratulations on a wonderful ca- cation to our country by these service- local needs and conditions; and
reer, and thank you from a grateful members and what they displayed. ‘‘(E) broadening the resources directed to the
district. To Corporal Van Dyke’s family, our elimination of poverty, so as to promote partner-
entire Nation holds you in our prayers ships that include—
f ‘‘(i) private, religious, charitable, and neigh-
as we get ready and prepare for Memo-
HONORING CANTOR MARTHA borhood-based organizations; and
rial Day, and as you welcome Dirk ‘‘(ii) individuals, businesses, labor organiza-
NOVICK FOR HER SERVICE home as an American hero. Rest easy, tions, professional organizations, and other or-
(Mr. MALINOWSKI asked and was Corporal Van Dyke. Rest easy. ganizations engaged in expanding opportunities
given permission to address the House f for all individuals.
for 1 minute.) COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK
‘‘SEC. 673. DEFINITIONS.
Mr. MALINOWSKI. Madam Speaker, ‘‘In this subtitle:
GRANT MODERNIZATION ACT OF ‘‘(1) AGENCY-WIDE STRATEGIC PLAN.—The term
I rise today to honor Cantor Martha 2022 ‘agency-wide strategic plan’ means a plan that
Novick, who for the last 36 years has
Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, has been adopted by an eligible entity in the
filled Temple Emanu-El, in Westfield, previous 5 years and establishes goals that in-
New Jersey, with her warmth and her pursuant to House Resolution 1097, I
clude meeting needs identified by the entity in
voice. call up the bill (H.R. 5129) to amend the
consultation with residents of the community
Over the years, she has brought hun- Community Services Block Grant Act through a process of comprehensive community
dreds of students to Washington, D.C., to reauthorize and modernize the Act, needs assessment.
to introduce them to social justice, ad- and ask for its immediate consider- ‘‘(2) POVERTY LINE.—The term ‘poverty line’
vocacy, and action. ation. means the poverty guideline calculated by the
She has performed leading roles for The Clerk read the title of the bill. Secretary from the most recent data available
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- from the Bureau of the Census. The Secretary
the Metropolitan Opera Association shall revise the poverty line annually (or at any
ant to House Resolution 1097, in lieu of
and the National Shakespeare Theatre shorter interval the Secretary determines to be
the amendment in the nature of a sub-
and has appeared as a soloist with the feasible and desirable). The required revision
stitute recommended by the Com-
Jerusalem Symphony, the Brooklyn shall be accomplished by multiplying the official
mittee on Education and Labor printed poverty thresholds from the Bureau of the Cen-
Philharmonic, and the Westfield Sym-
in the bill, an amendment in the na- sus by the percentage change in the Consumer
phony.
ture of a substitute consisting of the Price Index for All Urban Consumers during the
Cantor Novick is a performer and an
text of Rules Committee Print 117–42, annual or other interval immediately preceding
innovator, creating the Shabbat the time at which the revision is made.
modified by the amendment printed in
Hallelu worship service, which has be- ‘‘(3) COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY.—The term
part E of House Report 117–320, is
come a national model, and working ‘community action agency’ means an eligible en-
adopted and the bill, as amended, is
tirelessly to find a balance between tity (which meets the requirements of paragraph
considered read. (1) or (2), as appropriate, of section 680(c)) that
traditional and modern musical styles The text of the bill, as amended, is as
of worship. delivers multiple programs, projects, and serv-
follows: ices to a variety of low-income individuals and
We are grateful to Cantor Novick for
H.R. 5129 families.
all she has done and for her commit- ‘‘(4) COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN.—The term
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep-
ment to Temple Emanu-El and its resentatives of the United States of America in ‘community action plan’ means a detailed plan,
greater community in her new role as Congress assembled, including a budget, that is adopted by an eligi-
Cantor Emeritus. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. ble entity, for expenditures of funds appro-
f This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Community priated for a fiscal year under this subtitle for
Services Block Grant Modernization Act of the activities supported directly or indirectly by
b 0915 2022’’. such funds.
SEC. 2. REAUTHORIZATION. ‘‘(5) COMMUNITY SERVICES NETWORK ORGANI-
WELCOME HOME CORPORAL ZATION.—The term ‘community services network
LAVERNE ‘‘DIRK’’ VAN DYKE Subtitle B of title VI of the Omnibus Budget
Reconciliation Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 9901 et organization’ means any of the following orga-
(Mr. HUIZENGA asked and was given seq.) is amended to read as follows: nizations funded under this subtitle:
‘‘(A) A grantee.
permission to address the House for 1 ‘‘Subtitle B—Community Services Block Grant ‘‘(B) An eligible entity.
minute and to revise and extend his re- Program ‘‘(C) A Tribal grantee.
marks.) ‘‘SEC. 671. SHORT TITLE. ‘‘(D) An association with a membership com-
Mr. HUIZENGA. Madam Speaker, I ‘‘This subtitle may be cited as the ‘Community posed primarily of grantees, eligible entities,
rise today to welcome home Corporal Services Block Grant Act’. Tribal grantees, or associations of grantees, eli-
Laverne ‘‘Dirk’’ Van Dyke, who sac- ‘‘SEC. 672. PURPOSES. gible entities, or Tribal grantees.
rificed his life during World War II, and ‘‘The purposes of this subtitle are— ‘‘(6) DEPARTMENT.—The term ‘Department’
‘‘(1) to reduce poverty in the United States by means the Department of Health and Human
was finally laid to rest in his and my Services.
supporting the activities of community action
hometown of Zeeland, Michigan, after agencies and other community services network ‘‘(7) ELIGIBLE ENTITY.—The term ‘eligible enti-
nearly 80 years. organizations that improve the economic secu- ty’ means an entity—
U.S. Army Air Force Corporal Dirk rity of low-income individuals and families and ‘‘(A) that is an eligible entity described in sec-
Van Dyke served as a flight engineer create new economic opportunities in the com- tion 673(1) of the Community Services Block
on a B–25C aircraft in the Pacific the- munities where they live; and Grant Act (as in effect immediately before the
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ater when his plane went missing. Cor- ‘‘(2) to accomplish the purposes described in date of the enactment of the Community Serv-
paragraph (1) by— ices Block Grant Modernization Act of 2022) as
poral Van Dyke and six other crew-
‘‘(A) strengthening community capabilities for of the day before such date of enactment, or has
members were last seen departing an identifying poverty conditions and opportunities been designated by the process described in sec-
airport on the reconnaissance mission to alleviate such conditions; tion 680(a) (including an organization serving
off the coast of New Guinea on January ‘‘(B) empowering residents of the low-income migrant or seasonal farmworkers that is so de-
18, 1943. communities served to respond to the unique scribed or designated); and
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H4926 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 13, 2022
‘‘(B) that has a tripartite board described in each fiscal year and remaining after the Sec- nization serving the Indians for whom the deter-
paragraph (1) or (2), as appropriate, of section retary makes the reservations required by sec- mination has been made under subsection
680(c). tion 691(c), the Secretary shall allot to each eli- (b)(1)(B).
‘‘(8) EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE.—The term gible State, subject to section 677, an amount ‘‘(d) PLAN.—In order for an Indian Tribe or
‘evidence-based practice’ means an activity, that bears the same ratio to such remaining Tribal organization to be eligible for a grant
strategy, or intervention that— amount as the amount received by the State for award for a fiscal year under this section, the
‘‘(A) demonstrates a statistically significant fiscal year 1981 under section 221 of the Eco- Indian Tribe or Tribal organization shall submit
effect on improving relevant outcomes based on nomic Opportunity Act of 1964 bore to the total to the Secretary a plan for such fiscal year that
at least one well-designed and well-implemented amount received by all States for fiscal year 1981 meets such criteria as the Secretary may pre-
experimental or quasi-experimental study, or at under such section, except as provided in sub- scribe by regulation.
least one well-designed and well-implemented section (b). ‘‘(e) ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURE-
correlational study with statistical controls for ‘‘(b) MINIMUM ALLOTMENTS.— MENT SYSTEM.—The Secretary may implement
selection bias, and includes ongoing efforts to ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall allot to alternative requirements for implementation by
examine the effects of such activity, strategy, or each State not less than 1⁄2 of 1 percent of the an Indian Tribe or Tribal Organization of the
intervention; or amount appropriated under section 691(a) for requirements of section 686(a).
‘‘(B) demonstrates a rationale based on high- ‘‘SEC. 678. STATE PLANS AND APPLICATIONS;
such fiscal year and remaining after the Sec-
quality research findings or positive evaluation COMMUNITY ACTION PLANS AND AP-
retary makes the reservations required by sec- PLICATIONS.
that such activity, strategy, or intervention is
tion 691(c).
likely to improve relevant outcomes, and in- ‘‘(a) STATE LEAD AGENCY.—
‘‘(2) YEARS WITH GREATER AVAILABLE FUNDS.— ‘‘(1) DESIGNATION.—The chief executive officer
cludes ongoing efforts to examine the effects of
Notwithstanding paragraph (1), if the amount of a State desiring to receive a grant under sec-
such activity, strategy, or intervention.
‘‘(9) GRANTEE.—The term ‘grantee’ means a appropriated under section 691(a) for a fiscal tion 675 or 676 shall designate, in an application
recipient of a grant under section 675 or 676. year and remaining after the Secretary makes submitted to the Secretary under subsection (b),
‘‘(10) PRIVATE, NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION.— the reservations required by section 691(c) ex- an appropriate State agency that agrees to com-
The term ‘private, nonprofit organization’ ceeds $900,000,000, no State shall receive under ply with the requirements of paragraph (2), to
means a domestic organization that is— this section less than 3⁄4 of 1 percent of the re- act as a lead agency for purposes of carrying
‘‘(A) described in section 501(c)(3) of the Inter- maining amount. out State activities under this subtitle.
nal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from tax- ‘‘(c) GRANTS AND PAYMENTS.—Subject to sec- ‘‘(2) DUTIES OF STATE LEAD AGENCIES.—The
ation under section 501(a) of such Code; and tion 677, the Secretary shall make grants to eli- State lead agency—
‘‘(B) described in paragraph (1) or (2) of sec- gible States for the allotments described in sub- ‘‘(A) shall be authorized by the chief executive
tion 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. sections (a) and (b). The Secretary shall make officer to convene State agencies and coordinate
‘‘(11) SECRETARY.—The term ‘Secretary’ means payments for the grants in accordance with sec- information and activities funded under this
the Secretary of Health and Human Services. tion 6503(a) of title 31, United States Code. The subtitle;
‘‘(12) SERVICE AREA.—The term ‘service area’ Secretary shall allocate the amounts allotted ‘‘(B) shall develop the State plan to be sub-
means the unique geographic area which the under subsections (a) and (b) on a quarterly mitted to the Secretary under subsection (b),
State has designated as the area to be served by basis at a minimum, notify the States of their re- which shall be based primarily on the commu-
an eligible entity with funding under section spective allocations, and make each State’s first nity action plans of eligible entities, submitted
679(a)(1). allocation amount in a fiscal year available for to the State as a condition of receiving funding
‘‘(13) STATE.—The term ‘State’ means any of expenditure by the State no later than 30 days under this subtitle;
the several States, the District of Columbia, after receipt of an approved apportionment from ‘‘(C) may revise an existing State plan for sub-
Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the the Office of Management and Budget and, for mission to the Secretary, if considered a major
United States Virgin Islands, or the Common- subsequent allocation amounts in the fiscal revision under criteria established by the Sec-
wealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. year, not later than 30 days after the start of retary in regulations required under section
‘‘(14) TRIBAL GRANTEE.—The term ‘Tribal 689(a)(1));
the period for which the Secretary is allocating
grantee’ means an Indian Tribe or Tribal orga- ‘‘(D) in conjunction with the development or
the funds.
nization, as defined in section 677(a), that re- revision of the State plan as required under sub-
‘‘(d) DEFINITION.—In this section, the term
ceives a grant under section 677(c). section (b)—
‘State’ does not include Guam, American Samoa,
‘‘SEC. 674. AUTHORIZATION OF COMMUNITY ‘‘(i) shall hold at least 1 hearing in the State
SERVICES BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM.
the United States Virgin Islands, and the Com-
monwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. on the proposed plan or a proposed major revi-
‘‘(a) AUTHORIZATION OF PROGRAM.—The Sec- sion to a plan to provide to the public an oppor-
retary is authorized to carry out a community ‘‘SEC. 677. PAYMENTS TO INDIAN TRIBES.
tunity to comment on the public record on the
services block grant program and to make grants ‘‘(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
proposed use and distribution of funds under
through the program, under sections 675 and ‘‘(1) INDIAN.—The term ‘Indian’ means a mem-
the plan;
676, to States to support local community action ber of an Indian Tribe or Tribal organization. ‘‘(ii) not less than 15 days before the hearing,
plans carried out by eligible entities to reduce ‘‘(2) INDIAN TRIBE OR TRIBAL ORGANIZATION.— shall distribute notice of the hearing and a copy
poverty in the communities served by such enti- The term ‘Indian Tribe or Tribal organization’ of the proposed plan or major plan revision
ties. means a Tribe, band, or other organized group statewide to the public and directly to the chief
‘‘(b) AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY.—The Sec- recognized in the State in which the Tribe, executive officer and the chairperson of the
retary is authorized to carry out other commu- band, or group resides, or considered by the Sec- board of each of the eligible entities (or des-
nity programs described in section 690. retary of the Interior to be an Indian Tribe or ignees) and other community services network
‘‘SEC. 675. GRANTS TO TERRITORIES. an Indian organization for any purpose. organizations; and
‘‘(a) APPORTIONMENT.—The Secretary shall ‘‘(b) RESERVATION.— ‘‘(iii) in the case of any proposed plan revi-
apportion the amount reserved under section ‘‘(1) APPLICATION.—Paragraph (2) shall apply sion, without regard to whether it is a major re-
691(c)(1) for each fiscal year on the basis of only if, with respect to any State, the Sec- vision, shall notify and distribute a copy of the
need, based on the most recent applicable data retary— proposed revision statewide directly to the chief
available from the Bureau of the Census to ac- ‘‘(A) receives a request from the governing executive officer and the chairperson of the
count for poverty, to eligible jurisdictions among body of an Indian Tribe or Tribal organization board of each of the eligible entities (or des-
Guam, American Samoa, the United States Vir- in such State that assistance under this subtitle ignees) and other community services network
gin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the be made available directly to such Indian Tribe organizations, before submission of such pro-
Northern Mariana Islands. or Tribal organization; and posed revision to the Secretary; and
‘‘(b) GRANTS.—The Secretary shall make a ‘‘(B) determines that the members of such In- ‘‘(E) at least every 3 years, in conjunction
grant to each eligible jurisdiction to which sub- dian Tribe or Tribal organization would be bet- with the development of the State plan, shall
section (a) applies for the amount apportioned ter served by means of grants made directly to hold at least 1 legislative hearing.
under subsection (a). such Indian Tribe or Tribal organization to pro- ‘‘(b) STATE APPLICATION FOR STATE PROGRAM
‘‘(c) PLANS FOR APPORTIONMENT TO TERRI- vide benefits under this subtitle. AND STATE PLAN.—Beginning with the first fis-
TORIES.—No later than six months after the en- ‘‘(2) AMOUNT.—The Secretary shall reserve cal year following the transition period de-
actment of this Act, the Secretary shall make from amounts allotted to a State under section scribed in section 3 of the Community Services
publicly available the Department’s plan for ap- 676 for a fiscal year not less than the amount Block Grant Modernization Act of 2022, to be el-
portioning funds among territories, including that bears the same ratio to the State allotment igible to receive a grant under section 675 or 676,
factors that contribute to the calculation of for the fiscal year as the population of all eligi- a State shall prepare and submit to the Sec-
need and methodology for calculating the ap- ble Indians in that particular State for whom a retary for approval an application containing a
portionment for each territory. The Secretary determination has been made under paragraph State plan covering a period of not more than 2
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must make publicly available any updates or (1) bears to the population of all individuals eli- fiscal years. The application shall be submitted
changes to this plan no less frequently than any gible for assistance through a grant made under not later than 60 days before the beginning of
time new applicable data are available from the section 676 to such State. the first fiscal year covered by the plan, and
Bureau of Census. ‘‘(c) AWARDS.—The amount reserved by the shall contain such information as the Secretary
‘‘SEC. 676. ALLOTMENTS AND GRANTS TO STATES. Secretary on the basis of a determination made shall require, including—
‘‘(a) ALLOTMENTS IN GENERAL.—From the under subsection (b)(1)(B) shall be made avail- ‘‘(1) a description of the manner in which
amount appropriated under section 691(a) for able by grant to the Indian Tribe or Tribal orga- funds made available through the grant under
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May 13, 2022 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4927
section 675 or 676 will be used to carry out the the event of a partial approval, the Secretary tive expenses subject to the limitations in para-
State activities described in section 679(b) and may allow grantee use of funds for activities in- graph (2).
the State’s community action plans; cluded in the portions of the plan which the ‘‘(B) TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.—
‘‘(2) a description summarizing the community Secretary has approved. In the event a State ap- After applying subsection (a), the State may use
action plans of the eligible entities serving the plication fails to be approved in whole or in part the remaining grant funds for the purposes of—
State; before the end of the third month of the period ‘‘(i) providing to eligible entities training and
‘‘(3) an assurance that the State and all eligi- covered by such plan the Secretary may award technical assistance and resources to respond to
ble entities in the State will participate in a per- funding as specified in section 684(a)(5)(B). statewide or regional conditions that create eco-
formance measurement system under section ‘‘(d) PUBLIC INSPECTION.—Each plan and nomic insecurity, including emergency condi-
686(a)(1)(A); major revision to a State plan prepared under tions;
‘‘(4) a plan for the State’s oversight of eligible this section shall be distributed for public in- ‘‘(ii) supporting professional development ac-
entities; spection and comment. A hearing on such plan tivities for eligible entities that enhance the
‘‘(5) an assurance that the State will make or major revision shall be held as required under skills of their local personnel (including mem-
payments to eligible entities in accordance with subparagraphs (C) and (D) of subsection (a)(2), bers of the board of directors of such entities) in
section 679(a)(2); but a State application for merger, combination, organizational management, service delivery,
‘‘(6) an assurance that no eligible entity in the or privatization of entities under section 680(b) and program development and management, giv-
State that received, in the previous fiscal year, shall not be considered a major revision. ing priority to activities carried out through
funding through a grant made under section 675 ‘‘(e) ELIGIBLE ENTITY APPLICATION AND COM- partnerships of such entities with institutions of
or 676 will have funding reduced below the pro- MUNITY ACTION PLAN.—Beginning with the first higher education;
portional share of funding the entity received fiscal year following the transition period de- ‘‘(iii) supporting information and communica-
from the State in the previous fiscal year, or scribed in section 3 of the Community Services tion resources for the comprehensive community
eliminated, or its designation as an eligible enti- Block Grant Modernization Act of 2022, to be el- needs assessments described in section 678(e)(1);
ty terminated, unless, after providing the af- igible to receive a subgrant under section 679(a), ‘‘(iv) supporting performance measurement
fected entity (or entities, as applicable) with no- each eligible entity shall prepare and submit to systems consistent with the requirements of sec-
tice and an opportunity for a hearing on the the State an application containing a commu- tion 686;
record, the State determines that cause exists for nity action plan or plans covering a period of ‘‘(v) promoting coordination and cooperation
the reduction or elimination of funding or for not more than 2 fiscal years. Such application among eligible entities in the State, including
termination of such designation, subject to re- shall be submitted in a reasonable and timely supporting activities of a statewide association
view by the Secretary as provided in section manner as required by the State. The applica- of community services network organizations;
684(c); and— tion shall contain information on the intended ‘‘(vi) providing training and technical assist-
‘‘(A) in the case of failure of an eligible entity implementation of the eligible entity’s activities, ance and resources to assist eligible entities in
to comply with the terms of a corrective action including demonstrating how the activities building and using evidence of effectiveness in
plan relating to correction of a serious defi- will— reducing poverty conditions, including entities
ciency, except according to the procedures set ‘‘(1) meet needs identified in the most recent participating in or proposing to participate in
forth in section 684(b); and comprehensive community needs assessment the Community Action Innovations Program es-
‘‘(B) for purposes of this subsection, the term which has been conducted in the previous 3 tablished under section 682(a)(2);
‘cause’ means— years and which may be coordinated with com- ‘‘(vii) supporting efforts of eligible entities to
‘‘(i) the failure of an eligible entity to comply munity needs assessments conducted for other identify and respond to physical and behavioral
with the terms of a corrective action plan relat- programs; and health challenges (including substance use dis-
ing to correction of a serious deficiency as de- ‘‘(2) achieve the purposes of this subtitle orders) experienced by low-income individuals,
scribed in subsection 684(b); or through programs, projects, and services. families, and communities; and
‘‘(ii) a statewide proportional distribution of ‘‘(viii) analyzing the distribution of funds
‘‘SEC. 679. STATE AND LOCAL USES OF FUNDS.
funds provided through a community services made available under this subtitle within the
block grant under this subtitle to respond to— ‘‘(a) STATE SUBGRANTS TO ELIGIBLE ENTITIES State to determine if such funds have been tar-
‘‘(I) the results of the most recently available AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS.—
geted to the areas of greatest need.
census or other appropriate demographic data; ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—A State that receives a ‘‘(2) ADMINISTRATIVE CAP.—
‘‘(II) severe economic dislocation; or grant under section 675 or 676 shall use not less ‘‘(A) LIMITATION.—Of the amounts remaining
‘‘(III) the designation of an eligible entity to than 90 percent to make subgrants to eligible en- after the required funding for subgrants de-
serve a geographic area that has been unserved tities that enable the entities to implement pro- scribed under subsection (a)(1), a State shall not
for at least the previous 5 years; grams, projects, and services for a purpose de- spend more than 5 percent of its grant under
‘‘(7) an assurance that each eligible entity scribed in section 672. section 675 or 676 for administrative expenses.
serving the State has established procedures ‘‘(2) OBLIGATIONAL REQUIREMENTS.— ‘‘(B) DEFINITION.—In this paragraph, the
that permit a low-income individual or organi- ‘‘(A) DATE OF OBLIGATION.—The State shall term ‘administrative expenses’—
zation to petition for adequate representation of obligate the funds for subgrants described in ‘‘(i) means the costs incurred by the State’s
such individuals or organizations, respectively, paragraph (1) and make such subgrants avail- lead agency for carrying out planning and man-
on the board of the eligible entity; able for expenditure by eligible entities not later agement activities, including monitoring, over-
‘‘(8) a description of outcome measures to be than the later of— sight, and reporting as required by this Act; and
used to measure State and eligible entity per- ‘‘(i) the 30th day after the date on which the ‘‘(ii) does not include the cost of activities
formance in achieving the goals of the State State receives from the Secretary a notice of conducted under paragraph (1)(B) other than
plan and the community action plans, respec- funding availability for the State’s application monitoring.
tively; under section 678 for a first or subsequent allo- ‘‘(c) ELIGIBLE ENTITY USE OF FUNDS.—An eli-
‘‘(9) an assurance that the State will develop cation for a fiscal year; or gible entity that receives a subgrant under sub-
a policy on board vacancies in accordance with ‘‘(ii) the first day of the State program year section (a)(1) shall use the subgrant funds to
section 680(c)(3) and provide guidance to assist for which funds are to be expended under the carry out a community action plan that shall
eligible entities in filling board vacancies; and State application. include—
‘‘(10) an assurance that the State and the eli- ‘‘(B) EXCEPTION.—If funds are appropriated ‘‘(1) programs, projects, and services that pro-
gible entities in the State will coordinate, and to carry out this subtitle for less than a full fis- vide low-income individuals and families with
establish linkages between, governmental and cal year, a State may request an exception from opportunities—
other social services programs to assure the ef- the Secretary from the requirement to make sub- ‘‘(A) to identify and develop strategies to re-
fective delivery of such services to low-income grants available for expenditure by eligible enti- move obstacles and solve problems that block ac-
individuals and to avoid duplication of such ties in accordance with subparagraph (A), ex- cess to opportunity, economic stability, and
services, and a description of how the State and cept that a State may not accumulate more than achievement of self-sufficiency;
the eligible entities will coordinate the provision one fiscal quarter’s worth of funding without ‘‘(B) to secure and retain meaningful employ-
of employment and training activities, as de- making such funds available for expenditure by ment at a family supporting wage;
fined in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation eligible entities. ‘‘(C) to secure an adequate education, improve
and Opportunity Act, in the State and in com- ‘‘(C) AVAILABILITY.—Funds allocated to eligi- literacy and language skills, and obtain job-re-
munities with entities providing activities ble entities through subgrants made under para- lated skills;
through statewide and local workforce develop- graph (1) for a fiscal year shall be available for ‘‘(D) to make effective use of available income
ment systems under such Act. obligation by the eligible entity during that fis- and build assets;
‘‘(c) APPROVAL.—The Secretary shall notify cal year and the succeeding fiscal year. ‘‘(E) to obtain and maintain adequate housing
the chief executive officer of each State submit- ‘‘(b) STATEWIDE ACTIVITIES.— and a safe and healthy living environment;
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ting an application containing a State plan ‘‘(1) USE OF REMAINDER.— ‘‘(F) to address health needs and improve
under this section of the approval, disapproval, ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—A State that receives a health and well-being;
or approval in part, of the application, not later grant under section 675 or 676 shall, after car- ‘‘(G) to obtain emergency materials or other
than 60 days after receiving the application. In rying out subsection (a), use the remainder of assistance to meet immediate and urgent needs,
the event of a full or partial disapproval, the the grant funds for activities described in the including to meet the collective needs of a com-
Secretary’s notification shall include a descrip- State’s application under section 678(b) as de- munity, and prevent greater or more prolonged
tion of changes necessary for final approval. In scribed in subparagraph (B) and for administra- economic instability;
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H4928 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 13, 2022
‘‘(H) to secure and identify assistance related graphs (1) and (2). An agency designated on an ‘‘(D) EXPERTISE.—The eligible entity shall en-
to reducing energy expenses and reducing en- interim basis shall be capable of providing pro- sure that the members of the board are provided
ergy consumption; and grams, projects, and services designed to achieve resources, which may include contracted serv-
‘‘(I) to achieve greater participation in com- the purposes of this subtitle as stated in section ices with individuals and organizations with ex-
munity affairs; and 672 and have demonstrated financial capacity to pertise in financial management, accounting,
‘‘(2) activities that develop and maintain— manage and account for Federal funds, and and law, to support the work of the board.
‘‘(A) partnerships for the purpose of address- may be designated as a permanent eligible entity ‘‘(E) COMPLIANCE WITH TAX-EXEMPT AND
ing community, economic, and social conditions only if, by the time of permanent designation, it OTHER REQUIREMENTS.—The board of a private,
of poverty and promoting healthy communities, meets all the requirements of paragraphs (1) and nonprofit organization shall ensure that the
between the eligible entity and— (2). board operates and conducts activities under the
‘‘(i) State and local public entities; and ‘‘(b) MERGER, COMBINATION, OR PRIVATIZA- subgrant made under section 679(a)(1) in a man-
‘‘(ii) private partners, including statewide and TION OF ELIGIBLE ENTITIES.— ner that complies with—
local businesses, associations of private employ- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—If an eligible entity receiv- ‘‘(i) the requirements for maintaining tax-ex-
ers, and private charitable and civic organiza- ing subgrant funds makes a determination de- empt status under section 501(a) of the Internal
tions; scribed in paragraph (2) and notifies the State, Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 501(a)) regard-
‘‘(B) linkages with public and private organi- the State— ing the governance of charities under section
zations for coordinating initiatives, services, ‘‘(A) shall assist in developing a plan for im- 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
and investments so as to avoid duplication, and plementing such merger, combination, or privat- (26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3)); and
maximize the effective use, of community re- ization, including a budget for transitional costs ‘‘(ii) applicable requirements of State non-
sources for creating economic opportunity, in- not to exceed 2 years in duration; profit law.
cluding developing lasting social and economic ‘‘(B) in the case of a merger or combination, ‘‘(2) PUBLIC ORGANIZATIONS.—
assets; and shall provide to the merged or combined entity ‘‘(A) BOARD.—In order for a local public (gov-
‘‘(C) new investments in the community to re- an amount of funding under section 679(a)(1) ernmental) entity to be considered to be an eligi-
duce the incidence of poverty, including devel- equal to the sum of amounts the merged or com- ble entity for purposes of section 673(7), the enti-
oping lasting social and economic assets. bined entities each received under section ty shall ensure that the programs, projects, and
‘‘(d) ELIGIBILITY CRITERION.— 679(a)(1) immediately before the merger or com- services carried out or provided through the
‘‘(1) Subject to paragraph (2), 200 percent of bination. subgrant made under section 679(a)(1) are ad-
the poverty line shall be used as a criterion of ‘‘(2) COVERED MERGER, COMBINATION, OR PRI- ministered under the supervision of a tripartite
eligibility for services, assistance, or resources VATIZATION.—This subsection applies when— board described in subparagraph (C) that fully
provided directly to individuals or families ‘‘(A) 2 or more eligible entities determine that participates in the development, planning, im-
through the community services block grant pro- the geographic areas of a State that they serve plementation, oversight, and evaluation of such
gram established under this subtitle. can be more effectively served under common programs, projects, and services.
‘‘(2) A State or Tribal grantee may establish control or shared management; or ‘‘(B) SELECTION.—The members of the board
procedures to ensure that a participant in a pro- ‘‘(B) a public organization that is an eligible referred to in subparagraph (A) shall be selected
gram, project, or service funded under this sub- entity determines that the area it serves can be by the local public entity.
title remains eligible to participate as long as more effectively served if it becomes a private, ‘‘(C) COMPOSITION OF BOARD.—The board
the participant is successfully progressing to- nonprofit organization. shall be composed so as to assure that—
‘‘(3) PLANS.—A State may establish require- ‘‘(i) not more than 1⁄3 of the members of the
ward achievement of the goals of the program,
ments for merger, combination, or privatization board are employees or officials, including elect-
project, or service, regardless of the income eligi-
plans and for a determination that the merged, ed officials, of the unit of government in which
bility criteria used to determine the participant’s
combined, or privatized entity, or entities, will the organization is located;
initial eligibility.
be capable of conducting a broad range of pro- ‘‘(ii) not fewer than 1⁄3 of the members are per-
‘‘SEC. 680. ELIGIBLE ENTITIES AND TRIPARTITE
grams, projects, and services designed to achieve sons chosen in accordance with democratic se-
BOARDS.
the purposes of this subtitle as stated in section lection procedures adequate to assure that such
‘‘(a) DESIGNATION AND REDESIGNATION OF ELI- members are representative of low-income indi-
GIBLE ENTITIES IN UNSERVED AREAS.—
672 consistent with the comprehensive commu-
nity needs assessments for the areas served. viduals and families in the service area; and if
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—If any geographic area of a
‘‘(4) STATE DETERMINATION.—If a State deter- selected to represent a specific geographic area,
State is not, or ceases to be, served by an eligible
mines that a merged, combined, or privatized en- such member resides in that area; and
entity, the State lead agency may, in consulta- ‘‘(iii) the remainder of the members may be
tion with local officials and organizations rep- tity or entities will be capable of conducting a
broad range of programs, projects, and services comprised of representatives from business, in-
resenting the area, solicit one or more applica- dustry, labor, religious, educational, charitable,
tions and designate a new community action as specified in paragraph (3), it shall designate
the merged, combined, or privatized entity or en- or other significant groups and interests in the
agency to provide programs, projects, and serv- community.
ices to the area, that is— tities to serve the area(s) in question without so-
liciting applications from other entities. ‘‘(D) EXPERTISE.—The eligible entity shall en-
‘‘(A) a community action agency that is a pri- sure that the members of the board are provided
‘‘(c) TRIPARTITE BOARDS.—
vate, nonprofit organization and that is geo- ‘‘(1) PRIVATE, NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS.— resources, which may include contracted serv-
graphically located in an area in reasonable ‘‘(A) BOARD.—In order for a private, non- ices with individuals and organizations with ex-
proximity of, or contiguous to, the unserved profit organization to be considered to be an eli- pertise in financial management, accounting,
area and that is already providing similar pro- gible entity for purposes of section 673(7), the and law, to support the work of the board.
grams, projects, and services, and that has dem- entity shall be governed by a tripartite board of ‘‘(E) COMPLIANCE WITH STATE REQUIREMENTS
onstrated financial capacity to manage and ac- directors described in subparagraph (C) that AND POLICY.—The board of a public organiza-
count for Federal funds; or fully participates in the development, planning, tion shall ensure that the board operates in a
‘‘(B) if no community action agency described implementation, oversight, and evaluation of manner that complies with State requirements
in subparagraph (A) is available, a private, the programs, projects, and services carried out for open meetings, financial transparency, and
nonprofit organization (which may include an or provided through the subgrant made under State open records policy.
eligible entity) that is geographically located in, section 679(a)(1) and all activities of the entity. ‘‘(3) BOARD VACANCIES.—To fulfill the require-
or is in reasonable proximity to, the unserved ‘‘(B) SELECTION.—The members of the board ments under this section, an eligible entity shall
area and that is capable of providing a broad referred to in subparagraph (A) shall be selected fill a board vacancy not later than 6 months
range of programs, projects, and services de- by the private, nonprofit organization. after such vacancy arises. In the event that an
signed to achieve the purposes of this subtitle as ‘‘(C) COMPOSITION OF BOARD.—The board eligible entity is unable to fill a board vacancy
stated in section 672. shall be composed so as to assure that— in the 6-month period, the entity shall certify to
‘‘(2) REQUIREMENT.—In order to serve as the ‘‘(i) 1⁄3 of the members of the board are elected the State that it is making a good faith effort to
eligible entity for the service area, an entity de- public officials holding office on the date of se- fill the vacancy and shall receive 1 additional 6-
scribed in paragraph (1) shall agree to ensure lection, or their representatives (but if an elect- month period to fill such vacancy.
that the governing board of directors of the enti- ed public official chooses not to serve, such offi- ‘‘(4) SAFEGUARD.—Neither the Federal Gov-
ty will meet the requirements of subsection (c). cial may designate a representative to serve as ernment nor a State or local government shall
‘‘(3) COMMUNITY.—A service area referred to the voting board member); require a religious organization to alter its form
in this subsection or a portion thereof shall be ‘‘(ii) not fewer than 1⁄3 of the members are per- of internal governance, except (for purposes of
treated as a community for purposes of this sub- sons chosen in accordance with democratic se- administration of the community services block
title. lection procedures adequate to assure that such grant program) as provided in section 680(c).
‘‘(4) INTERIM DESIGNATION.—If no entity that members are representative of low-income indi- ‘‘(d) OPERATIONS AND DUTIES OF THE
meets the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (2) viduals and families in the service area; and if BOARD.—The duties of a board described in
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is available for designation as a permanent eli- selected to represent a specific geographic area, paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (c) shall in-
gible entity, the State may designate a private, such member resides in that area; and clude—
nonprofit agency (or public agency if a private, ‘‘(iii) the remainder of the members may be ‘‘(1) in the case of a board for a private, non-
nonprofit is not available) on an interim basis comprised of representatives from business, in- profit organization that is an eligible entity,
for no more than 1 year while the State com- dustry, labor, religious, educational, charitable, having legal and financial responsibility for ad-
pletes a selection process for a permanent eligi- or other significant groups and interests in the ministering and overseeing the eligible entity,
ble entity that meets the requirements of para- community. including making proper use of Federal funds;
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May 13, 2022 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4929
‘‘(2) establishing terms for officers and adopt- this subtitle through grants, contracts, or coop- awardees for resources or activities necessary to
ing a code of ethical conduct, including a con- erative agreements. replicate, expand, or test innovative and evi-
flict of interest policy for board members; ‘‘SEC. 682. TRAINING, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, dence-based practices, including costs of train-
‘‘(3) participating in each comprehensive com- AND RELATED ACTIVITIES. ing and technical assistance, evaluation, data
munity needs assessment, developing and adopt- ‘‘(a) ACTIVITIES.— collection, and technology.
ing for the corresponding eligible entity an ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall— ‘‘(D) EXPENSES.—The funds reserved for use
agency-wide strategic plan, and preparing the ‘‘(A) use amounts reserved under section under this paragraph may be used for reason-
community action plan for the use of funds 691(c)(2) for training, technical assistance, plan- able expenses of awardees, associated with ad-
under this subtitle; ning, assessment, and performance measure- ministration of projects and dissemination of
‘‘(4) approving the eligible entity’s operating ment, as described in this section and in sections their results.
budget; 684 and 686, to assist States, eligible entities, ‘‘(E) AWARDS AND OBLIGATION.—The Secretary
‘‘(5) reviewing all major policies such that— Tribal grantees, and other community services shall award and obligate funds reserved for
‘‘(A) for private, nonprofit organizations that network organizations in— projects under this paragraph during the first
are eligible entities, a review includes con- ‘‘(i) building and using evidence of effective- program year for which the funds are appro-
ducting annual performance reviews of the eligi- ness in reducing poverty conditions, including priated. Grant funds awarded under this para-
ble entity’s chief executive officer (or individual through development and dissemination of in- graph shall remain available for expenditure by
holding an equivalent position); and formation about clearinghouses and other re- the awardee not later than 36 months after the
‘‘(B) for local public entities that are eligible sources that identify relevant evidence-based date of award by the Secretary, unless a longer
entities, a review includes participating in an- initiatives, for use in connection with the Com- period of availability is approved by the Sec-
nual performance reviews of the eligible entity’s munity Action Innovations Program established retary based on extenuating circumstances and
chief executive officer (or individual holding an under paragraph (2); demonstrated evidence of effectiveness.
equivalent position); ‘‘(ii) carrying out professional development ‘‘(b) ELIGIBLE ENTITIES, TRIBAL GRANTEES,
‘‘(6) performing oversight of the eligible entity activities that expand the capacity of eligible AND OTHER COMMUNITY SERVICES NETWORK OR-
to include— entities and Tribal grantees; GANIZATIONS.—Eligible entities, Tribal grantees,
‘‘(A) conducting assessments of the eligible en- ‘‘(iii) carrying out performance measurement, and other community services network organiza-
tity’s progress in carrying out programmatic and data collection, and reporting activities related tions referred to in subsection (a)(1)(B) shall in-
financial provisions in the community action to programs, projects, and services carried out clude such entities, grantees, and organizations
plan; and under this subtitle; and (and their partners, including institutions of
‘‘(B) in the case of any required corrective ac- ‘‘(iv) correcting programmatic deficiencies, in- higher education) with demonstrated expertise
tion, reviewing the eligible entity’s plans and cluding such deficiencies of eligible entities or in providing training for individuals and orga-
progress in remedying identified deficiencies; Tribal grantees; and nizations on methods of effectively addressing
and ‘‘(B) distribute the amounts reserved under the needs of low-income families and commu-
‘‘(7) concerning personnel policies and proce- section 691(c)(2)(A) through grants, contracts, nities and, if appropriate, expertise in Tribal
dures— or cooperative agreements with eligible entities, issues.
‘‘(A) in the case of private, nonprofit organi- Tribal grantees, and other community services ‘‘(c) TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
zations that are eligible entities, adopting per- network organizations described in subsection PROCESS.—‘The process for determining the
sonnel policies and procedures, including for (b) for— training and technical assistance to be carried
hiring, annual evaluation, compensation, and ‘‘(i) professional development for key commu- out under subsection (a)(1) shall—
termination, of the eligible entity’s chief execu- nity services network organization personnel; ‘‘(1) ensure that the needs of eligible entities,
tive officer (or individual holding a similar posi- ‘‘(ii) activities to improve community services Tribal grantees, and programs relating to im-
tion); and network organization programs, financial man- proving program quality (including quality of fi-
‘‘(B) in the case of local public entities that agement, compliance, and governance practices nancial management practices) are addressed to
are eligible entities, reviewing personnel policies (including practices related to performance the maximum extent feasible; and
and procedures, including for hiring, annual management information systems); ‘‘(2) incorporate mechanisms to ensure respon-
evaluation, compensation, and termination, of ‘‘(iii) activities that train community services siveness to local needs, including an ongoing
the eligible entity’s chief executive officer (or in- network organizations and their staff and board procedure for obtaining input from the national
dividual holding a similar position). members to effectively address the needs of low- and State networks of eligible entities.
‘‘(e) CONFLICT OF INTEREST.—In establishing income families and communities through place- ‘‘SEC. 683. STATE MONITORING OF ELIGIBLE EN-
the conflict of interest policy described in sub- based strategies that address local causes and TITIES.
section (d)(2), a board shall ensure that such conditions of poverty through coordinated in- ‘‘In order to determine whether eligible enti-
policy— vestment and integrated service delivery; and ties receiving subgrants under this subtitle meet
‘‘(iv) activities that train community services performance goals, administrative standards, fi-
‘‘(1) requires a board member to recuse
network organizations in building and using nancial management requirements, and other
themself from any discussion, deliberations, and
evidence of effectiveness in reducing poverty requirements under this subtitle, the State shall
votes relating to any contract or transaction
conditions and that support effective adminis- conduct the following reviews of eligible entities:
from which the following would receive a direct
tration of funds under the Community Action ‘‘(1) A full onsite review of each eligible entity
financial benefit from the eligible entity:
Innovations Program established under para- at least once during each 3-year period.
‘‘(A) such board member;
graph (2). ‘‘(2) An onsite review of each newly des-
‘‘(B) the immediate family member of such
‘‘(2) INNOVATIVE AND EVIDENCE-BASED ignated eligible entity immediately after the
board member; or
PROJECTS TO REDUCE POVERTY.— completion of the first year in which such entity
‘‘(C) an organization or a business from which
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall use receives funds through the community services
such board member, or an immediate family of
amounts reserved under section 691(c)(3) for a block grant program under this subtitle.
such board member, receives a direct financial
Community Action Innovations Program to— ‘‘(3) Followup reviews, including onsite re-
benefit; ‘‘(i) award grants, contracts, or cooperative views scheduled in a corrective action plan (in-
‘‘(2) prohibits a board member from receiving agreements to eligible entities, Tribal grantees, cluding return visits), in a calendar quarter for
compensation for serving on the board from the and other community services network organiza- eligible entities with programs, projects, or serv-
eligible entity other than for reasonable ex- tions, including consortia of such entities, ices that fail to meet the State’s performance cri-
penses, except that a board member’s receipt of grantees, or organizations to facilitate innova- teria, standards, financial management require-
an economic benefit from the eligible entity be- tion and use of evidence-based practice designed ments, or other significant requirements estab-
cause such member is eligible to receive benefits to reduce poverty conditions, including through lished under this subtitle.
and services under this subtitle shall not be con- whole family approaches that create opportuni- ‘‘(4) Other reviews as appropriate, including
sidered to be compensation for purposes of this ties for, and address the needs of, parents and reviews of eligible entities with programs,
subsection; and children together; and projects, and services that have had other Fed-
‘‘(3) ensures all activities funded under this ‘‘(ii) disseminate results for public use. eral, State, or local grants (other than assist-
subtitle are conducted free of personal or family ‘‘(B) PROJECTS.—The Secretary shall award ance provided under this subtitle) terminated for
favoritism.’’. funds from its Community Action Innovations cause.
‘‘SEC. 681. OFFICE OF COMMUNITY SERVICES. Program for projects to enable— ‘‘(5) In conducting reviews, including as re-
‘‘(a) OFFICE.— ‘‘(i) replication or expansion of innovative quired by paragraph (1), a State may conduct a
‘‘(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary shall es- practices with demonstrated evidence of effec- remote (including virtual) review of an eligible
tablish an Office of Community Services in the tiveness, with priority given to those with the entity in extraordinary circumstances if ap-
Department to carry out the functions of this strongest evidence base as determined through a proved by the Secretary on a case-by-case basis.
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subtitle. broad review of available studies; or ‘‘SEC. 684. ASSESSMENTS; CORRECTIVE ACTION;
‘‘(2) DIRECTOR.—The Office shall be headed ‘‘(ii) testing of innovative practices to deter- REDUCTION OR ELIMINATION OF
by a Director (referred to in this section as the mine their effectiveness, with priority given to FUNDING.
‘Director’). those incorporating rigorous, independent eval- ‘‘(a) ASSESSMENTS OF STATES BY THE SEC-
‘‘(b) GRANTS, CONTRACTS, AND COOPERATIVE uation to further build the evidence base. RETARY.—
AGREEMENTS.—The Secretary, acting through ‘‘(C) USE OF FUNDS.—The funds reserved for ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall con-
the Director, shall carry out the functions of use under this paragraph may be used by duct, in not fewer than 1/5 of the States in each
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H4930 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 13, 2022
fiscal year, assessments (including investiga- the Secretary’s reduction or elimination of fund- subsection (c), the Secretary may provide finan-
tions) of State compliance with this subtitle, in- ing under subparagraph (A), or if the Secretary cial assistance under this subtitle to the affected
cluding requirements relating to the use of chooses to award funding directly due to the eligible entity or entities directly until the viola-
funds received under this subtitle, requirements lack of an approved State plan as authorized in tion is corrected by the State. In such a case,
applicable to State plans submitted under sec- clause (i), the Secretary shall reserve an amount the Secretary may reduce funding the State
tion 678(b), and requirements of section equal to the amount of such reduced or elimi- would otherwise have received under section 675
679(a)(2). nated funds, or to the amount the State would or 676 (and, if necessary, deobligate such fund-
‘‘(2) REPORT TO STATES.—The Secretary shall have received for the purposes specified in sec- ing) for the appropriate fiscal year by an
submit to each State assessed, and make avail- tion 679(b) had a State plan been approved. The amount equal to the financial assistance pro-
able to the public on the Department’s website, Secretary may use such amount for such pur- vided directly by the Secretary to such eligible
a report containing— poses directly or through a grant or cooperative entity or entities.
‘‘(A) the results of such assessment; and agreement to community services network orga- ‘‘SEC. 685. STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL CONTROLS
‘‘(B)(i) recommendations for improvements de- nizations (other than the State itself). AND AUDITS.
signed to enhance the benefit and impact of the ‘‘(iv) REDUCTION.—In the case of expenditure ‘‘(a) FISCAL CONTROLS, PROCEDURES, AUDITS,
activities carried out with such funds; and as provided in accordance with this subpara- AND INSPECTIONS.—A State that receives funds
‘‘(ii) in the event a serious deficiency is found under this subtitle shall—
graph, the Secretary shall reduce funding the
regarding a State’s compliance with this sub- ‘‘(1) establish fiscal control and fund account-
State would otherwise have received under sec-
title, including requirements relating to the use ing procedures necessary to assure the proper
tion 675 or 676 (and, if necessary, deobligate
of funds received under this subtitle, a proposed disbursal of, and accounting for, Federal funds
such funding) for the appropriate fiscal year by
corrective action plan. paid to the State under this subtitle, including
‘‘(3) STATE RESPONSE.—Not later than 45 days an amount equal to the amount so expended.
‘‘(6) TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.— procedures for monitoring the funds provided
after receiving a report under paragraph (2)— under this subtitle;
‘‘(A) a State that received recommendations The Secretary, through the Department’s own
employees or contractors (rather than under ‘‘(2) ensure that cost and accounting stand-
under paragraph (2)(B)(i) shall submit to the ards of the Office of Management and Budget
Secretary and make available to the public on grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements
issued under section 682), shall provide training apply to a subrecipient of the funds under this
the State lead agency’s website a plan of action subtitle;
in response to the recommendations; and and technical assistance to States with respect
‘‘(3) in accordance with subsections (b) and
‘‘(B) a State that received a proposed correc- to the development or implementation of the
(c), prepare, not less than once each year, an
tive action plan under paragraph (2)(B)(ii) shall States’ corrective action plans.
‘‘(b) DETERMINATION OF ELIGIBLE ENTITY audit of the expenditures of the State of
agree to implement the corrective action plan amounts received under this subtitle; and
proposed by the Secretary or propose to the Sec- FAILURE TO COMPLY.—
‘‘(4) make appropriate books, documents, pa-
retary and make available to the public on the ‘‘(1) CORRECTIVE ACTION BY ELIGIBLE ENTI-
pers, and records available to the Secretary and
State lead agency’s website a different corrective TIES.—If the State determines, on the basis of a
the Comptroller General of the United States, or
action plan, developed by the State in a timely review pursuant to section 683 or section 685,
any of their duly authorized representatives, for
manner that the State will implement upon ap- that there is a serious deficiency regarding an
examination, copying, or mechanical reproduc-
proval by the Secretary. eligible entity’s compliance with this subtitle,
tion, on or off the premises of the appropriate
‘‘(4) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—The Secretary the State shall inform the entity of the serious
entity, upon a reasonable request for the items.
shall submit the results of the assessments an- deficiencies that shall be corrected and provide
‘‘(b) INDEPENDENT ENTITY.—Subject to sub-
nually, as part of the report submitted by the technical assistance for the corrective action.
section (c), each audit required by subsection
Secretary in accordance with section 686(b)(2). ‘‘(2) ELIGIBLE ENTITY CORRECTIVE ACTION
(a)(3) shall be conducted by an entity inde-
‘‘(5) ENFORCEMENT.— PLANS.—An eligible entity that is found to have
pendent of any agency administering activities
‘‘(A) REDUCTION OR ELIMINATION OF FUND- a serious deficiency under paragraph (1) shall
or services under this subtitle and shall be con-
ING.—If the Secretary determines, in a final de- develop, in a timely manner, a corrective action
ducted in accordance with generally accepted
cision based on an assessment conducted under plan that shall be subject to the approval of the
accounting principles.
this section, that a State fails to meet the re- State, and that shall specify— ‘‘(c) SINGLE AUDIT REQUIREMENTS.—
quirements of this subtitle, the Secretary may, ‘‘(A) the deficiencies to be corrected; ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Any audit under this sub-
after providing adequate notice and an oppor- ‘‘(B) the actions to be taken to correct such
section shall be conducted in the manner and to
tunity for a hearing, initiate proceedings to re- deficiencies; and
the extent provided in chapter 75 of title 31,
duce or eliminate the amount of funding appor- ‘‘(C) the timetable for accomplishment of the
United States Code (commonly known as the
tioned and allocated to the State as described in corrective actions specified.
‘‘(3) FINAL DECISION.—If the State determines, ‘Single Audit Act Amendments of 1984’) except
section 675 or 676, as applicable (and, if nec- in the event a serious financial deficiency is
essary, deobligate such funding). on the basis of a final decision in a review con-
ducted under section 683, that an eligible entity identified.
‘‘(B) DIRECT AWARDS TO OTHER ENTITIES.— ‘‘(2) SERIOUS FINANCIAL DEFICIENCY.—In the
‘‘(i) REDUCTION OR ELIMINATION OF STATE fails to comply with the terms of a corrective ac-
event that such a deficiency is identified, the
FUNDING; LACK OF APPROVED STATE PLAN.—If tion plan under paragraph (2) relating to cor-
Secretary shall order—
the Secretary reduces or eliminates funding to a rection of a serious deficiency for the eligible en- ‘‘(A) an audit conducted as described in sub-
State under subparagraph (A), the Secretary tity, the State may, after providing adequate no- section (a); or
shall award funding directly as provided under tice and an opportunity for a hearing, initiate ‘‘(B) an audit of each of the accounts in-
clauses (ii) and (iii). If, for a particular fiscal proceedings to withhold, reduce, or eliminate volved, in accordance with subsections (b) and
year, a State plan is not approved by the Sec- the funding provided under section 679(a)(1) to (d).
retary in accordance with section 678(c), the the eligible entity (including, in the case of ‘‘(d) SUBMISSION OF COPIES.—Not later than
Secretary may award funding directly as pro- elimination of funding, terminating the designa- 30 days after the completion of each audit in a
vided under clauses (ii) and (iii). tion under this subtitle of the eligible entity) un- State as required in subsection (a)(3), the chief
‘‘(ii) DIRECT FUNDING TO ELIGIBLE ENTITIES.— less the entity corrects the serious deficiency. executive officer of the State shall submit copies
If funding specified in section 679(a)(1) is re- ‘‘(c) REVIEW.—A State’s decision to withhold, of such audit, at no charge, to any eligible enti-
duced or eliminated due to the Secretary’s re- reduce, or eliminate funding, or to terminate the ty that was the subject of the audit, to the legis-
duction or elimination of funding under sub- designation of an eligible entity (or eligible enti- lature of the State, and to the Secretary.
paragraph (A), or if the Secretary chooses to ties, as applicable) may be reviewed by the Sec- ‘‘(e) REPAYMENTS.—If the Secretary, after re-
award funding directly due to the lack of an ap- retary. Upon request by a community services view of the audit, finds that a State has not ex-
proved State plan as authorized in clause (i), network organization, the Secretary shall re- pended an amount of funds in accordance with
the Secretary shall award financial assistance view such a determination. The review shall be this subtitle, the Secretary is authorized to with-
in the amount of such reduced or eliminated completed not later than 60 days after the Sec- hold funds from a State under this subtitle until
funding, or in the amount the State would have retary receives from the State all necessary doc- the State remedies the improperly expended
received for the purposes specified in section umentation relating to the determination. The funds for the original purposes for which the
679(a)(1) had a State plan been approved, di- State shall submit such documentation within a grant funds were intended.
rectly (by grant or cooperative agreement) to af- reasonable time frame established by the Sec- ‘‘(f) RESPONSE TO COMPLAINTS.—The Sec-
fected eligible entities (provided that any such retary. retary shall respond in an expeditious manner
entity has not had its funding under this sub- ‘‘(d) DIRECT ASSISTANCE.—Whenever the Sec- to complaints of a substantial or serious nature
title eliminated or its designation as an eligible retary determines that a State has violated the that a State has failed to use grant funds re-
entity terminated by the State in accordance State plan described in section 678(b) (including ceived under section 675 or 676 or to carry out
with subsections (b) and (c) of section 684) to the assurance described in section 678(b)(6)) and State activities under this subtitle in accordance
carry out the activities described in section the State has reduced or eliminated the funding with the provisions of this subtitle.
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679(c). In awarding such funding, the Secretary provided under section 679(a) to any eligible en- ‘‘(g) INVESTIGATIONS.—Whenever the Sec-
shall ensure that each such affected eligible en- tity or entities or terminated the eligible entity retary determines that there is a pattern of com-
tity receives the same proportionate share of designation of any eligible entity or entities be- plaints regarding failures described in sub-
funding under section 679(a)(1) that it received fore the completion of the State proceedings de- section (f) or a complaint of a serious deficiency
in the previous fiscal year. scribed in section 678(b)(6) (including, if appli- concerning any State, the Secretary shall con-
‘‘(iii) STATEWIDE FUNDS.—If funding specified cable, the proceedings required by subsection duct an investigation of the use of the funds re-
in section 679(b) is reduced or eliminated due to (b)) and the Secretary’s review as required by ceived under this subtitle by such State in order
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May 13, 2022 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4931
to ensure compliance with the provisions of this 682(a)(2), including a description of training ‘‘(B) any activity to provide voters or prospec-
subtitle. and technical assistance funded by the Sec- tive voters with transportation to the polls or
‘‘SEC. 686. ACCOUNTABILITY AND REPORTING RE- retary, the rationale for projects that received similar assistance in connection with any elec-
QUIREMENTS. support, a description of funded activities and tion.
‘‘(a) STATE ACCOUNTABILITY AND REPORTING their results, and a summary of ways in which ‘‘(3) REGISTRATION.—None of the funds appro-
REQUIREMENTS.— the Program has expanded use of evidence- priated to carry out this subtitle may be used to
‘‘(1) PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT.— based practice or contributed to building the evi- conduct voter registration activities. Nothing in
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Beginning with the first dence base designed to reduce poverty condi- this subtitle prohibits entities receiving assist-
fiscal year following the transition period de- tions. ance under this subtitle from making its facili-
scribed in section 3 of the Community Services ‘‘(2) SUBMISSION.—The Secretary shall submit ties available during hours of operation for use
Block Grant Modernization Act of 2022, each to the Committee on Education and Labor of the by nonpartisan organizations to increase the
State that receives funds under this subtitle House of Representatives and to the Committee number of eligible citizens who register to vote
shall participate, and shall ensure that all eligi- on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of in elections for Federal office.
ble entities in the State participate, in a results- the Senate the report described in paragraph (1) ‘‘(c) NONDISCRIMINATION.—
oriented performance measurement system that ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—No person shall, on the
and any recommendations the Secretary may
the Secretary is satisfied meets the requirements basis of race, color, national origin, or sex, be
have with respect to such report.
of section 689(b)(1). excluded from participation in, be denied the
‘‘(3) ELECTRONIC DATA SYSTEM FOR REPORTS
‘‘(B) SUBCONTRACTORS.—The State may elect benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination
TO STATES AND ELIGIBLE ENTITIES.—The Sec-
to have subcontractors of the eligible entities under, any program, project, or service funded
retary, through the Department’s own employ-
under this subtitle participate in the results-ori- in whole or in part with funds made available
ees or contractors (rather than under grants,
ented performance measurement system. If the under this subtitle. Any prohibition against dis-
contracts, or cooperative agreements issued
State makes that election, references in this sec- crimination on the basis of age under the Age
under section 682), shall provide technical as-
tion to eligible entities shall be considered to in- Discrimination Act of 1975 (42 U.S.C. 6101 et
sistance, including support for the development
clude such subcontractors. seq.) or with respect to an otherwise qualified
and maintenance of an electronic data system
‘‘(C) ELIGIBLE ENTITY REPORTS.—Eligible enti- individual with a disability as provided in sec-
for the reports under this section, to the States tion 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29
ties shall provide the results measured by their
and eligible entities to enhance the quality and U.S.C. 794), or title II of the Americans with
performance measurement system and such
timeliness of reports submitted under this sub- Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12131 et seq.),
other reports as the State may require.
‘‘(2) ANNUAL REPORT.—Each State receiving title. The system shall be coordinated and con- shall also apply to any such program, project,
funds under this subtitle shall annually pre- sistent with the data systems established for or service.
pare, and submit to the Secretary by March 31 other programs of the Department that are man- ‘‘(2) ACTION OF SECRETARY.—Whenever the
of each year, a report on the performance of the aged by eligible entities, including all programs Secretary determines that a State that has re-
State and eligible entities in the State, including of the Administration for Children and Families ceived a payment under this subtitle has failed
achievement with respect to performance meas- or successor administrative units in which the to comply with paragraph (1) or an applicable
urements that were used by community services office is located. regulation, the Secretary shall notify the chief
network organizations in the State for the pre- ‘‘SEC. 687. LIMITATIONS ON USE OF FUNDS. executive officer of the State and shall request
vious fiscal year. Each State shall also include ‘‘(a) CONSTRUCTION OF FACILITIES.— that the officer secure compliance. If within a
in the report— ‘‘(1) LIMITATIONS.—Except as provided in reasonable period of time, not to exceed 60 days,
‘‘(A) an accounting of the expenditure of paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection and in the chief executive officer fails or refuses to se-
funds received by the State through the commu- paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 690(a), grants cure compliance, the Secretary is authorized
nity services block grant program, including an or subgrants made under this subtitle may not to—
accounting of funds spent on administrative or be used for the purchase or improvement of ‘‘(A) refer the matter to the Attorney General
indirect costs by the State and the eligible enti- land, or the purchase, construction or perma- with a recommendation that an appropriate
ties and funds spent by the eligible entities on nent improvement of any building or other facil- civil action be instituted;
local programs, projects, and services; ity. ‘‘(B) exercise the powers and functions pro-
‘‘(B) information on the number and charac- ‘‘(2) WAIVER.—The Secretary may waive the vided by title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
teristics of participants served under this sub- limitation contained in paragraph (1) upon a (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.), the Age Discrimination
title in the State, based on data collected from State request for such a waiver if the Secretary Act of 1975 (42 U.S.C. 6101 et seq.), section 504
the eligible entities; finds that— of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794),
‘‘(C) a summary describing the training and ‘‘(A) the request describes extraordinary cir- or title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act
technical assistance offered by the State under cumstances to justify the purchase or improve- of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12131 et seq.), as may be appli-
subparagraph (B) of section 679(b)(1) during the ment of land, or the purchase, construction, or cable; or
year covered by the report; ‘‘(C) take such other action as may be pro-
permanent improvement of any building or other
‘‘(D) information on the total budget and ac- vided by law.
facilities; and ‘‘(3) ACTION OF ATTORNEY GENERAL.—When a
tivities of the eligible entities receiving sub- ‘‘(B) permitting the waiver will contribute to
grants from the State under this subtitle, includ- matter is referred to the Attorney General pur-
the ability of the State and eligible entities to suant to paragraph (2), or whenever the Attor-
ing local and private resources available for a carry out a purpose described in section 672 at
purpose described in section 672; and ney General has reason to believe that the State
substantially reduced costs. is engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimi-
‘‘(E) a report on the manner in which the ‘‘(3) ARCHITECTURAL BARRIERS TO ACCESSI-
State and eligible entities and other recipients of nation in violation of the provisions of this sub-
BILITY.—Grants or subgrants made under this
funds under this subtitle have implemented re- section, the Attorney General may bring a civil
subtitle may be used by eligible entities or Tribal action in any appropriate United States district
sults-oriented management practices based on grantees for making material improvements in
their performance measurement systems. court for such relief as may be appropriate, in-
the accessibility of the physical structures for cluding injunctive relief.
‘‘(b) REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.—
‘‘(1) CONTENTS.—Not later than September 30 individuals with disabilities seeking services of
‘‘SEC. 688. CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES AND RE-
of each year, the Secretary shall, directly or by such entities. FERRALS.
grant or contract, prepare a report including— ‘‘(b) POLITICAL ACTIVITIES.— ‘‘During each fiscal year for which an eligible
‘‘(A) the information included in the State an- ‘‘(1) TREATMENT AS A STATE OR LOCAL AGEN- entity receives a subgrant under section 679(a),
nual reports under subsection (a)(2) for the pre- CY.—For purposes of chapter 15 of title 5, United such entity shall—
ceding fiscal year; States Code, any entity that assumes responsi- ‘‘(1) inform custodial parents or legal guard-
‘‘(B) a report on the performance of the De- bility for planning, developing, and coordi- ians that participate in programs, projects, or
partment in the preceding year regarding car- nating activities under this subtitle and receives services carried out or provided under this sub-
rying out critical roles and responsibilities assistance under this subtitle shall be deemed to title about the availability of child support serv-
under this subtitle, including with regard to be a State or local agency. For purposes of para- ices; and
timeliness in allocating and making appro- graphs (1) and (2) of section 1502(a) of such ‘‘(2) refer custodial parents or legal guardians
priated funds available for expenditure to title, any entity receiving assistance under this to the child support offices of State and local
States, approvals or notifications to States con- subtitle shall be deemed to be a State or local governments.
cerning State plans and plan revisions, and con- agency. ‘‘SEC. 689. REGULATIONS.
ducting assessments of States and implementa- ‘‘(2) PROHIBITIONS.—A program, project, or ‘‘(a) REGULATIONS.—The Secretary shall pro-
tion of State corrective action plans (including service assisted under this subtitle, and any in- mulgate regulations implementing this subtitle,
status of and follow-up on recommendations dividual employed by, or assigned to or in, such including regulations regarding—
made in previous State assessments and correc- a program, project, or service (during the hours ‘‘(1) State plans, including the form and infor-
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tive action plans); in which the individual is working on behalf of mation required for State plans submitted to the
‘‘(C) a description of the training and tech- the program, project, or service) shall not en- Secretary, and criteria for determining whether
nical assistance activities funded by the Sec- gage in— a State plan revision is to be considered a major
retary under section 682 and the results of those ‘‘(A) any partisan or nonpartisan political ac- revision;
activities; and tivity or any political activity associated with a ‘‘(2) community action plans, including the
‘‘(D) a report on the Community Action Inno- candidate, or contending faction or group, in an form and information required for community
vations Program authorized under section election for public or party office; or action plans submitted to States;
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H4932 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 13, 2022
‘‘(3) State monitoring of eligible entities; and tions to provide training and technical assist- tions on methods of effectively addressing the
‘‘(4) reports to the Secretary described in sec- ance to small, rural communities concerning needs of low-income families and communities
tion 686. meeting their community facility needs. and, if appropriate, expertise in Tribal issues;
‘‘(b) GUIDANCE.— ‘‘(4) BROADBAND NAVIGATOR PROJECTS.— ‘‘(3) 1 percent for the Community Action Inno-
‘‘(1) PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT.—The Sec- ‘‘(A) NAVIGATOR PROJECT AUTHORITY.—The vations Program authorized in section 682(a)(2);
retary shall issue guidance regarding State and Secretary is authorized to provide assistance de- and
local performance measurement systems. Guid- scribed in paragraph (1) for broadband navi- ‘‘(4) up to $5,000,000 for each of the fiscal
ance may include one or more model perform- gator projects consistent with the purposes of years 2023, 2024, and 2025, to carry out section
ance measurement systems, facilitated by the this Act to address the educational and eco- 686(b)(3).
Secretary, that States and eligible entities may nomic needs of low-income individuals and com- ‘‘SEC. 692. REFERENCES.
use to measure their performance in carrying munities. ‘‘A reference in any provision of law to the
out the requirements of this subtitle and in ‘‘(B) NAVIGATOR GRANTS.—The Secretary shall poverty line set forth in section 624 or 625 of the
achieving the goals of their community action make grants consistent with subparagraph (A) Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 shall be con-
plans. to community action agencies and Tribal grant- strued to be a reference to the poverty line de-
‘‘(2) COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF POVERTY fined in section 673 of this subtitle. Except as
ees to enable them to provide assistance through
CONDITIONS.—The Secretary shall issue guid-
trained navigators to low-income individuals otherwise provided, any reference in any provi-
ance (including models) for comprehensive com- sion of law to any community action agency
and communities to help facilitate access to af-
munity needs assessments described in section designated under title II of the Economic Oppor-
fordable high-speed broadband service, internet-
678(e)(1). The guidance shall include methods tunity Act of 1964 shall be construed to be a ref-
enabled devices, digital literacy training, tech-
for preparing an analysis of all poverty condi- erence to an entity eligible to receive funds
nical support, and other services to meet the
tions affecting a community and of local and re- under the community services block grant pro-
broadband and digital needs of such individuals
gional assets for alleviating such conditions. gram.’’.
and communities.
‘‘SEC. 690. DISCRETIONARY COMMUNITY PRO-
GRAMS.
‘‘(C) PRIORITY.—Priority in the awarding of SEC. 3. TRANSITION PERIOD.
such grants under paragraph (4) shall be given (a) TRANSITION PERIOD.—The Secretary of
‘‘(a) GRANTS, CONTRACTS, ARRANGEMENTS,
to community action agencies and Tribal grant- Health and Human Services shall expeditiously
LOANS, AND GUARANTEES.—
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall, from ees serving underserved areas with the most sig- announce a transition period for the implemen-
funds appropriated under section 691(b), make nificant unmet broadband and digital needs. tation of any changes in regulations, proce-
grants, loans, or guarantees to States and public ‘‘(D) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.—Of the amounts dures, guidance, and reporting requirements of
agencies and private, nonprofit organizations, made available to carry out broadband navi- the Community Services Block Grant Act (42
or enter into contracts or jointly financed coop- gator projects, the Secretary may reserve up to U.S.C. 9901 et seq.) as amended by this Act, from
erative arrangements with States and public 5 percent for grant review, technical assistance, the regulations, procedures, guidance, and re-
agencies and private, nonprofit organizations and evaluation. porting requirements of the Community Services
(and for-profit organizations, to the extent spec- ‘‘(b) EVALUATION.—The Secretary shall re- Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9901 et seq.) as in ef-
ified in paragraph (2)(E)) for each of the objec- quire all activities receiving assistance under fect immediately before the date of enactment of
tives described in paragraphs (2) through (4). this section to be evaluated for their effective- this Act.
‘‘(2) COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.— ness. Funding for such evaluations shall be pro- (b) FEDERAL TRAINING.—The transition period
‘‘(A) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES.— vided as a stated percentage of the assistance or shall include the availability of Federal training
The Secretary shall make grants described in through a separate grant or contract awarded for States and eligible entities regarding compli-
paragraph (1) on a competitive basis to private, by the Secretary specifically for the purpose of ance with new requirements under the Commu-
nonprofit organizations that are community de- evaluation of a particular activity or group of nity Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9901 et
velopment corporations to provide technical and activities. seq.) as amended by this Act.
financial assistance for economic development ‘‘(c) ANNUAL REPORT.—The Secretary shall (c) TIMING.—The transition period described
activities designed to address the economic compile an annual report containing a summary in this section—
of the evaluations required under subsection (b) (1) may not extend later than the date that is
needs of low-income individuals and families by
and a listing of all activities assisted under this 3 months prior to the start of the second fiscal
creating employment and business development
section. The Secretary shall annually submit year after the date of enactment of the Commu-
opportunities.
‘‘(B) CONSULTATION.—The Secretary shall ex- such report to the chairperson of the Committee nity Services Block Grant Modernization Act of
ercise the authority provided under subpara- on Education and Labor of the House of Rep- 2022;
graph (A) after consultation with other relevant resentatives and the chairperson of the Com- (2) notwithstanding (1), may not extend later
Federal officials. mittee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pen- than two years after the date of enactment of
‘‘(C) GOVERNING BOARDS.—For a community sions of the Senate. the Community Services Block Grant Mod-
development corporation to receive funds to ernization Act of 2022 for the issuance of final
‘‘SEC. 691. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
carry out this paragraph, the corporation shall regulations implementing this subtitle; and
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—There are authorized to be (3) may require that certain regulations, pro-
be governed by a board that shall— appropriated to carry out this subtitle (exclud-
‘‘(i) consist of residents of the community and cedures, and reporting requirements be adopted
ing section 690)— before other regulations, procedures, or report-
business and civic leaders; and ‘‘(1) $1,000,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023
‘‘(ii) have as a principal purpose planning, ing requirements.
through 2027; and SEC. 4. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.
developing, or managing low-income housing or
‘‘(2) such sums as may be necessary for fiscal Section 306(a)(6)(C)(ii) of the Older Americans
community development projects.
‘‘(D) GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION.—In making years 2028 through 2032. Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3026(a)(6)(C)(ii)) is amend-
grants to carry out this paragraph, the Sec- ‘‘(b) DISCRETIONARY PROGRAMS.—There are ed by inserting ‘‘or subsequent years’’ after ‘‘fis-
retary shall take into consideration the geo- authorized to be appropriated to carry out sec- cal year 1982’’ and by striking ‘‘section 676B of
graphic distribution of funding among States tion 690 such sums as may be necessary for fis- the Community Services Block Grant Act’’ and
and the relative proportion of funding among cal years 2023 through 2032. inserting ‘‘section 680(c) of the Community Serv-
rural and urban areas. ‘‘(c) RESERVATIONS BY THE SECRETARY.—Of ices Block Grant Act’’.
‘‘(E) RESERVATION.—Of the amounts made the amounts appropriated under subsection (a)
for each fiscal year, the Secretary shall re- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The bill,
available to carry out this paragraph, the Sec-
serve— as amended, shall be debatable for 1
retary may reserve not more than 1 percent for
each fiscal year to make grants to private, non- ‘‘(1) 1⁄2 of 1 percent for carrying out section hour equally divided and controlled by
profit organizations or to enter into contracts 675 (relating to grants to territories); the chair and ranking minority mem-
with private, nonprofit, or for-profit organiza- ‘‘(2) 2 percent for activities authorized in sec- ber of the Committee on Education and
tions to provide technical assistance to aid com- tion 682(a)(1), of which— Labor or their respective designees.
munity development corporations in developing ‘‘(A) not less than 50 percent of the amount The gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms.
or implementing activities funded to carry out reserved by the Secretary under this paragraph
BONAMICI) and the gentlewoman from
this paragraph and to evaluate activities funded shall be awarded through grants, contracts, or
cooperative agreements to eligible entities, Trib- North Carolina (Ms. FOXX) each will
to carry out this paragraph. control 30 minutes.
‘‘(3) RURAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACTIVI- al grantees, and other community services net-
TIES.—The Secretary shall provide the assist- work organizations described in section 682(b), The Chair recognizes the gentle-
ance described in paragraph (1) for rural com- for the purpose of carrying out activities de- woman from Oregon (Ms. BONAMICI).
munity development activities, which shall in- scribed in section 682(a)(1)(B); and GENERAL LEAVE
clude providing— ‘‘(B) the remainder of the amount reserved by Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, I
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE
‘‘(A) grants to private, nonprofit organiza- the Secretary under this paragraph may be ask unanimous consent that all Mem-
tions to enable the organizations to provide as- awarded through grants, contracts, or coopera-
bers have 5 legislative days in which to
sistance concerning home repair to rural low-in- tive agreements to eligible entities, Tribal grant-
come families and planning and developing low- ees, and other community services network orga- revise and extend their remarks and in-
income rural rental housing units; and nizations described in section 682(b), or other clude extraneous material on H.R. 5129,
‘‘(B) grants to multi-State, regional, private, entities with demonstrated expertise in pro- the Community Services Block Grant
nonprofit organizations to enable the organiza- viding training for individuals and organiza- Modernization Act of 2022.
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May 13, 2022 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4933
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there gressman G.T. THOMPSON, to create being distributed to local Community Action
objection to the request of the gentle- broadband navigator projects so com- Agencies (CAAs), our communities rely upon
woman from Oregon? munity action agencies can assist their this unique flexible funding. CAAs use it to
combat poverty and promote self-sufficiency,
There was no objection. clients in accessing internet services respond rapidly to unforeseen crises such as
Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, I and connected devices that are nec- natural disasters and the COVID–19 pan-
yield myself such time as I may con- essary for learning, finding employ- demic and implement gap-filling activities
sume. ment, and other basic activities of ev- that address unmet community needs. Addi-
Madam Speaker, I rise today in eryday life. tionally, CAAs use CSBG to organize and
strong support of my bipartisan legis- Finally, the bill will modernize the support other local charities and commu-
lation, H.R. 5129, the Community Serv- statute to strengthen accountability nity-based initiatives, ensuring services are
streamlined and not duplicative. Without
ices Block Grant Modernization Act of and performance requirements, putting CSBG, every single community in America
2022. CSBG on solid footing so the program would be hurt.
In 1964, Congress first established the can continue to meet the complex and Your bill would codify critical updates to
Community Action Program to support changing needs of low-income individ- the program. It provides security and reli-
locally driven anti-poverty efforts. uals in communities without changing ability to communities across the country
Today, community action agencies, the local control that is such an impor- by authorizing CSBG for 10 years and ensur-
ing money flows in a timely manner. The
or CAAs, form a network of more than tant part of CSBG’s success. crucial modernizations included in HR 5129,
1,000 organizations with a dedicated I very much appreciate the produc- such as the new broadband navigator initia-
mission of assisting people in finding tive collaboration with my bipartisan tive, will increase CAAs’ ability to respond
their way out of poverty. partner from the Education and Labor to emerging needs. We are also pleased to see
These agencies provide services and Committee, Congressman THOMPSON, the emphasis on quality performance at the
programs that meet the unique needs and his staff, in leading this legisla- federal, state and local level and that the es-
of our local communities by helping in- tion. sential nature of CSBG as a locally-con-
trolled program is retained and bolstered.
dividuals and families with low in- I also thank our other Education and Because of HR 5129’s local impact in al-
comes achieve economic stability, se- Labor Committee coleads, Representa- most every county in the country, we join in
cure meaningful employment, and ade- tives DESAULNIER, STEFANIK, and support of the bill. We hope Congress passes
quate education, gain and improve job- COMER for leading us in this effort. I this essential piece of legislation quickly,
related skills, obtain housing, access must also knowledge Congresswoman thereby strengthening each community in
childcare, and participate in the com- BETTY MCCOLLUM, who led early America.
munity. iterations of this proposal in prior Con- Sincerely,
David Bradley, CEO, National Community
During our legislative hearing on up- gresses and has joined us this session Action Foundation; Mona Stallins, Financial
dating the community services block to build on her foundational work to Specialist, East Missouri Action Agency,
grant, Katherine King Galian, the di- get this across the finish line. Ironton, Missouri; JEAN ANN MILLER, Senior
rector of Family and Community Re- Additionally, David Bradley, the CEO Director, Office for Student Involvement
sources at Community Action in Wash- of National Community Action Foun- Oakland University, Rochester Hills, Michi-
ington County, Oregon, told us the dation has been instrumental in offer- gan; Esther Shutters, Family Advocate East,
story about Patricia. ing his expertise to help us bring this Missouri Action Agency, Cape Girardeau,
Missouri; Lisa Straske, Manager, Oakland
Patricia lost her job and her home in bill to the floor today.
County Michigan Works! Southfield, Ham-
the fall of 2019. Facing unaffordable Finally, and importantly, I would tramck, Michigan; Jay Black, Jr., President
rent and a rising risk of homelessness, thank Chairman SCOTT and his dedi- CEO, Pathway Inc., Toledo, Ohio; James
she turned to Community Action and cated staff, particularly, Theresa Fox, President/CEO, Community Action
she got the support she needed. Thompson, Jessica Schieder, Emily Wayne/Medina, Wooster, Ohio; Lisa
At Community Action of Washington Hopkins, and Carrie Hughes, for work- Schmidtfrerick-Miller, Owner PMT Services,
County, she accessed career coaching, ing with us to bring this bill. I also Inc., Jamestown, New York; Myra Lawson,
thank my staff, Allison Smith, Jack Processer, East Missouri Action Agency,
help affording needed materials for her
Park Hills, Missouri; Denise Schneider, City
nursing curriculum, and other services Arriaga, Andrew Dunn, and Rachael Manager, City of Guttenberg, Guttenberg,
that helped Patricia and her family get Bornstein, who worked diligently on Iowa; Melissa Skaggs, Receptionist, East
back on their feet. Patricia’s story is this bill from drafting and introduction Missouri Action Agency, Inc., Bonne Terre,
just one of many from all across the through the committee markup. Missouri; Vanessa Gibson, Executive Direc-
United States where community action I urge all of my colleagues on both tor, Community Action of South Mississippi,
agencies have been helping low-income sides of the aisle to support this impor- Gautier, Mississippi; Paul Mark, State Rep-
Americans get back on their feet for tant bill to renew our Nation’s com- resentative, District 2, Commonwealth of
mitment to reducing poverty through Massachusetts; Johana Lovig, Vice President
decades. of Compliance, Full Circle Services, Oelwein,
Unfortunately, the community serv- community action. Iowa; Sandra Twardosz, CAC Board Member,
ices block grant program, CSBG, has Additionally, I include in the RECORD Knoxville-Knox County Community Action
not been reauthorized since 1998, the letters by the National Community Ac- Committee, Knoxville, Tennessee; Michael J
year Google was founded, and John tion Foundation, National Association Murphy, Sheriff, Livingston County, Howell,
Glenn flew the Discovery space shuttle of Counties, and National Association Michigan; Amy Kruppe, Superintendent,
mission. We are long overdue for Con- for State Community Service Pro- Hazel Park Schools, Hazel Park, Michigan;
grams in support of passing the Com- Brenda Robbins, Teacher, LCCAA Head
gress to pass a comprehensive reau- Start, Lorain, Ohio; Dawn Godshall, Execu-
thorization of this significant law. munity Services Block Grant Mod-
tive Director, Community Action Lehigh
Our bill continues the long tradition ernization Act of 2022. Valley, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
of broad bipartisan support for this NATIONAL COMMUNITY Keyon S. Payton, Lead Pastor, New Bethel
program and makes important im- ACTION FOUNDATION, Missionary Baptist Church, Pontiac, Michi-
provements to update CSBG. It will re- May 10, 2022. gan; Yvonne Cherell, CEO, Ohio Urban Re-
authorize CSBG for 10 years—the long- Hon. SUZANNE BONAMICI, sources System, Columbus, Ohio; Denise
House of Representatives, Schneider, City Manager, City of
est period in its history—which will Washington, DC. Guttenberg, Guttenberg, Iowa; Jan Cooley,
provide critical stability to our local Hon. GLENN THOMPSON, Head Start Deputy Director, East Missouri
service providers. House of Representatives, Action Agency, Bonne Terre, Missouri; Kris
Recognizing that there are many Washington, DC. Rowe, Executive Director, Community Ac-
more families like Patricia’s who can DEAR REP. BONAMICI AND REP. THOMPSON: tion Association of Alabama, Birmingham,
be served by CSBG, our bill strength- We are writing to you today to share our en- Alabama; Mary B. Killian, East Missouri Ac-
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE
ens funding for community action thusiastic endorsement of your bipartisan tion Agency, Cape Girardeau, Missouri;
legislation, HR 5129, the Community Serv- Nancy Ann Smith, Program Administrative
agencies and raises the program’s in-
ices Block Grant (CSBG) Modernization Act Assistant, Lorain County Community Action
come eligibility threshold to expand of 2022. Agency, Lorain, Ohio; Margaret L. Flood,
access to their important services. As you know, CSBG touches virtually Executive Director, Oberlin Community
I also highlight a provision cham- every community in the United States. With Services Council, Oberlin, Ohio; Daniel Pe-
pioned by my friend and colead, Con- 90 percent of each state’s CSBG allocation tersen, Member, Dan’s Law Office, PLC, St.
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H4934 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 13, 2022
Joseph, Michigan; Sharon Harmon, Appren- tor, Safer Path Family Violence Shelter, Brenda L. Fox, Executive Director, Tri-
tice Program Manager, Lorain County Com- Inc., Pleasanton, Texas; Eugene M. Brady, County Community Action Agency, La-
munity Action Agency Head Start, Lorain, Executive Director, Commission on Eco- Grange, Kentucky; Tom Baker, Executive
Ohio; Betty Cantley, Parent Advocate, End nomic Opportunity, Wilkes Barre, Pennsyl- Director North Hills Community Outreach,
Childhood Lead Poisoning, Grafton, Ohio; vania; Kenneth Loy, Veterans Resources Co- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Katie Ecker,
Teresa Beltran, Assistant Teacher, Lorain ordinator, Community Council of South-Cen- Board Member, CAO, Kendall, New York;
County Community Action, Lorain, Ohio; tral Texas, Jourdanton, Texas; Jennifer Gina Ward, Associate Director, Southern
Sherri Hallauer, Finance and Administration Wintermyer, Chief Executive Officer, Com- Tier Environments for Living Inc., James-
Assistant, Lorain County Community Action munity Action Commission, Harrisburg, town, New York; Craig A. Reiter, Board
Agency, Elyria, Ohio; Rena Mellon, Commu- Pennsylvania; Megan Shreve, CEO, South Chair, Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Com-
nity Integration Coordinator, Imagine the Central Community Action Programs, Inc., munity Action, Gulliver, Michigan; David
Possibilities, Guttenberg, Iowa; Kenyadah Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Ewing M. John- Knight, Executive Director, California Com-
Sullivan, Board Member, CAC, Knoxville, son, Board Member; Knoxville-Knox County munity Action Partnership Association, Sac-
Tennessee; Lynn A. Harden, Executive Direc- Community Action, Committee, Knoxville, ramento, California; Josephine M. Howard,
tor, Brown County Public Library, Mt. Orab, Tennessee; Janine Robinson, Finance Direc- Ed. S., Board Member, The Agricultural and
Ohio; Denise Teasley, Site Manager, East tor/Co-Director, Frontier Community Action Labor Program, Inc, Haines City, Florida;
Missouri Action Agency Head Start, Park Agency, Winnemucca, Nevada; Scott Daniel Brown, Executive Director, Commu-
Hills, Missouri; Trisha Wilkins, Executive Zahorik, Executive Director, Arrowhead nity Action Team, Inc., St. Helens, Oregon;
Director, NEICAC, Decorah, Iowa; Jolene Economic Opportunity Agency, Inc., Vir- Heather Cole, Director of Advocacy and Pub-
Leon, Admin, Children’s Alliance, ginia, Minnesota; Karen Snair, Executive Di- lic Innovation, United Way of Southwest
Pleasanton, Texas; Kim L. Smith Oldham, rector, Allegheny Valley Association of Michigan, Saint Joseph, Michigan; Duane
Executive Director, Southwest Michigan Churches, Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania; Yoder, President, Garrett County Commu-
Community Action Agency, Benton Harbor, Renee Hungerford, Executive Director, Com- nity Action Committee, Inc., Swanton,
Michigan; Patricia Kennedy, Family Self- munity Action of Orleans and Genesee, Maryland; David Coplan, Executive Director,
Sufficiency, Coordinator, East Missouri Ac- Albion, New York; Katherine Riley Har- Human Services Center Corporation, Turtle
tion Agency, St. Genevieve, Missouri; Debo- rington, Executive Director, Iowa Commu- Creek, Pennsylvania; Robin Whitaker, Exec-
rah L. Rhodes, Board Member, Gallia-Meigs nity Action Association, Des Moines, Iowa; utive Director, Daniel Boone CAA, Inc., Man-
Community Action Agency, Gallipolis, Ohio; Joseph Barden, Executive Director, Margert chester, Kentucky; Robert S. Jones, CEO,
Dennis Phelps, Executive Director, Trehab, Community Corporation, Far Rockaway, Audubon Area Community Services, Inc,
Montrose, Pennsylvania; David Coulter, New York. Owensboro, Kentucky; Brittany Tonet, Di-
County Executive, Oakland County, Michi- Tom Heidenwirth, Board Member, North
rector of Finance & Administration/CFO,
gan; Laura L. Smith, Owner, Asset4You Pro- Iowa Community Action Organization,
North Hills Community Outreach, Pitts-
fessional Services, Lorain, Ohio; Mike Mel- Greene, Iowa; W. Anthony West, COO, Vir-
burgh, Pennsylvania; Joe Diamond, Execu-
lon, Regional Assoc; Exec; Director, Imagine ginia CARES Inc., Roanoke, Virginia;
tive Director, Massachusetts Association for
the Possibilities, Inc.—Northeast Region, Georjean W. Trinkle, Executive Consultant,
Community Action, (MASSCAP), Boston,
Guttenberg, Iowa; Roger McCann, Executive Community Action Partnership NJ, Inc.,
Massachusetts; Pearl L. Barth, Housing Spe-
Director, Community Action Kentucky, Clinton, New Jersey; Bailey Maulding, Presi-
cialist II, East Missouri Action Agency, Park
Frankfort, KY, Kentucky. dent, Casey Chamber of Commerce, Casey, Il-
Jennifer Patrick, Board Member, ABCAP, linois; Jeriemy Jones, CSR, East Missouri Hills, Missouri; Julie Pearson, Community
Mt. Orab, Ohio; Cheryl Williams, Board Action Agency, Park Hills, Missouri; Mary Service Representative, East Missouri Ac-
Member, Adams Brown Community Action Jane, Ostrander, Human Services Division tion Agency, Bismarck, Missouri; Amy Lynn
Program, Georgetown, Ohio; Jan F. Demers, Manager, Carson City Health and Human Roark, Vice Chair, Community Action Advi-
VCAP Coordinator, Vermont Community Ac- Services, Carson City, Nevada; Andrea Olson, sory Board in Clark County, Vancouver,
tion Partnership, Burlington, Vermont; Executive Director, Community Action Washington; Heather Wallace, Board Mem-
Linda Stepp, Board Member, Adams Brown Partnership of North Dakota, West Fargo, ber, Community Action of Skagit County
Community Action Agency, Winchester, North Dakota; Jim Schuyler, President & Burlington, Washington; Kimberly Ashley-
Ohio; Suzanne Shears, CEO, Niagara Commu- CEO, Virginia Community Action Partner- Pauley, Governing Board Chairwoman, Com-
nity Action Program, Inc, Niagara Falls, ship, Richmond, Virginia; Michele Bautista, munity Action Program of Central Arkan-
New York; Sharon Daugherty, Staff Ac- Board Member, Chautauqua Opportunities sas, (CAPCA), Conway, Arkansas; Cindy
countant, EMAA, Potosi, Missouri; Daniel Inc., Dunkirk, New York; Carol L. Kern, Davis, Executive Director, North Iowa Com-
Wickerham, Executive Director, Adams Local Income Rep., GLCAP, Tiffin, Ohio; munity Action Organization, Mason City,
Brown Community Action Partnership, West Harold Monroe, CEO, Pennyrile Allied Com- Iowa; Angela Martin, CEO, Maryland Com-
Union, Ohio; Amber Coleman, Associate Ex- munity Services, Hopkinsville, Kentucky; munity Action Partnership, Annapolis,
ecutive Director, Capital Area Head Start, Melinda Gault, Chief Executive Officer, Com- Maryland; Jill Sutton, Executive Director
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Barbara Bilek, munity Action Planning Council of Jeffer- Mid-Michigan Community Action, Farwell,
Head Start Site Manager, East Missouri Ac- son, County, Inc., Watertown, New York; Michigan; Lyndsey Schoelzel, Executive Di-
tion Agency, Millersville, Missouri; Deana Amber Freeman, Associate Director, INCA rector, Nevada Community Action Associa-
Hageman, Director, Northeast Iowa RSVP, Community Services, Inc., Ardmore, Okla- tion, Reno, Nevada; Susan L. Carr, Executive
Decorah, Iowa; Desiree Beasley, Board Sec- homa; Patricia McFarland, Executive Direc- Director, Community Services Network of
retary, Knoxville-Knox County CAC, Knox- tor, North Central West Virginia Community Wyoming, Sheridan, Wyoming; Tara Glover,
ville, Tennessee; Brenda S; Wilmer, Execu- Action, Association, Inc., Fairmont, West Executive Director, Lowcountry Community
tive Director, Avoyelles Progress Action, Virginia; Roger Tjarks, Board Member, Dis- Action Agency, Inc, Walterboro, South Caro-
Committee, Inc., Mansura, LA 71351, Lou- trict 5, Titonka, Iowa; Brian Mullins, CEO, lina.
isiana; Darlene Bigler, CEO, Blueprints, Kentucky River Foothills Development Phil Verges, Board President, WestCAP,
Washington, Pennsylvania; Gale Zalar, Chief Council, Inc., Richmond, Kentucky; Joe Spring Valley, Wisconsin; Alex Fortune, City
Executive Officer, Central Susquehanna Op- Pisney, County Supervisor, District 2, How- Councilperson, City of Cresco, Iowa; Philip
portunities, Inc., Shamokin, Pennsylvania; ard County, Iowa; Nicole Laurin, CEO, Joint E. Cole, Executive Director, Ohio Associa-
Shirley Vermace, Supervisor, District 3, Council for Economic Opportunity of Clinton tion of Community Action Agencies, Colum-
Winneshiek County, Iowa; Lisa Spencer, and Franklin Counties, Plattsburgh, New bus, Ohio; James Fails, Board Member, Great
CEO, SSCAC, Inc., Plymouth, Massachu- York; Yasmin Abdul Ghafu, Outreach Aide, Lakes Community Action Partnership, Fre-
setts; Lenora Leifheit, Coordinator Health East Missouri Action Agency, Cape mont, Ohio; Carmen A. Ortega, Board Mem-
Ministries, Meigs Cooperative Parish, Pom- Girardeau, Missouri; Marcia Erickson, CEO, ber, Great Lakes Community Action Part-
eroy, Ohio; Patricia A. Keys, Low Income GROW South Dakota, Sisseton, South Da- nership (GLCAP), Bowling Green, Ohio;
Board Member Ohio, Great Lakes Commu- kota; Erik Schoen, Executive Director, Com- Ruthann House, President/CEO, Great
nity Action Partnership, Port Clinton, Ohio. munity Chest, Inc., Virginia City, Nevada; Lakes Community Action Partnership, Fre-
Brenda Fry, Executive, Director, South Megan Sowers, Executive Director, Jackson- mont, Ohio; Keri McCrorey, Executive Direc-
Central Iowa Community Action Program, Vinton Community Action, Wellston, Ohio; tor, East Missouri Action Agency, Inc.,
Inc., Chariton, Iowa; Cynthia Zwick, Execu- Sharon Price, Executive Director, Commu- Farmington, Missouri; Michael Crouse, Exec-
tive Director, Wildfire: Igniting Community nity Action Council for Lexington-Fayette, utive Director, STEP Inc., Rocky Mount,
Action to End Poverty in Arizona, Phoenix, Bourbon, Harrison and Nicholas Counties, Virginia; Tina Tate, Commissioner, Hospital
Arizona; Debbie Myers, Executive Secretary/ Inc. Lexington, Kentucky; Chong-Anna District 304, Skagit County, Washington;
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Administration, Manager, East Missouri Ac- Canfora, Executive Director, Michigan Com- Reshella Hawkins, Executive Director,
tion Agency, Park Hills, Missouri; Florence munity Action Association, Okemos, Michi- Emergency Shelter Services INC, Benton
Greiman; County Supervisor, Hancock Coun- gan; Rene Ewing, Board Member, Multi Serv- Harbor, Michigan; Roseann Marchetti, Com-
ty Iowa, Garner, Iowa; Terry L. Barley, ice Center, Federal Way, Washington; Debbie missioner, District 4, Cass County, Michigan;
Board Member, Emeritus Tri-County Com- K. Herndon, Case Manager, Community Ac- Alyssa Jarrett, Community Services Rep-
munity Action, Mechanicsburg, Pennsyl- tion of Laramie County, Inc., Cheyenne, Wy- resentative, East Missouri Action Agency,
vania; Rhonda Williamson, Executive Direc- oming. Farmington, Missouri; Myron Gray, Owner
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May 13, 2022 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4935
of Service Enterprises LLC, St. Louis, Mis- Sandra Slade, Coordinator, East Missouri anti-poverty programs focused on housing,
souri; Charles Hargitt, Maintenance Super- Action Agency, Belgrade, Missouri; Mary L. health, employment, income and civic en-
visor E.M.A.A., Fredericktown, Missouri; Chipps, Executive Director, West Virginia gagement.
Nancy Jones, Board Member and Secretary, Community Action Partnerships, Inc.,
CSBG, which supports local agencies in ac-
Mid-Michigan Community Action Agency, Charleston, West Virginia; Megan Adkins,
tivities that mitigate the root causes of pov-
Farwell, Michigan; Patti Hall, Financial Home Care Coordinator, Gallia County Coun-
Specialist EMAA, Park Hills, Missouri; erty, represents a unique and effective part-
cil on Aging, Gallipolis, Ohio; Jennifer Trow-
Amanda Garner, Board Member GLCAP, Fre- nership between counties, states, federal
bridge, President/CEO, Northwest Indiana
mont, Ohio; Ruth Johnson, Board of Direc- government and community organizations.
Community Action, Crown Point, Indiana;
tors, Gladwin County, Gladwin, Michigan; CSBG-eligible activities vary depending on
Lisha Whitt, CEO, Pride Community Serv-
Jacqueline Orr, CEO, New York State Com- ices, Inc., LOGAN, West Virginia; Hal B. local needs, but often include services re-
munity Action Association, Guilderland, Goode, Executive Director, Central Ken- lated to educational attainment, accessing
New York; Donna Dodgen, Mayor, City of tucky Community Action Council, Lebanon, and maintaining employment and self-suffi-
Seguin, Texas; Karen McCandless, Chief Ex- Kentucky; Charlene Engle, CEO, Gateway ciency, household budget management, ob-
ecutive Officer, Community Action Services Community Action, West Liberty, Kentucky; taining adequate housing and promoting
and Food Bank, Provo, Utah; Maria M. Kristin L. Peterson, Council Member At greater community participation. In FY 2019,
Tracy, Board Member, Multi-Service Center, Large, City of Oberlin, Ohio; Janet Merrell, the CSBG network operated in 99 percent of
Federal Way, Washington; C. Shawn Yardley, Executive Director, Community Action the nation’s counties through over 1,000 eli-
CEO Community Concepts, Inc., Lewiston, Partnership of Oregon, Portland, Oregon; gible public or private entities to serve 10.2
Maine; George T. Simon Jr., Executive Di- Richard Brocksmith, City Councilperson, million individuals living in poverty, includ-
rector, TriCounty Community Action, Inc., District 1, Mount Vernon, Washington; ing 3.2 million children.
San Augustine, Texas; Thomas Mainella, Jimmy Jones, Executive Director, Mid-Wil- The CSBG Modernization Act would
Mayor, City of Fairmont, West Virginia; Bill lamette Valley Community Action Agency, strengthen these efforts through both the re-
Grant, Executive Director, Minnesota Com- Salem, Oregon; Rebecca Missey, Cook Aide, authorization and authorization of appro-
munity Action Partnership (MinnCAP), St. EMAA, Bonne Terre, Missouri; Michael Lin- priations that create more program cer-
Paul, Minnesota; Elizabeth Jennings, Direc- coln, White County Judge, White County, tainty and allow Congress to provide addi-
tor of Community Engagement, Community Arkansas; Jada Shirriel, CEO, Healthy Start, tional funding to meet our nation’s growing
Action of Skagit County, Bellingham, Wash- Inc., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. needs. The bill specifically reauthorizes the
ington; Roger Pavey, Sr., Chief Executive Of- Amanda Ewing, Executive Director, Okla-
ficer, Community Action of Eastern Iowa, program for 10 years and authorizes appro-
homa Association of Community Action priations of $1 billion per year for the first
Davenport, Iowa. Agencies, Edmond, Oklahoma; Rebecca N.
Steven Zittergruen, City Councilperson, five years and ‘‘such sums as necessary’’ for
Brumagin, Town Supervisor, Town of Mina, the following five years. Counties also sup-
Ward 5, City of Decorah, Iowa; Shanna New York; Dreama Padgett, CEO, Mountain
Yount, Community Services Rep, East Mis- port the proposed change of H.R. 5129 that
Heart Community Services, Inc., Oceana, would make permanent a COVID-era flexi-
souri Action Agency Inc, Potosi, Missouri;
West Virginia; Barbara Shine, CA Board of bility that allowed states to use CSBG fund-
Anita Leiws, Section 8 Area Coordinator,
Directors Chair, Community Action of Orle- ing to provide services to individuals earning
East MO Action Agency, Caruthersville, Mis-
ans Genesee, Batavia, New York; William up to 200 percent of the federal poverty line,
souri; Don Munson, Board Chairperson, Dis-
Reder, Chairman Board of Directors, Mid- allowing the program to reach more people
trict 5, Douglas County, Illinois; Clint
Michigan Community Action Agency, Au- in need.
Cottam, Executive Director, Community Ac-
burn, Michigan; Janet Keefe, Board Member,
tion Partnership of Utah, Layton, Utah; The CSBG Modernization Act would addi-
Chautauqua Opportunities Inc., Fredonia,
Susan Cooper, Executive Director, Commu- tionally create a federally administered
New York; Steve Luse, City Councilperson,
nity Action Partnership of Sonoma County, Community Action Innovations Program to
City of Decorah, Iowa; John L. Hasten,
Santa Rosa, California; Daneen Adams, As- invigorate the CSBG network’s ability to
Mayor, City of Marshall, Illinois; Dean King,
sistant Executive Director, Open Doors, test new approaches to reducing poverty.
Board Member, GLCAP, Perrysburg, Ohio;
Clearfield, Utah; Teleda S. Holmes, Board
Dean Bellack, Executive Director, United The bill strengthens local control and re-
Member, Multi-Service Center, Federal Way,
Way of Orleans County, Medina NY, New sponsiveness to local needs through strategic
Washington; Michelle Faught, Executive Di-
York; Susan Harding, CEO, OLHSA, Pontiac, plans that set goals and create an action
rector ICCAP, Indiana, Pennsylvania; James
Michigan; Paula A. Brown, Head Start Col- plan for meeting community needs. It would
Hemm, Consultant, New Jersey Association
laboration Director, Oklahoma Head Start also authorize Broadband Navigator Projects
on Correction, Trenton, New Jersey; Deborah
Collaboration Office, Stillwater, Oklahoma; as a new federal discretionary program
Leonczyk, Executive Director, Berkshire
Tamara Turner, Board Member, Seneca available to Community Action Agencies. In-
Community Action Council, Inc., Pittsfield,
County, Fostoria, Ohio; Daniel Byrnes, creased internet access has major implica-
Massachusetts; Barbara Kelly, Executive Di-
County Supervisor, Allamakee County, Iowa; tions on socio-economic well-being and serv-
rector, Knoxville Knox County CAC, Knox-
Randy Weldon, CEO, Southwest Georgia ice delivery.
ville, Tennessee; Kathy DiNolfi, Chief Pro-
gram Officer, A New Leaf, Mesa, Arizona; Community Action Council, Inc., Moultrie, NACo supports these efforts to expand pub-
Kim Embrey Hill, Executive Director, Multi- Georgia. lic-private partnerships and close the digital
Purpose Community Action Agency, Inc., -- divide to provide reliable high-speed
Louisville, Kentucky; Kimberly Skaggs, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES. broadband services, especially in rural un-
Housing Administrative Secretary, EMAA, Hon. NANCY PELOSI, derserved areas.
Park Hills, Missouri; Erica Pogue, Associate Speaker, House of Representatives,
Washington, DC. Passing this bipartisan bill would ensure
Director, INCA Community Services, Inc.,
Atoka, Oklahoma; Patricia F. White, Board Hon. KEVIN MCCARTHY, CSBG is meeting the current needs of coun-
Member Community Action Council-Lex- Minority Leader, House of Representatives, ties and local communities through fully
ington, Lexington, Kentucky; Eva Felix, Di- Washington, DC. funded evidence-based program activities.
rector, A New Leaf, MesaCAN, Mesa, Ari- DEAR SPEAKER PELOSI AND MINORITY LEAD- During the COVID–19 pandemic, CSBG has
zona; Robin Corak, CEO, Multi-Service Cen- ER MCCARTHY: played a key role in providing crucial serv-
ter, Federal Way, Washington; Kati Ortiz, On behalf of the National Association of ices for struggling Americans including help-
Board Member, Community Action of Skagit Counties (NACo), the only organization rep- ing communities access personal protective
County, Sedro Woolley, Washington; Ken- resenting the nation’s 3,069 counties, par- equipment, vaccines and other health serv-
neth Walters, Executive Director, Licking ishes, and boroughs, I write to urge you to ices and school supplies for remote learning.
Valley Community Action Program, pass the bipartisan Community Services As the nation recovers from the economic
Flemingsburg, Kentucky; David A. Rumsey, Block Grant (CSBG) Modernization Act (H.R. impacts of COVID–19, we are long past due
DSS Commissioner CAOG Board, Member, 5129) led by Reps. Suzanne Bonamici (D– for Congress to pass a comprehensive reau-
BOD Community Action of Orleans and Ore.), Glenn Thompson (R–Pa.), Betty Mccol- thorization of CSBG as it is vital to anti-
Geneseee, Batavia, New York; Carol A. lum (D–Minn.), Elise Stefanik (R–N.Y.), poverty efforts across the country.
Mack, Teacher, East Missouri Action Agency Mark DeSaulnier (D–Calif.) and James Now that the CSBG Modernization Act
Cape, Girardeau, Missouri; John W. Edwards, Comer (R–Ky.). While CSBG continues to re- (H.R. 5129) was voted out of the U.S. House
Jr., Interim Executive Director, Texas Asso- ceive funding through the annual appropria-
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE
Education and Labor Committee on a bipar-
ciation of Community Action Agencies, Aus- tions process, it has not been reauthorized tisan basis, NACo strongly urges the U.S.
tin, Texas; Chris Berry, Board Member— since 1998, making it overdue for substantive House of Representatives to pass this legisla-
Treasurer, Multi Service Center, Milton, changes that could increase its ability to tion as soon as possible.
Washington; Lynne M. Johnson, Board Mem- serve vulnerable county residents. Counties Sincerely,
ber, Community Action of Orleans and Gen- support H.R. 5129, which would strengthen MATTHEW CHASE,
esee Counties, Lyndonville, New York. funding and local administration of eligible Executive Director.
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H4936 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 13, 2022
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR STATE tions that dictate how funding is distributed H.R. 5129 has other troubling provi-
COMMUNITY SERVICES PROGRAMS, from the federal to local level. sions.
May 9, 2022. We are deeply committed to the success of Under this bill, organizations would
Rep. NANCY PELOSI, the CSBG and know just what a difference it
be able to use grantee facilities for
House Speaker, House of Representatives, makes in communities across the country. It
is through the cooperation of all stake- voter registration activities. While
Washington, DC.
Rep. KEVIN MCCARTHY, holders, from the Federal level to Eligible promoting political participation is
Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Entities and, of course, State Offices, that important, it is simply not the purpose
Washington, DC. make the great work of CSBG possible, and of this program.
Rep. STENY HOYER, as such we want to be sure that the Mod- This new provision risks distracting
Majority Leader, House of Representatives, ernization Act enables all to be successful servicers from their primary purpose
Washington, DC. partners. Thank you for your support of and opening the door to partisan poli-
Rep. BOBBY SCOTT, CSBG and considering our suggestions for tics. We must preserve the integrity of
Ed & Labor Committee Chairman, House of Rep- improvements. CSBG by keeping in place important
resentatives, Washington, DC. Sincerely,
DEAR MADAM SPEAKER PELOSI, MAJORITY
safeguards that protect against inter-
JEANNIE CHAFFIN,
LEADER HOYER, MINORITY LEADER MCCAR- Interim Executive Director, NASCSP. twining Federal policy and partisan po-
THY, AND CHAIRMAN SCOTT: My name is Jean- litical activity.
Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, I This legislation also adds a new re-
nie Chaffin, and I am the Interim Executive
reserve the balance of my time. quirement that will allow CSBG funds
Director of the National Association for
Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, today I
State Community Services Programs to be used for vague, undefined
(NASCSP). NASCSP is the sole national as- stand in opposition to H.R. 5129, the
‘‘healthcare needs.’’ With Democrats’
sociation charged with advocating for and Community Services Block Grant Mod-
increasingly radical stance on abortion
enhancing the leadership role of States in ernization Act of 2022, CSBG. and attempts to strip the Hyde amend-
the administration of the Community Serv- While I recognize that the CSBG pro-
ices Block Grant (CSBG) and Weatherization
ment from Federal legislation, this leg-
gram has been serving those in need for
Assistance Program (WAP) across all 50 islation could open the door for tax-
decades, I do not believe that this reau-
states, Washington D.C., and five U.S. terri- payer-funded abortions and gender
thorization bill improves CSBG serv-
tories. transitions. This is an unacceptable
As the membership association for all ices or fixes the program’s flaws.
risk.
Community Services Block Grant State Of- As Members of Congress, we have an Lastly, one of the most concerning
fices, we are intimately familiar with the obligation to ensure that taxpayer dol- points of this bill is how it got protec-
current CSBG Act, how it has helped individ- lars are being spent as efficiently and tions for faith-based organizations. Re-
uals and communities in all corners of the effectively as possible. In that regard,
Nation and how it can be improved upon. We ligious workers have been on the front
the CSBG program is missing the lines serving the poor long before this
are excited that the CSBG Modernization mark. Spending $1 billion on a program
Act is moving forward and has such strong program began. Instead of honoring
bipartisan support with more than 125 co-
that has limited accountability is yet their long history of service, this bill
sponsors from more than 25 states and the another reason why our country is ex- would require religious organizations
District of Columbia. We are incredibly periencing the biggest inflation crisis to check their faith at the door to par-
grateful for such a strong showing of support we have seen in 41 years. ticipate in the CSBG program. Faith-
for CSBG. With our national debt exceeding $30 based providers deserve an equal oppor-
I am writing to you today not simply out trillion, it is time to stop mortgaging
of gratitude but also to express our support tunity to serve those in need.
the future of the next generation with Our Founding Fathers wrote the
for the CSBG Modernization Act (HR 5129). spending on programs that may not
The Act changes the eligibility criterion First Amendment to protect the free
from 125% of the Federal Poverty Level
even work. There is little proof that exercise of religion from interference
(FPL) to 200% of the FPL, enabling the fund- CSBG programs are accomplishing the by the Federal Government. Yet, this
ing to reach more households in need, espe- one goal they were created for: moving bill suggests that faith-based organiza-
cially as we recover from the nationwide im- Americans out of poverty. tions should not be able to hire em-
pact of COVID–19. Important language is also In fact, there is more proof that ployees who share the same faith if
included in the Act that provides for the on- CSBG has become nothing but another they are going to participate in a Fed-
going eligibility of clients so that they do welfare program, which keeps Ameri-
not lose assistance as they work toward
eral program. This is unacceptable.
cans in poverty instead of lifting them The Constitution protects the right
achieving their goal. This is critical to
into self-sufficiency. of religious organizations to hire in ac-
households’ ability to exit poverty meaning-
fully and sustainably. The State Offices that
Under current law, CSBG lets States cordance with their beliefs. Congress
are responsible for overseeing this funding set their own benchmarks for progress, recognized this right in enacting title
and ensuring it is thoughtfully spent fully allowing ineffective programs to con- VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The
and enthusiastically support these changes tinue receiving taxpayer dollars de- Supreme Court unanimously upheld
in CSBG. spite poor performance. This bill con- the constitutionality of a religious em-
While our network is excited for and sup- tinues that ineffective policy rather
portive of the aforementioned language, we
ployer’s staffing exemption in 1987.
than creating commonsense measures The current law protections, which
also have a few concerns and must note our
to judge the programs’ outcomes. This were adopted in a bipartisan manner
primary concern below. As partners in the
work of CSBG, State Offices carry a great does not help people in need, and it is nearly 25 years ago, should be
deal of responsibility. States provide over- an irresponsible use of taxpayer dol- uncontroversial, but H.R. 5129 makes
sight of CSBG funds via monitoring, con- lars. these provisions controversial because
tract management, policy development, and When creating programs like CSBG, Democrats think religious belief is
evaluation of results. As State Offices fill our goal should be self-sufficiency, not backward and discriminatory.
these various roles, we recognize that there government dependence. This is par-
are aspects of the CSBG Modernization Act ticularly true with some of the changes b 0930
of 2021 that could be refined to support the proposed in H.R. 5129. Democrats have claimed that these
efficient and effective implementation of current law protections allow faith-
For example, the bill raises the in-
CSBG at the state and local levels.
We recommend revising grant obligational come threshold for individuals who can based providers to discriminate against
requirements in Section 679 to ‘date of obli- receive services under CSBG programs program beneficiaries. But that simply
gation’ and removing language that refers to from 125 percent of the Federal poverty isn’t true. Democrats can’t point to a
‘available for expenditure’ as it creates an level to 200 percent. single instance of widespread discrimi-
unrealistic requirement on State Offices to In addition, it will allow individuals nation in the CSBG program. These
release funding in extremely short periods of in the program to continue receiving faith-based organizations exist to serve
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time (30 days). We recommend focusing on services even after they have exceeded the neediest among us. The current law
continuous funding to Eligible Entities over
the income threshold. This program protections ensure they can continue
prescriptive timelines (Sec. 679(a)(2)(A) and
Sec. 679(a)(2)(A)(i)). We believe this addresses was created to help individuals most in to do that. If the purpose of H.R. 5129
concerns about any gaps in funding while si- need, but Democrats are trying to was to improve CSBG, then I am afraid
multaneously acknowledging that each state twist it into a permanent welfare pipe- the bill has failed miserably. This mod-
has its own policies, procedures and regula- line. ernization attempt is a false start.
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May 13, 2022 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4937
Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- religious protections for community rations that we need to help them
ance of my time. service providers that receive funds achieve. The Communities Services
Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, I through the community service block Block Grant Modernization Act would
yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from grant program. strengthen CSBG by increasing its au-
Virginia (Mr. SCOTT), who is the chair- Religious providers all around the thorization for annual appropriations.
man of the Education and Labor Com- country provide food for the hungry, The bill would allow the Community
mittee. healthcare and hospice programs for Action Network to serve more people
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam the terminally ill, and educational op- by increasing the income eligibility for
Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for portunities for the less fortunate. This services.
yielding and for her leadership on this partisan bill will likely prevent certain We should not kick people off a cliff
legislation. religious groups from engaging in char- back into poverty when they can rise
Today the committee action agen- ity, simply because of what motivates into the working middle class. These
cies, or CAAs, form a network of more their charity. are changes that will strengthen CSBG
than 1,000 organizations that meet the In 2019, the community action agen- and strengthen our communities. We
unique needs of communities to help cies partnered with more than 19,000 must be the conscience of our commu-
lift low-income individuals and fami- faith-based organizations around the nities in the House.
lies out of poverty. For decades com- country. In Indiana, the funds reached Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield 2
munity action agencies have been cen- 335,000 Hoosiers by providing health minutes to the gentleman from Geor-
tral pillars to our communities. They services, housing aid, education help, gia (Mr. ALLEN).
administer programs such as Head income improvement, and more. If Mr. ALLEN. Madam Speaker, I thank
Start, to provide quality early child- charitable choice language is removed the ranking member for her work on
hood education for low-income children from this bill, religious organizations this important legislation. In fact, you
and support their families; Meals on may be forced to choose between serv- can’t miss it. Above our flag here have
Wheels, to support seniors experiencing ing their community and honoring the words ‘‘In God We Trust.’’
hunger and isolation; and LIHEAP, the their sincerely held faith beliefs. That Really?
Our Nation’s Founders rightly recog-
Low Income Home Energy Assistance means more Hoosiers in need. It is
nized that every human being has a
Program that helps people keep up shameful to cut religious protections
natural right to religious liberty. This
with their utilities. from such an impactful program.
right is so important that, like I said,
In fact, it is the only Federal pro- Madam Speaker, I urge my col-
it is enshrined as the First Amendment
gram whose broad mission is to address leagues to oppose the bill as it will
to our Constitution.
poverty conditions and allow commu- mean less charity tomorrow for all When language was added to the
nity action agencies to tailor services Americans. We must defend our reli- CSBG program in 1998 to protect the
for low-income individuals in their gious freedom, and this bill is a direct religious character of faith-based orga-
communities, and they do this with the attack on it. nizations, Congress rightly recognized
goal of giving a hand up, not a hand- Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, I the importance of this fundamental
out. yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman right to religious liberty and the value
Community action agencies’ work is from New Mexico (Ms. LEGER that religious organizations add to our
made possible by the community serv- FERNANDEZ), who is a member of Edu- society. We need to stand by these
ices block grant, the CSBG. Unfortu- cation and Labor Committee. principles today.
nately, the CSBG program has not been Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ. Madam Unfortunately, Democrats do not be-
reauthorized since 1998 creating uncer- Speaker, last week, I was approached lieve it is important to respect the reli-
tainty in the program. by Larry Martinez who was there when gious freedom of faith-based organiza-
The bipartisan Community Services the Community Service Block Grants tions to hire according to their reli-
Block Grant Modernization Act of 2022 first started in New Mexico. He told me gious beliefs or to display religious
reauthorizes CSBG for 10 years, the that my late father worked tirelessly symbols like a Bible or the Star of
longest period in history, and improves to secure funds so the State of New David while serving low-income Ameri-
the statute to help CAAs expand their Mexico could match this new program. cans through the CSBG program. The
work and reduce poverty across the He called my late father the conscience Democrats’ removal of this important
country. of the Senate. language—language that has been in
This includes increased authorization My father knew that these funds the law for over two decades without
levels and raising the CSBG program would make a real impact in the lives causing harm to anyone—shines a spot-
income eligibility thresholds to expand of New Mexicans, and he was right. It light on their intolerance of different
access to their services. This will put has made a difference. The benefits are viewpoints and beliefs.
CSBG on solid footing so that the pro- undeniable. Instead of a family shiv- My colleague from Michigan offered
gram continues to meet the complex ering in the cold in northern New Mex- an amendment that would have taken
and changing needs of low-income indi- ico, we have families using LIHEAP to the important and commonsense step
viduals and communities without keep their children warm. Instead of a to reinstate this longstanding language
changing local control to this impor- family being turned out of their home making clear that faith-based pro-
tant program. because they couldn’t afford rising viders should be able to live out their
I thank the gentlewoman from Or- rent, CSBG provides rental assistance. faith while participating in the CSBG
egon (Ms. BONAMICI), the gentleman Instead of a promising young man fall- program. I was very disappointed that
from Pennsylvania (Mr. THOMPSON), ing into homelessness or despair with- Democrats rejected this amendment
the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. out an income, we have CSBG pro- during markup and refused to allow a
MCCOLLUM), the gentlewoman from grams helping with career training and floor vote on it.
New York (Ms. STEFANIK), the gen- job searches. All we are asking is that the deeply
tleman from California (Mr. One of my favorite programs is Head held religious beliefs of faith-based or-
DESAULNIER), and the gentleman from Start. I started my academic career as ganizations continue to be accommo-
Kentucky (Mr. COMER) for championing a Head Start baby and fell in love with dated under the law. This approach al-
this bipartisan legislation. learning, and we know that an invest- lows many different viewpoints to exist
Madam Speaker, I urge my col- ment in our children at the earliest age alongside one another in our diverse
leagues to support the legislation. is the biggest and best investment we country, and it makes sure that faith-
Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 can work; and this provides Head based organizations can continue to do
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minutes to the gentleman from Indiana Start. the work they do so well, and that is,
(Mr. BANKS). CSBG touches every aspect of our help low-income Americans.
Mr. BANKS. Madam Speaker, I thank community because there is not one Madam Speaker, faith-based organi-
the ranking member for her leadership. root cause of poverty. We need to uplift zations are important partners to pro-
Today I stand in opposition to H.R. our most vulnerable by meeting them vide vital services, and for this reason
5129 because it removes longstanding where they are because they have aspi- I oppose this bill.
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H4938 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 13, 2022
Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, I would do is support legislation that re- tion. We must also guarantee faith-
yield 3 minutes to gentleman from moves faith-based organizations en- based providers’ rights to live out and
Pennsylvania (Mr. THOMPSON), who is a tirely from actively and equally par- express their faith through their work.
member of the Education and Labor ticipating in CSBG. There have been I include in the RECORD a letter from
Committee and a lead cosponsor of the longstanding Federal regulations a coalition of religious providers, led
legislation. which were expanded under the George by the Institutional Religious Freedom
Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. W. Bush administration that allow Alliance, which discusses the impor-
Madam Speaker, I thank the gentle- faith-based organizations to partake in tance of maintaining current law pro-
woman for yielding. Federal programs without compro- tections for faith-based organizations—
Today, we have the great oppor- mising their religious beliefs. These protections, I might add, that Presi-
tunity to move one step closer to re- regulations now apply to nine Federal dent Biden himself supported when he
ducing poverty across the Nation. The departments and agencies, including was a Member of the Senate.
community services block grant is the HHS. MAY 10, 2022.
only Federal program with the explicit The Trump administration also re- HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
and overreaching goal of reducing pov- affirmed these regulations through the Washington, DC.
DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: As leaders of faith-
erty regardless of its cause. final rule titled Equal Participation of based service organizations, religious free-
Originally, created in 1964, the pro- Faith-Based Organizations in the Fed- dom advocates, and people of faith, we
gram established local community ac- eral Agencies’ Programs and Activi- strongly implore you and your colleagues to
tion agencies to help identify why peo- ties. retain the Charitable Choice provisions when
ple were in poverty and how to address This bill makes Federal policy clear- reauthorizing the Community Services
it using public and private resources. It er, and it maintains the same protec- Block Grant [CSBG]. The current language
was a public-private partnership. Com- tions for faith-based providers in of H.R. 5129, the Community Services Block
munity action agencies are governed Grant Modernization Act of 2021, would re-
CSBG-funded activities. place the detailed Charitable Choice provi-
by boards that are largely made up of Madam Speaker, it is time for Con- sions with a bare sentence. This would be a
business and industry community lead- gress to reaffirm our Nation’s commit- negative change that creates a harmful
ers in those counties. ment to reducing poverty by reauthor- precedent. We ask the House instead to reaf-
Funds for this program help families izing the CSBG, and I urge my col- firm Charitable Choice in the CSBG program
and individuals achieve self-suffi- leagues to support the passage of this by retaining the Charitable Choice provi-
ciency, find and retain meaningful em- righteous legislation. sions currently in the CSBG statute.
ployment, attain an education, make The Charitable Choice provisions (42 U.S.
Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, I Code 9920) give faith-based organizations an
better use of available income, obtain reserve the balance of my time. equal opportunity to compete for CSBG
housing, and achieve greater participa- Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 funding and safeguard their religious char-
tion in community affairs. Virtually minutes to the gentleman from Michi- acter while also protecting beneficiary
every county in the United States has gan (Mr. WALBERG). rights by prohibiting the use of CSBG grant
a community action agency which Mr. WALBERG. Madam Speaker, I funds for explicitly religious activities. The
helps low-income individuals and fami- thank the gentlewoman for yielding. presence of this detailed language in the
lies move from poverty to independ- statute is a billboard announcing a welcome
Madam Speaker, at the appropriate
for faith-based organizations to compete for
ence. time I will offer an amendment to re- funding.
CSBG has not been reauthorized in commit H.R. 5129 and ask to have my The provisions were added to the CSBG
more than two decades, and today’s amendment to restore current law pro- program in 1998 in a reauthorization bill co-
vote will renew our commitment to re- tections for faith-based organizations sponsored by Republican Senators Dan Coats
ducing poverty and strengthening com- included in the RECORD. (IN) and Jim Jeffords (VT) and Democratic
munities across the country. Madam Speaker, religious liberty is Senators Ted Kennedy (MA) and Christopher
H.R. 5129 reauthorizes the commu- Dodd (CT). They sought to improve the effec-
foundational to America. It is en- tiveness of CSBG spending by prohibiting
nity services block grant program for shrined as the First Amendment to our local governments and Community Action
10 years at an annual level of $1 billion Constitution. Given this Nation’s dedi- Agencies [CAAs] from marginalizing faith-
for the first 5 years. It maintains local cation to religious liberty, it is so ap- based organizations. Protecting participa-
control of community action planning palling that H.R. 5129 strikes current tion in CSBG funding by faith-based pro-
and activities. It is largely business law protections for faith-based organi- viders and houses of worship ensures that the
and industry leaders that constitute zations that participate in the CSBG procurement process is competitive and that
those boards. It authorizes a broadband CAAs utilize the most effective and account-
program. able service providers.
navigator program to respond to the Faith-based providers have a history The Charitable Choice provisions extend to
broadband and digital needs of low-in- of leading America’s fight to help those faith-based organizations no novel or uncon-
come families and communities to find in need. From the Salvation Army to stitutional rights. Its principles are codified
pathways out of poverty. Catholic Charities, religious organiza- in the Equal Treatment regulations that
Madam Speaker, it does so much tions formed the front line in assisting apply to Department of Health and Human
more. people in poverty. They did so not out Services funding programs (45 CFR 87), but
CSBG requires some modernization only partially to CSBG. CSBG has its own
of a desire for selfish gain or recogni- regulations, similar but distinct. If Chari-
to allow agencies the ability to tap tion but because they truly believe it is table Choice is taken out of the CSBG stat-
their full potential and better serve a calling. ute, CAAs would have no guarantee that
families and communities. While this they will be afforded the same rights and
program has a strong history of bipar- b 0945
protections due to other faith-based organi-
tisan support, some of my colleagues That faith allows them to help those zations under the Equal Treatment regula-
have alleged faith-based organizations in need in unique ways that the gov- tions. It would be better to retain the CSBG
will no longer be able to participate in ernment cannot. But instead of hon- statutory language and the accompanying
the CSBG program if this bill becomes oring these organizations for their long regulations. Statutory language provides
more certainty over time to Community Ac-
law. This is simply untrue. history of service, this bill suggests
tion Agencies and to faith-based organiza-
Faith-based organizations are long- that religious organizations should tions interested in partnering with them in
standing and essential partners in com- leave their faith behind when they service.
munity action networks. They serve as want to serve those in need. Some in the CAA movement claim that the
incredible forces of good in their com- This is ridiculous. More than that, it Charitable Choice language is dispensable
munities. is un-American. I would also argue it because, despite its presence, few faith-based
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Philippians 2:4 tells us, ‘‘Let each of directly contradicts our Constitution. organizations receive CSBG funding. If par-
ticipation is truly low, then the remedy is
you look not only to his interests, but Madam Speaker, we must give faith-
action by Congress and the Office of Commu-
also to the interests of the others.’’ based organizations and providers the nity Services in HHS to remove the non-stat-
Madam Speaker, as a man of faith same opportunity to serve low-income utory barriers that inhibit more extensive
and longtime member of the Congres- Americans through the CSBG program partnerships, not to remove the protections
sional Prayer Caucus, the last thing I that we would give any other organiza- that enable the participation of those few.
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May 13, 2022 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4939
The addition of Charitable Choice in 1998 seph M. Knippenberg, Professor of Politics, Committee on Education and Labor to
to the CSBG program was the second time Oglethorpe University, Brookhaven, GA; reconsider my amendment to restore
that Congress and the Clinton administra- Abby M. Foreman, Professor, Dordt Univer- these current law provisions.
tion added such language to a federal pro- sity, Sioux Center, IA; Ryan T. Anderson,
gram (Charitable Choice was first added to President, The Ethics and Public Policy Cen-
Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous
the TANF program in 1996). These actions ter, Washington, DC; Charles Leslie Glenn consent to insert the text of this
launched the faith-based or partnership ini- Jr., Professor emeritus of Educational Pol- amendment in the RECORD imme-
tiative. The four succeeding administrations icy, Boston University, Boston, MA; Gail diately prior to the vote on the motion
of both parties (Bush, Obama, Trump, and Frances Jansen, Retired Attorney, Former to recommit.
Biden) have worked with energy to ensure Trustee Center for Public Justice, Tucson, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there
that federal social programs are maximally AZ; James W. Skillen, President (retired), objection to the request of the gen-
effective because they partner with the best Center for Public Justice, Birmingham, AL;
Marc Andreas, Professor, Kuyper College,
tleman from Michigan?
non-government organizations, including There was no objection.
faith-based organizations, with full protec- Grand Rapids, MI; Michelle C. Kirtley, Fel-
tion for the religious freedom of the ulti- low, Center for Public Justice, Chapel Hill, Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, how
mate beneficiaries. NC; Chelsea Langston Bombino, Fellow, Cen- much time is remaining?
Senators Coats, Jeffords, Kennedy, and ter for Public Justice, Catonsville, MD; The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen-
Dodd were right to add Charitable Choice to Bruce Rowell, Chief Clinical Officer, tlewoman from Oregon has 18 minutes
the CSBG program. Removing it will be det- Lawndale Christian Health Center, Chicago, remaining.
rimental to the participation of faith-based IL; Rev. Girien R. Salazar, Minister, Ciudad Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, I
organizations, when it is their greater in- de Esperanza, Farmers Branch, TX; Rev.
yield myself 3 minutes.
volvement that will most benefit the com- Marian Edmonds-Allen, Executive Director,
Parity, New York, NY; Mr. Roger Metcalf, Madam Speaker, we all agree that
munities that CSBG funding is intended to
serve. Removing it will create a terrible Chairman Board of Trustee, Oklahoma Wes- the inclusion of faith-based organiza-
precedent by signaling that Congress is no leyan University, Gresham, OR; Michael tions and faith leaders is important for
longer as boldly committed to equal oppor- Kozlarek, City Director, The Navigators, San the community action network. In
tunity for service organizations of every Diego, CA; Mark Rodgers, Principal, fact, they have a long history of being
faith or none. Clapham Group, Burke, VA; James B. Bolds, involved with community action since
We ask the House to reaffirm Charitable Lead Pastor, Victory Church, Yorktown, VA; the very beginning of the war on pov-
Choice in the CSBG program by amending Joyce Campbell, Concerned community
member, Christian Reformed Church, Green- erty in the 1960s, and I have no doubt
H.R. 5129 to restore this language before the
belt, MD; Randall Kroll, Executive Consult- that they will continue to do their im-
reauthorization moves forward.
Thank you for your consideration of this ant, Platinum Group, Minneapolis, MN; portant work.
important matter. Kathryn Vaselkiv, Not for profit board mem- In recent years, the Supreme Court
Signed, ber, St Moses Church, Baltimore, MD. has made clear that religious entities
[University professors sign in their per- Deanna Stacy, Former Associate Director, cannot be excluded from participation
sonal capacities only. Their employing uni- HHS Center for Faith-Based and Community
in publicly funded programs because of
versities take no position on this bill, and Initiatives, Alexandria, VA; Ashley Weiss,
Staff, Youth with A Mission, Lakeside, MT; their religious status. This legislation,
are listed only to help identify the individual
signers.] Greg Enas, Venture Catalyst, Innovatov despite what the ranking member and
Stanley Carlson-Thies, Senior Director, In- LLC, Indianapolis, IN; Jerry S. Herbert, others claim, would not change that.
stitutional Religious Freedom Alliance, Elder, Washington Community Fellowship, We are here today to reauthorize and
Washington, DC; Stephanie Summers, CEO, Washington, DC; Karyl Savageau, Capitol modernize the community services
Center for Public Justice, Washington, DC; Hill Pregnancy Center, Washington, DC; block grant program, which is almost
His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Clarke Cochran, Deacon, St. Peter Catholic 20 years past its authorization expira-
Archbishop of New York, Chairman, U.S. Church, Charlotte, NC; Carol Veldman
Rudie, Board member, Association for Public
tion.
Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee I also note that the bipartisan bill in-
for Religious Liberty, Washington, DC; Rev. Justice, Minneapolis, MN; Dr. Paul Wrobbel,
Dr. Galen Carey, Vice President of Govern- Head of School, Trinity Oaks Christian troduced in the previous Congress, the
ment Relations, National Association of Academy, Cary, IL; Bethany Schuttinga, 116th, also removed the charitable
Evangelicals, Columbia, MD; Rabbi Abba Ph.D., President, Avail Academy, Min- choice provision with broad bipartisan
Cohen, Vice President for Government Af- neapolis, MN; Steven Groen, Principal, Avail support, and H.R. 5129 reflects the same
fairs and Washington Director, Agudath Academy, Edina, MN; Andrew Ryskamp, sensible compromise on this issue.
Israel of America, Washington, DC; Melissa Christian Reformed Church in North Amer- In fact, some Members would have
Reid, Director of Government Affairs, Sev- ica, Grand Rapids, MI; Perry Recker, Librar-
ian emeritus and Ruling Elder, Eastminster liked the legislation to go further to
enth-day Adventist Church—North American expressly address other nondiscrimina-
Division, Columbia, MD; Rev. Dr. Jo Anne Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh, PA; Rev.
Lyon, General Superintendent Emerita, The Dr. Steven J. Koster, Pastor of Congrega- tion issues, but I did not take that ap-
Wesleyan Church, Fishers, IN; Yaakov tional Life, Grace Church, Grand Rapids, MI; proach as we crafted the bill because I
Menken, Managing Director, Coalition for David E. Campbell, Christian Reformed wanted to maintain the bipartisan
Jewish Values, Baltimore, MD. Church of Washington, DC., Washington, DC; agreement we reached to make real
Shirley V. Hoogstra, President, CCCU— Henry G. Gunnink, Regional Pastor, Classis progress toward the much-needed reau-
Council for Christian Colleges & Univer- Lake Superior of the Christian Reformed
Church of North America, Inver Grove
thorization of CSBG.
sities, Washington, DC; Robert C. Andringa, Twenty years is too long for this pro-
Ph.D. President Emeritus, CCCU, Wash- Heights, MN; Randall Hedman, Donor Rela-
tions, World Renew, Bloomington, MN. gram, our community action agencies,
ington, DC; P. George Tryfiates, Vice Presi-
dent for Public Policy & Legal Affairs, Asso- Mr. WALBERG. Madam Speaker, I and the communities they serve. It is
ciation of Christian Schools International, offered an amendment during a markup too long for them to wait for us to
Washington, DC; Jedd Medefind, President, that would have protected faith-based reach an agreement, and we have
Christian Alliance for Orphans, Falls providers, making sure they don’t have reached an agreement.
Church, VA; Ronald L. Sider, Founder, to leave their faith at the door when Additionally, Madam Speaker, for 60
Christians for Social Action, Lansdale, PA; years, community action agencies have
they work to serve America’s families
Gary W. Blackard, President & CEO, Adult & had relationships with faith-based or-
Teen Challenge USA, Ozark, MO; Ryan Jay in need. This is not only good for the
religious organizations serving these ganizations. The involvement of faith-
VerWys, CEO, ICCF Community Homes,
Grand Rapids, MI; Jonathan Bradford, Presi- families but also for the neediest based organizations in community ac-
dent and CEO Emeritus, ICCF Community among us. tion programs long predates the chari-
Homes, Grand Rapids, MI; Douglas Laycock, Unfortunately, my Democrat col- table choice provision, and their in-
Professor of Law, University of Virginia, leagues rejected this commonsense volvement will continue without this
Charlottesville, VA. amendment. I was further disappointed controversial provision.
Carl H. Esbeck, R.B. Price Emeritus Pro- when they did not make my amend- We also know that HHS regulations
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE
fessor of Law, University of Missouri, Colum- have existed for nearly 20 years incor-
bia, MO; Phillip L. McIntosh, Professor of
ment in order for floor consideration.
This is a forthright attack on religious porating many of the same principles.
Law, Mississippi College School of Law,
Jackson, MS; Paul Marshall, Professor, liberty by the Democrats, and we can- Eliminating the duplicative charitable
Baylor University, Washington, DC; Robert not stand for it. choice provision in CSBG allows us to
Osburn, Ph.D., Senior Fellow, Wilberforce Madam Speaker, if we adopt this mo- move forward with a reauthorization
International Institute, Roseville, MN; Jo- tion to recommit, we will instruct the that is vital to so many of our agencies
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H4940 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 13, 2022
and allows HHS to apply a single set of Atheists, American Civil Liberties Union, redefined the victim in that as the
rules across programs. American Federation of Teachers, American agency discriminating because if we
This is a distraction that should not Humanist Association, Americans United for don’t let them discriminate, we are
Separation of Church and State, B’nai B’rith violating their religious liberty.
prevent us from moving forward with
International, Baptist Joint Committee for
this reauthorization and maintaining What about the person who applied
Religious Liberty (BJC), Bend the Arc: Jew-
the bipartisan consensus we have ish Action, Catholics for Choice, Center for
for the job? They have been denied a
achieved. Inquiry and the Richard Dawkins Founda- job solely on the basis of religion. It is
Madam Speaker, I include in the tion for Reason & Science, Central Con- my view that that is the one who needs
RECORD a letter from the Coalition ference of American Rabbis, Disciples Center the protection. We don’t need to pro-
Against Religious Discrimination, a for Public Witness, Disciples Justice Action tect the right to discriminate.
broad and diverse group of leading reli- Network. In fact, that is why a broad coalition
gious, civil rights, labor, and health or- Equal Partners in Faith, Family Equality, of civil rights, labor, and health orga-
Freedom From Religion Foundation, nizations supports the removal of the
ganizations supporting the removal of GLSEN, Hindu American Foundation,
the charitable choice provision from language that allows that kind of dis-
Human Rights Campaign, Interfaith Alli- crimination, and that is in the letter
the community services block grant ance, Jewish Women International, Lambda
that the chairwoman has offered.
program. Legal, The Leadership Conference on Civil
That letter says, in part: ‘‘Charitable
THE COALITION AGAINST and Human Rights, MAZON: A Jewish Re-
sponse to Hunger, Metropolitan Community choice does not protect religious free-
RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION,
Churches, Global Justice Institute, NAACP, dom; rather, it uses the guise of reli-
May 11, 2022.
DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: As members and al- NARAL Pro-Choice America. gious freedom to justify discrimination
lies of the Coalition Against Religious Dis- National Center for Transgender Equality, against employees and put people who
crimination (CARD), we write to support the National Council of Jewish Women, National need government services at risk.’’
changes in H.R. 5129, the Community Serv- LGBTQ Task Force, National Women’s Law I think it is time that this language
ices Block Grant (CSBG) Modernization Act Center, People For the American Way, be removed, as this bill before us does,
of 2022, that would remove charitable choice, PFLAG National, Presbyterian Church so that the real victims of discrimina-
a highly controversial policy. (USA), Secular Coalition for America, Sec- tion who are being discriminated
CARD is a broad and diverse group of lead- ular Policy Institute, SPLC Action Fund, against can get the protection of the
ing religious, civil rights, labor, and health Union for Reform Judaism, United Church of
Christ, Justice and Local Church Ministries,
Federal Government as they have since
organizations that formed in the 1990s to op- the 1964 civil rights bill.
pose adding charitable choice to social serv- The United Methodist Church—General
Board of Church and Society. Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield
ice program authorizations. Since then,
myself the balance of my time.
CARD has continued to advocate for Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, I
strengthening the constitutional and legal
Madam Speaker, if CSBG programs
yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from were fulfilling their statutory purpose,
safeguards that apply to such partnerships in Virginia (Mr. SCOTT), the chairman of
this and other social service programs. We we would be hearing lots of numbers of
the Education and Labor Committee. people lifted out of poverty. But those
appreciate the important role that reli-
giously affiliated organizations historically Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam numbers have been notably absent in
have played in addressing many of our na- Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for the committee debate and here today.
tion’s most pressing social needs, including yielding. We have been given no proof, no proof
in some cases, with the use of government The chair of the subcommittee has at all, that these programs are working
funds; indeed, many members of CARD know said a lot about the charitable choice as they have been set up. We are asking
this firsthand. We also recognize that the provision and the fact that faith-based hardworking taxpayers—let me repeat
separation of church and state is the corner- entities have long participated in com- that—hardworking taxpayers to give
stone of religious freedom.
munity action programs from the very money to support these programs that
Contrary to claims of its supporters, chari-
table choice provisions did not remove any beginning in the 1960s, and there is no have no accountability.
‘‘barriers’’ to participation for faith-based evidence that they will stop partici- The goal is to take people out of pov-
providers. Faith-based organizations pating. erty and have them become hard-
partnered with the government to provide Charitable choice purports to ad- working taxpayers to balance out the
services long before the addition of chari- vance religious freedom, ensuring par- burden here in this country, but that is
table choice to the Community Services ticipation of faith-based organizations. not happening, Madam Speaker.
Block Grant programs. Charitable choice in- The fact is, they are going to partici- This bill would appropriate $1 billion.
stead changed the rules. But faith-based or- I said in my opening comments that we
pate. Some may not because they can-
ganizations should follow the same rules as are $30 trillion in debt. We are going to
all other providers, and effective government not operate without discriminating.
Well, that is their right. But if you are add to our debt with this program with
collaboration with faith-based entities does
going to take Federal money, you no accountability. We should not spend
not require government-supported discrimi-
nation. should not discriminate. a dime of taxpayer dollars without
Charitable choice removed traditional This language that is being offered, knowing that those dollars are being
church-state safeguards that applied to so- the language that is not in the bill, au- spent effectively.
cial service providers that accept taxpayer Republicans support commonsense
thorizes broad religious discrimination
funds. It allows taxpayer-funded faith-based efforts to fight poverty and provide a
against employees and fails to ade-
organizations to discriminate in hiring, in- safety net for Americans truly in need.
cluding by undermining state and local non- quately protect religious liberty rights
We want to make our Nation’s anti-
discrimination protections, and threatens of beneficiaries in taxpayer-funded so- poverty programs the best they can be,
the rights of beneficiaries when delivering cial services. a streamlined network that specifi-
services. Now, when a church runs a program, cally focuses on aiding those in dire
People in need should never be faced with they can hire whoever they want based
the stark choice between accessing the serv- need and helps lift them out of poverty,
on religion with church money. But but that is not what we have here.
ices they need or retaining their religious when you take Federal money, there
freedom protections. And no one should be H.R. 5129 fails to reform CSBG. In
ought to be equal opportunity in hir- fact, the program widely expands the
forced to choose between conforming to a re-
ligious litmus test or losing a government- ing. pool of eligible beneficiaries, leaving
funded job. So, the charitable choice language, those most in need with fewer re-
Charitable choice does not protect reli- which is not in the bill as it is, requires sources.
gious freedom, rather it uses the guise of re- equal opportunity, so if you apply for a It goes along with other programs
ligious freedom to justify discrimination job, you won’t be discriminated that my colleagues on the other side of
against employees and put people who need against. the aisle and the Biden administration
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE
government services at risk of harm. Thus, Unfortunately, this charitable choice
we support the removal of the charitable
keep proposing, and that is to put more
thing kind of redefines the victim of people in dependency in this country,
choice provisions from the CSBG authoriza-
tion. discrimination. When somebody applies not make them independent.
Sincerely, for a job under charitable choice and is It also attacks religious liberty. I be-
ADL (Anti-Defamation League), African told, ‘‘We don’t hire your kind because lieve my colleagues have basically ad-
American Ministers in Action, American you are the wrong religion,’’ we have mitted that in the last few minutes.
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May 13, 2022 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4941
Over 19,000 vital faith-based organiza- The Administration looks forward to work- supports community action agencies, includ-
tions work tirelessly to help their com- ing with Congress to ensure that this bipar- ing Total Action for Progress {TAP). I have
munities through the CSBG program. tisan legislation achieves its purposes, con- the pleasure of serving on TAP’s board. H.R.
tinues expanding opportunity for all Ameri- 5129, the Community Service Block Grant
Yet, H.R. 5129 sets a terrible and de-
cans, and ultimately is enacted. (CSBG) Modernization Act of 2022 is impor-
structive precedent. Preventing faith- tant to me and our community.
based organizations from competing for Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, I
thank Representative MCCOLLUM for As you know, CSBG touches virtually
grants while remaining true to their every community in the United States. With
religious character means fewer low-in- supporting H.R. 5129. I am thankful for 90 percent of each state’s CSBG allocation
come Americans will receive the help her leadership in the 116th Congress’ being distributed to local Community Action
they need. legislation to reauthorize CSBG and Agencies (CAAs), our communities rely upon
This legislation is another Wash- her continued strong support for this this unique flexible funding. CAAs, like TAP,
ington-knows-best approach that will program. use the funds to combat poverty and pro-
keep Americans dependent on hard- Madam Speaker, I also include in the mote self-sufficiency, respond rapidly to un-
RECORD letters from various organiza- foreseen crises such as natural disasters and
working taxpayers’ dollars. My col-
tions, individuals, and localities sup- the COVID–19 pandemic and implement gap-
leagues should reject this legislation, filling activities that address unmet commu-
and I yield back the balance of my porting this bipartisan legislation to
nity needs. Additionally, CAAs use CSBG to
time. reauthorize this community services organize and support other local charities
Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, I block grant. and community-based initiatives, ensuring
yield myself the balance of my time. LOA, services are streamlined and not duplicative.
Madam Speaker, I include in the Roanoke, VA, April 19, 2022. Without CSBG, every single community in
RECORD a Statement of Administration Hon. SUZANNE BONAMICI, America would be hurt.
House of Representatives, Your bill would codify critical updates to
Policy from the Executive Office of the Washington, DC.
President supporting H.R. 5129 and the program. It provides security and reli-
Hon. GLENN THOMPSON, ability to communities across the country
praising the legislation’s commitment House of Representatives, by authorizing CSBG for 10 years and ensur-
to ensuring that communities have the Washington, DC. ing money flows in a timely manner. The
tools they need to address poverty and DEAR REP. BONAMICI AND REP. THOMPSON: I crucial modernizations Included In H.R. 5129,
achieve economic mobility. am writing to you today to share my en- such as the new broadband navigator initia-
STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY dorsement of your bipartisan legislation that tive, will increase CAAs’ ability to respond
supports community action agencies, includ- to emerging needs. We are also pleased to see
H.R. 5129—COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT
ing Total Action for Progress (TAP). I have the emphasis on quality performance at the
MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2022—REP. BONAMICI,
the pleasure of serving on TAP’s board. H.R. federal, state, and local level and that the es-
D–OR, AND 126 COSPONSORS
5129, the Community Service Block Grant sential nature of CSBG as a locally-con-
The Administration supports the poverty- (CSBG) Modernization Act of 2022 is impor-
fighting goals of H.R. 5129, the Community trolled program Is retained and bolstered.
tant to me and our community. Because of H.R. 5129’s focal impact in al-
Services Block Grant Modernization Act of As you know, CSBG touches virtually
2022, to provide states, territories, and Tribes most every county in the country, I join in
every community in the United States. With support of the bill. It Is hoped that Congress
with resources for critical community serv- 90 percent of each state’s CSBG allocation
ices. This legislation will reauthorize the passes this essential piece of legislation
being distributed to local Community Action quickly, thereby strengthening each commu-
Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) for Agencies (CAAs), our communities rely upon
a decade and help ensure that communities nity in America.
this unique flexible funding. CAAs, like TAP, Sincerely,
have the tools they need to fight poverty and use the funds to combat poverty and pro-
build economic mobility. C. LEE CLARK, CEO.
mote self-sufficiency, respond rapidly to un-
The CSBG has been supporting tribal and
foreseen crises such as natural disasters and COUNTY OF ORLEANS,
local governments and community organiza-
the COVID–19 pandemic and implement gap- OFFICE FOR THE AGING,
tions across the country for over 50 years
filling activities that address unmet commu- Albion, NY, April 14, 2022.
with funding to help them serve low-income
nity needs. Additionally, CAAs use CSBG to Hon. SUZANNE BONAMICI,
individuals and families. Local administra-
organize and support other local charities House of Representatives,
tion of some of the most essential commu-
and community-based initiatives, ensuring Washington, DC.
nity programs—such as job training and
placement, food and nutrition assistance, services are streamlined and not duplicative. DEAR REP. BONAMICI: We are writing to you
Head Start, housing and homelessness assist- Without CSBG, every single community in today to share our enthusiastic endorsement
ance, and the Low Income Home Energy As- America would be hurt. of your bipartisan legislation, H.R. 5129, the
Your bill would codify critical updates to Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)
sistance Program—is supported by CSBG
the program. It provides security and reli- Modernization Act of 2022.
funds. While these services and strategies
ability to communities across the country As you know, CSBG touches virtually
have always been key to helping Americans
by authorizing CSBG for 10 years and ensur- every community in the United States. With
get ahead and stay ahead, the COVID–19 pan-
ing money flows in a timely manner. The 90 percent of each state’s CSBG allocation
demic underscored just how vital it is to in-
vest in the organizations that deliver them. crucial modernizations included in H.R. 5129, being distributed to local Community Action
Faced with unprecedented demand and the such as the new broadband navigator initia- Agencies (CAAs), our communities rely upon
operational challenges of the pandemic, the tive, will increase CAAs’ ability to respond this unique flexible funding. CAAs use it to
more than 1,000 organizations supported by to emerging needs. We are also pleased to see combat poverty and promote self-sufficiency,
CSBG continued working to help low-income the emphasis on quality performance at the respond rapidly to unforeseen crises such as
communities address housing and food inse- federal, state, and local level and that the es- natural disasters and the COVID–19 pan-
curity, provide high-quality early childhood sential nature of CSBG as a locally-con- demic and implement gap-filling activities
education, and support individuals re-enter- trolled program is retained and bolstered. that address unmet community needs. Addi-
ing the workforce. Now, as this Administra- Because of H.R. 5129’s local impact in al- tionally, CAAs use CSBG to organize and
tion works to build a strong and equitable most every county in the country, I join in support other local charities and commu-
recovery, it is more important than ever to support of the bill. It is hoped that Congress nity-based initiatives, ensuring services are
invest in locally based solutions to the passes this essential piece of legislation streamlined and not duplicative. Without
causes and conditions of poverty in commu- quickly, thereby strengthening each commu- CSBG, every single community in America
nities. nity in America. would be hurt.
The CSBG update proposed by this Act Sincerely, Your bill would codify critical updates to
would result in greater equity for Tribes, ex- RON D. BOYD, the program. It provides security and reli-
panded income eligibility data moderniza- President & CEO. ability to communities across the country
tion, strengthened performance manage- by authorizing CSBG for 10 years and ensur-
ment, and support for community-based RESCUE MISSION MINISTRIES, ing money flows in a timely manner. The
services and strategies. In addition, this Act Roanoke, VA, April 19, 2022. crucial modernizations included in H.R. 5129,
would support new broadband navigator ef- Hon. SUZANNE BONAMICI, such as the new broadband navigator initia-
forts and continues critical support for com- House of Representatives, tive, will increase CAAs’ ability to respond
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE
munity economic development and rural de- Washington, DC. to emerging needs. We are also pleased to see
velopment activities. And reauthorizing Hon. GLENN THOMPSON, the emphasis on quality performance at the
CSBG for the first time since 1998 would pro- House of Representatives, federal, state and local level and that the es-
vide organizations and the millions of fami- Washington, DC. sential nature of CSBG as a locally-con-
lies they serve with the confidence and sta- DEAR REP. BONAMICI AND REP. THOMPSON: I trolled program is retained and bolstered.
bility to make the long-term investments am writing to you today to share my en- Because of H.R. 5129’s local impact in al-
communities need. dorsement of your bipartisan legislation that most every county in the country, we join in
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H4942 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 13, 2022
support of the bill. We hope Congress passes I am pleased that the House is taking cause or condition. Since Congress estab-
this essential piece of legislation quickly, up this long-overdue update to the lished the predecessor of the Community
thereby strengthening each community in community services block grant pro- Services Block Grant (CSBG) as part of Presi-
America.
gram with strong bipartisan support. dent Lyndon B. Johnson’s ‘‘War on Poverty,’’
Sincerely,
MELISSA BLANAR, CSBG enables community action the program has helped people achieve eco-
Director. agencies to be innovative, leverage nomic stability, secure meaningful employment
-- public and private resources for their and education, gain and improve job-related
CITY OF ROANOKE, communities, and cost-efficiently ad- skills, and obtain housing. Such support is
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR, minister many programs, including particularly crucial for communities in the
Roanoke, Virginia, April 18, 2022. Head Start, LIHEAP, nutrition assist- Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Is-
Hon. SUZANNE BONAMICI, ance, weatherization, job training, lands, Guam, and American Samoa—where
House of Representatives,
housing, and assistance for those expe- poverty rates are significantly higher than in
Washington, DC.
Hon. GLENN THOMPSON, riencing homelessness. the rest of America. In the Marianas, 52.3 per-
House of Representatives, This bipartisan legislation will cent of the population is considered low-in-
Washington, DC. strengthen funding for community ac- come, according to census data.
DEAR REPRESENTATIVE BONAMICI AND tion agencies, raise the CSBG pro- The Community Services Block Grant Mod-
THOMPSON: We are writing to you today to gram’s income eligibility threshold to ernization Act helps alleviate such poverty by
share our endorsement of your bipartisan expand its important services; promote increasing overall funding for the program, up-
legislation that supports community action dating eligibility guidelines, and eliminating the
innovation in the CAA network
agencies, including Total Action for Progress arbitrary grant allocations to the insular areas.
(TAP) which assists citizens in our jurisdic- through a federally administered com-
tion. HR 5129, the Community Service Block munity action innovations program; H.R. 5129 provides an increased annual fund-
Grant (CSBG) Modernization Act of 2022. and, importantly, modernizes account- ing level of $1 billion for the first five years.
As you know, CSBG touches virtually ability, which is an important part of The bill also permanently raises income eligi-
every community in the United States. With the bill, and performance standards. bility to 200 percent of the poverty line, as
90 percent of each state’s CSBG allocation The bottom line is that this legisla- temporarily provided in the CARES Act, so
being distributed to local Community Action more people can get the help they need.
tion will better help low-income indi-
Agencies (CAAs), our communities rely upon To better align funding allocations to the in-
this unique flexible funding. CAAs, like TAP, viduals and families achieve economic
stability and access housing, childcare, sular areas to meet its anti-poverty mission,
use the funds to combat poverty and pro-
mote self-sufficiency, respond rapidly to un- utility assistance, employment, and the Community Services Block Grant Mod-
foreseen crises such as natural disasters and other services. ernization Act mandates a data-based formula
the COVID–19 pandemic and implement gap- I, once again, urge my colleagues to and transparency in how that formula is cal-
filling activities that address unmet commu- support this important bipartisan bill culated. Under current law, the Secretary of
nity needs. Additionally, CAAs use CSBG to to renew our Nation’s commitment to Health and Human Services possesses total
organize and support other local charities discretion to allocate CSBG funding based on
and community-based initiatives, ensuring
reducing poverty through community
action, and I yield back the balance of what he or she ‘‘believes’’ the need is in each
services are streamlined and not duplicative. insular area. This changes under H.R. 5129.
Without CSBG, every single community in my time.
America would be hurt. Ms. MCCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise in Language I included in the bill during the Edu-
Your bill would codify critical updates to strong support of H.R. 5129, the Community cation and Labor Committee’s markup re-
the program. It provides security and reli- Services Block Grant Modernization Act of quires the Secretary to base its grant alloca-
ability to communities across the country 2022. This legislation renews the nation’s tions on the most recent census poverty data
by authorizing CSBG for 10 years and ensur- available. That allocation formula must be
ing money flows in a timely manner. The
commitment to reducing poverty through an
established network of more than 1,000 local published publicly and updated no less fre-
crucial modernizations included in HR 5129, quently than any time new applicable census
such as the new broadband navigator initia- Community Action Agencies. Having authored
tive, will increase CAAs’ ability to respond previous iterations of this legislation, and now data are available. Using a regularly updated,
to emerging needs. We are also pleased to see being an original cosponsor with my good poverty-based formula will help ensure com-
the emphasis on quality performance at the friend Congresswoman BONAMICI, I could not munities receive the support necessary to
federal, state, and local level and that the es- be more excited to advance this bill today. At serve individuals and families in need.
sential nature of CSBG as a locally-con- At a time when communities nationwide
a time when it seems like Congress can’t
trolled program is retained and bolstered. continue to be impacted by the coronavirus
Because of HR 5129’s local impact in al- agree on anything, I am glad that we can
pandemic, the improvements to the CSBG
most every county in the country, I join in show people that there are still issues that
program under H.R. 5129 will increase help
support of the bill. It is hoped that Congress bring Democrats and Republicans together.
for the most vulnerable in our communities.
passes this essential piece of legislation And that’s exactly what CSBG has been doing
quickly, thereby strengthening each commu- for more than 50 years—bringing Americans b 1000
nity in America. together. The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time
Sincerely, For years, these agencies have served as
Members of Roanoke City Council, Roa- for debate has expired.
noke, Virginia: incredible resources to help low-income fami- Each further amendment printed in
MAYOR SHERMAN P. LEA, lies escape poverty and better their sur- part F of House Report 117–320 not ear-
SR., rounding communities. These agencies served lier considered as part of amendments
Mayor. on the front lines against COVID–19, helping en bloc pursuant to section 11 of House
PATRICIA WHITE-BOYD, millions of Americans get through the pan- Resolution 1097, shall be considered
Vice-Mayor. demic. Just this past week, I visited the Com- only in the order printed in the report,
WILLIAM BESTPITCH, munity Action Partnership of Ramsey and may be offered only by a Member des-
Council Member.
Washington Counties where I saw first-hand ignated in the report, shall be consid-
VIVIAN SANCHEZ-JONES,
Council Member. the amazing work these people do for my con- ered as read, shall be debatable for the
JOSEPH COBB, stituents. time specified in the report equally di-
Council Member. H.R. 5129 builds on this success by rein- vided and controlled by the proponent
STEPHANIE MOON forcing existing efforts to improve the perform- and an opponent, may be withdrawn by
REYNOLDS, ance and management of Community Action the proponent at any time before the
Council Member. at the federal, state, and local levels. question is put thereon, shall not be
Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my friends Congress- subject to amendment, and shall not be
millions of families and individuals woman BONAMICI and Congressman GLENN subject to a demand for division of the
across our country benefit from the lo- THOMPSON for advancing this essential legisla- question.
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE
cally driven antipoverty programs and tion. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. It shall be in order at any time after
services backed by the community Mr. SABLAN. Madam Speaker, H.R. 5129, debate for the chair of the Committee
services block grant program. We are the Community Services Block Grant Mod- on Education and Labor or his designee
here today to make sure it continues ernization Act, improves and expands access to offer amendments en bloc consisting
to meet their needs and the unique to the only federal program with the over- of further amendments printed in part
needs of our communities. arching goal of reducing poverty, regardless of F of House Report 117–320, not earlier
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May 13, 2022 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4943
disposed of. Amendments en bloc shall AMENDMENT NO. 9 OFFERED BY MS. JACKSON Page 18, after line 25, insert the following:
be considered as read, shall be debat- LEE OF TEXAS ‘‘(11) a description of how the State, and el-
able for 20 minutes equally divided and Page 62, after line 18, insert the following: igible entities in the State, will coordinate
‘‘SEC. 686A. GAO STUDY. with other programs related to meeting crit-
controlled by the chair and ranking
‘‘Not later than 180 days after the effective ical household needs that address the pur-
minority member of the Committee on poses of this subtitle, including with re-
Education and Labor or their respec- date of the section, the Comptroller General
of the United States shall conduct a study, sources that reduce the burden of energy and
tive designees, shall not be subject to and submit to the Secretary of Health and water utility costs.’’.
amendment, and shall not be subject to Human Service, and the committees of juris- AMENDMENT NO. 16 OFFERED BY MR. TORRES OF
a demand for division of the question. diction of the Congress the results of, a NEW YORK
AMENDMENTS EN BLOC NO. 1 OFFERED BY MS. study of State usage and allocation of funds Page 43, line 4, insert ‘‘, including analysis
BONAMICI OF OREGON received under this subtitle over the pre- of best practices in poverty reduction’’ be-
Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, vious 10–year period— fore the period at the end.
pursuant to section 11 of House Resolu- ‘‘(1) to identify the uses, programs, and ac- AMENDMENT NO. 17 OFFERED BY MS. WILD OF
tion 1097, I rise to offer amendments en tivities carried out with such funds that had PENNSYLVANIA
the greatest impact, effectiveness, and re- Page 20, after line 17, insert the following:
bloc No. 1. sults in achieving the purposes for which
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ‘‘(f) TRANSPARENCY.—Each eligible entity
such funds were provided; shall make available to the public on the eli-
Clerk will designate the amendments ‘‘(2) to identify best practices of States in gible entity’s website, the entity-wide stra-
en bloc. implementing State plans and providing as- tegic plan, community needs assessment,
Amendments en bloc No. 1 consisting sistance to community action agencies to and community action plan,’’.
of amendment Nos. 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, carry out activities, so that such practices
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu-
13, 14, 15, 16, and 17, printed in part F of can be used as models for States to follow to
carry out this subtitle in the future; and ant to House Resolution 1097, the gen-
House Report 117–320, offered by Ms. tlewoman from Oregon (Ms. BONAMICI)
BONAMICI of Oregon: ‘‘(3) to determine with respect to such
funds— and the gentlewoman from North Caro-
AMENDMENT NO. 1 OFFERED BY MS. ESCOBAR OF
‘‘(A) the amount of such funds received by lina (Ms. FOXX) each will control 10
TEXAS
each State for a particular fiscal year in minutes.
Page 27, line 2, strike ‘‘and’’ at the end. such 10-year period to carry out its approved The Chair recognizes the gentle-
Page 27, line 6, strike the period at the end, State plan, that was not distributed to com-
and insert ‘‘; and’’. woman from Oregon.
munity action agencies and other eligible Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker,
Page 27, after line 6, insert the following: entities, and not obligated for subgrants
‘‘(iii) if appropriate, entities and organiza- these amendments en bloc containing
under this subtitle, during such fiscal year;
tions that support innovative community- ‘‘(B) the particular disposition by the additional Democratic amendments
based approaches and research driven re- State of the funds described in subparagraph from my colleagues continue to im-
sponses to poverty.’’. (A) received by such State; prove the implementation of the com-
AMENDMENT NO. 2 OFFERED BY MS. ADAMS OF ‘‘(C) the amount of the funds described in munity services block grant program
NORTH CAROLINA subparagraph (A) received by such State that and strengthens partnerships with
Page 27, line 2, strike ‘‘and’’ at the end. were retained by such State for allowed pur- communities served by this program.
Page 27, line 6, insert ‘‘and’’ at the end. poses (including payment of administrative Ms. ESCOBAR’s amendment adds enti-
Page 27, after line 6, insert the following: costs to carry out this subtitle); and ties who support innovative commu-
‘‘(iii) institutions of higher education, in- ‘‘(D) the amount of the funds described in
cluding Historically Black Colleges and Uni- nity-based approaches and research-
subparagraph (A) received by such State that
versities, Tribal colleges and universities, were expended by the State for a purpose not driven responses as partners for com-
and minority-serving institutions;’’. authorized under this subtitle and identifica- munity action agencies in their work
AMENDMENT NO. OFFERED BY MRS. HAYES OF tion of each such purpose.’’. to broaden the resources directed to
CONNECTICUT AMENDMENT NO. 11 OFFERED BY MS. MOORE OF eliminating poverty.
Page 18, line 12, strike ‘‘and’’ at the end. WISCONSIN Ms. ADAMS’ amendment clarifies that
Page 18, line 25, strike the period at the Page 24, line 14, strike ‘‘and’’ at the end. institutions of higher education, in-
end and insert ‘‘; and’’. Page 24, line 19, strike the period at the cluding HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs, can
Page 18, after line 25, insert the following: end and insert ‘‘; and’’. be considered as partners for CSBG
‘‘(11) an assurance that the State will pro- Page 24, after line 19, insert the following: projects.
vide on its website— ‘‘(ix) providing support to eligible entities Mrs. HAYES’ amendment ensures that
‘‘(A) a warning notice to caution individ- to identify and respond to food insecurity by
uals that services under this subtitle are pro-
States provide notice on their website
assisting them in their efforts—
vided at no cost and that any questions re- ‘‘(I) to provide nutritious foods to low-in-
that CSBG services are offered at no
garding services provided under this subtitle come individuals, families, and communities; cost and information about fraudulent
should be directed to the State’s community and activity related to CSBG.
services block grant coordinator; ‘‘(II) to support practices that promote Mr. HORSFORD’s amendment adds lan-
‘‘(B) a warning notice about verified scams healthy living.’’. guage regarding Federal activities on
or fraudulent activities related to the pro- AMENDMENT NO. 12 OFFERED BY MR. PAYNE OF place-based poverty alleviating strate-
grams administered under this subtitle; and NEW JERSEY gies, clarifying that they can address
‘‘(C) information to direct individuals who
Page 63, at the end of line 2, insert the fol- health inequities.
believe they have been solicited for such a
lowing: Ms. HOULAHAN’s amendment updates
scam, fraudulent activity, or any form of
payment to contact the Department of
‘‘Home repairs needed to ensure the imme- the use of funds to include behavioral
diate health and safety of eligible low-in- health needs that an eligible entity
Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Fraud
come individuals, including energy-related may use CSBG funds for.
Hotline.’’.
or water-related repairs, shall not be consid- Ms. JACKSON LEE’s amendment re-
AMENDMENT NO. 7 OFFERED BY MR. HORSFORD
ered to be construction or permanent im-
OF NEVADA quires the Comptroller General to con-
provement for purposes of this section.’’.
Beginning on page 41, strike line 19 and all duct a study to identify the uses, pro-
AMENDMENT NO. 13 OFFERED BY MR. PAYNE OF
that follows through line 2 on page 42, and NEW JERSEY
grams, and activities that have the
insert the following: greatest impact and uses of funds
‘‘(iii) activities that train community serv- Page 26, line 13, insert ‘‘(which may in-
clude needs that arise due to a national or under the program.
ices network organizations, and their staff Ms. MOORE’s amendment authorizes
and board members, to effectively address public health emergency)’’ after ‘‘needs’’,
AMENDMENT NO. 14 OFFERED BY MS. PRESSLEY
States to use their statewide funds to
the needs of low-income families and com-
OF MASSACHUSETTS ensure that eligible entities have the
munities through place-based strategies that
address local causes and conditions of pov- Page 26, line 25, insert ‘‘including through necessary supports to address food in-
erty (including health inequities) through prevention and mitigation of trauma,’’ be- security needs of low-income individ-
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coordinated investment and integrated serv- fore ‘‘between’’. uals, families, and communities.
ice delivery; and.’’. AMENDMENT NO. 15 OFFERED BY MS. TLAIB OF Mr. PAYNE’s and Ms. TLAIB’s amend-
AMENDMENT NO. 8 OFFERED BY MS. HOULAHAN MICHIGAN ments ensure that CSBG funds can be
OF PENNSYLVANIA Page 18, line 12, strike ‘‘and’’ at the end. used for home repairs for health and
Page 26, line 9, insert ‘‘(including behav- Page 18, line 25, strike the period at the safety, energy, and water for low-in-
ioral health needs)’’ after ‘‘needs’’. end and insert ‘‘; and’’. come individuals.
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H4944 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 13, 2022
Mr. PAYNE’s amendment clarifies We cannot combat poverty without Let’s, please, build on this mission
that CSBG funds can be used to address recognizing the role that health inequi- and ensure that the program meets the
emergency needs, including emergency ties play to perpetuate the cycle of needs of our diverse 21st century com-
needs due to a national or public poverty. munities and workers.
health emergency. Through my work coleading the I ask my colleagues to vote ‘‘yes’’ on
Ms. PRESSLEY’s amendment ensures Ways and Means Committee’s Racial this amendment.
that eligible entities take into account Equity Initiative, I have seen firsthand Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I reserve
trauma prevention and mitigation just how valuable data can be when we the balance of my time.
when establishing partnerships to pro- are examining disparities. Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, I
mote healthy communities. In our healthcare system, the data yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman
Ms. TLAIB’s, Mr. PAYNE’s, Ms. NEW- speaks for itself. In my State of Ne- from Connecticut (Mrs. HAYES), a
MAN’s, Ms. BARRAGÁN’s, and Mr. vada, African Americans and Latinos member of the Committee on Edu-
TORRES of New York’s amendments add are twice as likely as their White coun- cation and Labor.
a requirement for the State to describe Mrs. HAYES. Madam Speaker, I rise
terparts to develop asthma. This and
how the State and eligible entities will to offer an amendment to protect com-
other chronic illnesses exacerbate dis-
coordinate programs related to utility munities from malicious scams sur-
parities due to their inherently perva- rounding the community services
and water assistance services. sive nature.
Mr. TORRES of New York’s amend- block grant program.
To combat this, I urge my colleagues The CSBG program is absolutely crit-
ment revises the reporting require- to support my amendment and the
ments of the Community Action Inno- ical to the empowerment of vulnerable
CSBG Modernization Act in a bipar- communities. Funding from the CSBG
vations Program to include an analysis tisan manner.
of best practices for reducing poverty. program has helped nine community
Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I reserve action agencies in my State serve
And Ms. WILD’s amendment requires the balance of my time.
that eligible entities post their stra- 107,000 families and 260,000 individuals.
Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, I It has helped over 81,000 households
tegic plan, community needs assess- yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman avoid crisis with energy assistance and
ment, and community action plan on from Pennsylvania (Ms. HOULAHAN). nearly 17,000 people avoid hunger with
their website. Ms. HOULAHAN. Madam Speaker, I emergency or supplemental food and
These amendments en bloc contain rise today in support of my amendment enrolled 5,600 children in early
commonsense proposals that strength- that ensures that States and other eli- childcare services.
en the underlying bill. I thank my col- gible entities under the Community Additionally, these agencies have
leagues for their contributions. I Services Block Grant Modernization helped nearly 11,000 people file their in-
strongly urge support of the amend- Act of 2022 can utilize funds for behav- come taxes, returning $8.5 million to
ments en bloc and the underlying bill, ioral health purposes. my State’s economy.
and I reserve the balance of my time. These past 2 years have had a dev- CSBG programs empower our com-
Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I rise in astating effect on the physical and munities’ most vulnerable, which is
opposition to the amendment. mental health of people across the Na- why they are always offered free of
Madam Speaker, while the amend- charge.
tion, especially those who live in pov-
ments before us include some positive However, scammers across the coun-
erty or in under-resourced areas.
reforms to improve accountability and try falsely purport to offer CSBG serv-
In my district, we have seen hos-
transparency in the community serv- ices for a fee, preying on those in our
pitals shuttered, families suffer, and
ices block grant program, there are un- community when they are most in need
young people facing unprecedented
fortunately several problematic of help. We have seen a proliferation of
mental health challenges.
amendments in the mix that outweigh By adding explicit language on be- fraud and scams throughout the
the improvements and require me to havioral health to this bill, we under- COVID–19 pandemic when emergency
oppose them when considered together. score the heightened need for increased Federal dollars were sent to States.
These amendments are duplicative, These scams are illegal and morally
resources to reach those that are un-
add additional requirements to the pro- reprehensible. It is our responsibility
derserved and most at risk.
gram, and lessen accountability. to ensure our communities are prop-
It is critical to streamline anti- Thankfully, recipients like my home
State of Pennsylvania are already re- erly informed to combat predatory
poverty programs to make them work schemes. It is our responsibility to re-
for low-income Americans. But instead, ceiving funding through this grant pro-
gram to alleviate the causes of poverty inforce guardrails to protect the integ-
these amendments layer on duplication rity of these programs and ensure they
and move us in the opposite direction. and provide opportunities for employ-
ment. fulfill their promises to our commu-
I cannot agree to add more ineffi- nities.
ciency to an already ineffective pro- But the community services block
grant program must emphasize that in My amendment would require that
gram, and therefore, cannot support States provide easily accessible warn-
the Democrat amendments before us order for States to truly attack the
ings about verified scams as well as in-
today. root causes of poverty, they must ad-
formation on where to seek recourse
Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- dress the rising rate of mental illness
should someone believe they are the
ance of my time. and substance abuse disorders.
victim of a CSBG-related scam.
Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, I Just yesterday, the CDC announced Making this information available
yield 1 minute to the gentleman from that there were more than 100,000 drug will ensure that CSBG can continue to
Nevada (Mr. HORSFORD). overdoses in 2021, a record high, and a provide lifesaving services to commu-
Mr. HORSFORD. Madam Speaker, I 15 percent increase from 2020. This data nities without being subject to greed
rise today in support of my amend- shows that something must change. and mal-intent. This is a simple, com-
ment, which will ensure we address the We all know that for people to par- monsense amendment that the Con-
impacts health inequities have on cre- ticipate meaningfully in the workforce gressional Budget Office has certified
ating and exacerbating poverty within and to achieve self-sufficiency, they as budget neutral.
our communities. need the tools, first and foremost, to I urge my colleagues to vote in favor
As my constituents and far too many address their physical, mental, and be- of this amendment and the underlying
Americans know, unequal access to havioral health. legislation.
quality healthcare can be financially As a prior businessowner, I under- Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I reserve
crushing. stand the importance of this firsthand, the balance of my time.
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Whether an individual is too sick to because America thrives when our Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker,
work and cannot receive adequate care workers thrive. may I inquire how much time I have
or the care they received was very ex- Community services block grants remaining?
pensive and inadequate, we know have been successful in supporting The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen-
health inequity is a root cause of pov- those who are most underserved across tlewoman from Oregon has 21⁄2 minutes
erty in Nevada and across the country. our communities for decades. remaining.
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May 13, 2022 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4945
Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, I infrastructure that they desperately need to confirmed elevated cancer rates among resi-
yield 11⁄2 minutes to the gentlewoman mitigate the risk of future flooding?’’ dents in the southern end of Kashmere Gar-
from Texas (Ms. JACKSON LEE). Black and Hispanic communities in north- dens, located near two Superfund sites. Resi-
east Houston, including Kashmere Gardens, dents fear that flooding will carry toxic de-
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker,
are especially vulnerable to the more fre- posits into their yards.
I thank the manager of the legislation quent storms and catastrophic flooding ex- Hester’s mother had died of cancer. So had
and chairman of the committee for this pected due to climate change, according to his father. And one of his brothers. ‘‘Cancer
important legislation. the Federal Emergency Management Agen- is killing the whole neighborhood,’’ said Hes-
The Community Services Block cy. Many of the residential streets lack ter, who is too afraid to visit the doctor
Grant Modernization Act is extremely curbs and gutters—common storm drainage about his own health problems.
important. As we all know, this bipar- infrastructure in predominantly White Federal disaster mitigation grants are sup-
tisan bill will bring about an enhanced neighborhoods in Houston—and rely instead posed to improve the inferior flood infra-
on open ditches dating back to the 1930s. structure in lower income communities. But
ability to serve the community. the HUD investigation found that competi-
‘‘Sometimes we can’t get out because the
The CSBG moneys are particularly water is so high,’’ said Jackie Spradley, Hes- tion rules set by the Texas General Land Of-
important not only to rural areas but ter’s wife. ‘‘You’re literally trapped until the fice unfairly favored smaller towns with less
to urban areas. They are important as water starts to subside.’’ She can’t get to urgent needs and where residents are more
they relate to many issues, such as in work. Their 12-year-old daughter can’t get to likely to be White and less likely to be lower
my community dealing with over- school. income.
coming disasters. Those dollars are uti- The whoosh of traffic and trains permeates The state knowingly adopted scoring cri-
lized to ensure housing. the triangular neighborhood of modest sin- teria that prioritized lower-density areas and
gle-family homes penned between two high- excluded communities that HUD designated
I include in the RECORD an article en-
ways and two sets of railroad tracks. During as the most impacted by disasters from half
titled, ‘‘Black communities are last in large storms, runoff from impervious high- the grants, HUD said.
line for disaster planning in Texas’’ way surfaces flows onto residential streets. ‘‘Because the criteria had these unjustified
and an article entitled, ‘‘5 years after Piles of trash—old tires, mattresses, fur- discriminatory effects, their use failed to
Hurricane Harvey, many in Houston niture, home insulation—accumulate for comply with HUD’s regulations,’’ the agency
are still waiting for help.’’ weeks in the drainage ditches along many found.
streets, blocking water from flowing through No other state adopted Texas’ method of
[From the Washington Post, May 12, 2022] distributing the funds, according to HUD’s
the ditches to the bayou. Silt and other de-
BLACK COMMUNITIES ARE LAST IN LINE FOR bris clog many of the culverts beneath nar- Office of Fair Housing and Equal Oppor-
DISASTER PLANNING IN TEXAS row driveways and footpaths spanning the tunity. The agency concluded that without
HOUSTON.—Lawrence Hester worries every ditches. In the summers, standing water Texas’s discriminatory criteria, nearly four
time it rains. breeds mosquitoes. times as many Black residents and more
During heavy storms, water overflows the The city of Houston had hoped to use $95 than twice as many Hispanic residents would
dirt drainage ditch fronting his yard and the million in federal grants to upgrade have benefited from the grants.
bayou at the end of his block—flooding the Kashmere Gardens’ storm drainage infra- The General Land Office said in its April 1
street, creeping up his front steps, pooling structure. The proposed improvements, in- appeal that the state ‘‘does not discriminate,
beneath the house, and trapping his family cluding converting some of the ditches to a and the projects it has funded help minority
inside. curb and gutter system, would have removed beneficiaries across Texas.’’ The state said
‘‘We are always underwater here,’’ said the flood risk to nearly 1,400 properties. more than two-thirds of residents in commu-
Hester, 61. But without the money, the city shelved nities that received awards are Black, His-
And yet, the state of Texas allocated none those plans. panic or Asian. The state pointed out that
of the $1 billion in federal funds it received Hester’s daughter Ashlei was 7 years old in its plan was approved two years ago and
to protect communities from future disasters 2017 when Harvey floodwaters breached their characterized HUD’s new objections as ‘‘po-
to neighborhoods in Houston that flood regu- family room, lapping at the legs of the card litically motivated.’’
larly, according to an investigation by the table on which the family played dominoes. In addition to Houston and surrounding
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban De- Her cough worsened, and doctors prescribed Harris County, the General Land Office de-
velopment. four different medications for asthma. She nied grants to the predominantly Black and
HUD has now found the exclusion of those was hospitalized in 2018 for more than a Hispanic cities of Port Arthur, Beaumont
majority Black and Hispanic urban commu- week. But doctors still did not know what and Corpus Christi as well as Jefferson and
nities to be discriminatory. The state ‘‘shift- was causing her illness. Nueces counties—all of which experienced
ed money away from the areas and people It wasn’t until December 2019, more than significant flooding from Harvey, according
that needed it the most,’’ disproportionately two years after Harvey, when Hester and his to the civil rights complaint. Texas Housers,
benefiting White residents living in smaller wife discovered the black mold that was a nonprofit focused on housing in low-income
towns, the agency concluded. making their daughter so sick. A city inspec- communities, and Northeast Action Collec-
Houston has faced seven federally declared tor recommended that the house be con- tive, a grassroots advocacy group of Houston
disasters in the last seven years and suffered demned. residents, filed the complaint with HUD last
an estimated $2 billion in damage from Hur- ‘‘I was so ashamed,’’ Hester said. ‘‘We year.
ricane Harvey in 2017. That storm devastated didn’t have nowhere else to go.’’ Instead, funds were steered toward inland,
Kashmere Gardens, where Hester has lived His mother had purchased the home in Whiter communities that were far less se-
his entire life. The floodwaters from Harvey 1960, paying the mortgage with wages from verely impacted by hurricanes and used to
deposited black mold throughout Hester’s her job flipping burgers 16 hours a day. Hes- fund routine infrastructure, the complaint
home and left his daughter chronically short ter was born in the house months later. said. That includes $17.5 million for a new
of breath. He had stayed in the house after Hurricane community center in Caldwell County that
The state, which is appealing HUD’s find- Alicia flooded the home in 1983. And after is supposed to double as an evacuation cen-
ings, denied discriminating, saying the Texas Ike in 2008. Even after Harvey, Hester ter; $10.8 million to install a sewage system
General Land Office administered the federal stayed, hoping to someday pass the three- in the 379-person town of Iola; $6 million for
grant program based on HUD approval. bedroom ranch-style home onto his daugh- a new sheriff’s department radio tower and
The situation in Texas illustrates the chal- ter. radios for Gonzales County; and $4.2 million
lenge facing the Biden administration, which But Hester, who is on disability for herni- for a 2,000-foot-long road in Bastrop County
has pledged to focus on racial equity but is ated disks in his back and neck from his to connect a Walmart parking lot and a
struggling to protect low-income commu- years as a long-haul truck driver, and his Home Depot, justified as an alternate path
nities of color from the growing threat of cli- wife, who sells insurance, never had the for emergency vehicles in case the adjacent
mate change. Even after HUD’s finding of money to adequately repair the storm-rav- freeway is clogged with hurricane evacuees
discrimination, the agency said it does not aged roof and mold-covered walls. from the Gulf Coast 161 miles away.
have the power at this time to suspend the Hester said the city informed him after ‘‘These mitigation funds are a strategy to
rest of the $4.3 billion in disaster mitigation Harvey that he was ineligible for funding to undo the systemic racism of the past, but
money awarded to the state under criteria fix the home because of unpaid property that’s not what we’re seeing Texas inter-
approved by the Trump administration. taxes. ested in at all,’’ said John Henneberger, co-
‘‘What is happening here with these federal ‘‘It’s not just about the storm drainage,’’ director of Texas Housers. ‘‘This is a test of
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dollars going through the state and not one Hester said. ‘‘It’s about everything.’’ how serious HUD and the Biden administra-
dime coming to the City of Houston post- Hester said that the rainbow-hued oily tion are in enforcing civil rights.’’
Hurricane Harvey is absolutely crazy, and it waters he had splashed in while playing in HUD’s Office of Community Planning and
cannot be justified,’’ said Houston Mayor the drainage ditches as a child had been pol- Development, which oversees disaster miti-
Sylvester Turner. ‘‘What do I say to the peo- luted with cancer-causing creosote used to gation aid, wrote to the Texas General Land
ple in Kashmere Gardens when these storms treat wooden railroad ties and utility poles. Office in March expressing ‘‘grave concerns’’
keep coming, and we are not putting in the A 2019 state health department investigation over the distribution of the first round of
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H4946 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 13, 2022
grants. ‘‘The State has not identified a plan homes. ‘‘The ditches overflow, and once they Hurricane Harvey flooded nearly 100,000
to protect communities while guarding are full, the water comes back on you,’’ homes in Houston, inflicting $16 billion in
against competition criteria that could dis- Wanza said. residential damage. Guevara had growing
advantage minority residents,’’ HUD wrote. On the other side of the bayou, Hester said mold, damaged floors, and a leaking pipe.
If a voluntary resolution cannot be reached, the city had recently cleaned out part of a With a small FEMA grant and the help of
HUD said it could refer the matter to the De- ditch lining his street for the first time he local nonprofits, he was eventually able to
partment of Justice for enforcement. could recall in more than a decade. Dirt and repair his home.
But advocates worry that could come too bricks still block some of the culverts. But today, thousands in Houston still wait
late for communities like Kashmere Gar- ‘‘Right up under there, look,’’ he said, for funds to rebuild. Disaster recovery aid
dens. pointing beneath the concrete walkway lead- through HUD often comes with significant
While HUD said it cannot stop the state ing from the street to his front yard. ‘‘It’s delays since the program is ad hoc, requiring
from awarding the rest of the grants ‘‘due to stopped up on both sides.’’ Congress to approve spending for each dis-
prior decisions,’’ it would begin monitoring He nodded farther down the street to an- aster. In 2018, HUD allocated $5 billion to
how the money is distributed and warned it other culvert: ‘‘That whole drain hole was Texas through its Community Development
could claw back the funds if necessary. flooded.’’ He and his next door neighbor had Block Grant Disaster Recovery program,
‘‘Texas has a history of sending money to removed as many bricks as they could to which is designed to help with long-term re-
those who are politically connected,’’ said move the water through. ‘‘If we don’t do building.
Shannon Van And, a professor of urban plan- things around here, ain’t nothing going to HUD had sent the money to the Texas Gen-
ning at Texas A.M. University whose re- get done. I have to go around here and try to eral Land Office, or GLO, the state agency
search focuses on hazard reduction and hous- help, and I’m in bad shape myself.’’ run by George P. Bush, grandson of former
ing. She noted that racial disparities oc- Hester limped around the perimeter of his President George H. W. Bush, which is re-
curred with the distribution of disaster funds home and pointed two feet up the siding sponsible for public lands, mineral rights,
after Hurricane Ike in 2008. where Harvey floodwaters had reached—a re- and the Alamo historical site, as well as dis-
Civil rights advocates say HUD has the au- minder of the catastrophe he says he failed aster recovery. In turn, the state agency
thority to suspend Texas’s ability to spend to protect his daughter from. gave Houston’s share to the city, but didn’t
federal grant money; it has done so under A nonprofit had removed the mold inside entirely relinquish control, continuing to
previous administrations. But Sara Pratt, when it fixed up the house in 2020, installing oversee how funds were doled out. The city
former deputy assistant secretary in HUD’s new cabinets, a new roof and laminate floor- and state agency squabbled over how to run
fair housing office who is now representing ing. things, and when HUD began an audit of the
Texas Housers as an attorney, said there is But the entryway still slopes. The floor program, the fight escalated, eventually
longstanding division among HUD staff over joists need to be repaired. The porch is lop- making its way to the Texas Supreme Court.
enforcing civil rights violations when mak- sided, its wood rotted. In October 2020, the feud ended with the state
ing funding decisions. Hester is stooped from years of pain. Yet seizing control of the program.
‘‘There is deep disagreement internally,’’ he remains intent on doing what he can to All the while, many residents remained in
Pratt said. ‘‘The secretary’s job is to resolve make things right. dangerous living conditions, stuck in homes
disputes like this.’’ ‘‘It’s not my life I’m worried about. It’s my with leaking roofs and mold-filled walls, said
HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge declined daughter’s,’’ Hester said. ‘‘I’m half dead.’’ Becky Selle, a codirector at the grassroots
to comment because the Texas investigation --
group West Street Recovery. It’s unclear
remains open, HUD spokesman Michael [From Grist, April 14, 2022]
whether those waiting will ever get assist-
Burns said. 5 YEARS AFTER HURRICANE HARVEY, MANY IN ance. In January, when HUD published its
‘‘Her commitment to civil rights and fair HOUSTON ARE STILL WAITING FOR HELP audit, only 297 of nearly 8,800 applicants had
housing is well documented and unwavering, In Billy Guevara’s neighborhood on the received funds. (The state has until August
and she is committed to ensuring that all northeast side of Houston, people get nerv- 2025 to use the money.)
HUD funds are used in compliance with all ous when it rains. Old ditches strain under The struggle to access federal aid extended
relevant laws and program requirements,’’ the deluge of a Gulf storm, and mud and far beyond homeowner’s assistance. Harvey
Burns said. water fill the streets. Guevara, a writer who was among the first disasters for which
In response to widespread criticism over
is blind, once had a seeing-eye dog that HUD’s Community Development Block
how the first $1 billion in Harvey disaster
would navigate around the ankle-deep pud- Grant Disaster Recovery program made
grants was distributed, Texas now plans to
dles and lingering muck. ‘‘It became unsafe money available for mitigation projects like
allocate $750 million to Harris County. Hous-
because I ended up having to walk almost in widening bayous, upgrading water and sewer
ton is due to receive an additional $9 million
the middle of the street,’’ he said. ‘‘It stays systems, or buying out flood-prone homes.
out of $488 million that the state plans to
there for days.’’ This marked a major shift: While disaster re-
send to the Houston-Galveston region. Guevara is a member of the Northeast Ac-
City officials point out that the $9 million covery funds had to be tied to damage from
tion Collective, a community group pushing a specific disaster, the $4.3 billion mitigation
amounts to less than one tenth of the cost of
the city and Harris County for equitable in- fund could be used to improve conditions,
its proposed improvements to Kashmere Gar-
vestments in flood control. He says drainage making communities safer.
dens.
in his neighborhood of Lakewood is out- Houston and Harris County accounted for
In Kashmere Gardens on a recent morning
dated: ‘‘It cannot handle the type of rain more than half of Texas’ damage from Hurri-
after a thunderstorm inundated streetside
that we see now.’’ When Hurricane Harvey cane Harvey, but when the GLO released its
drainage ditches, bulldozers and dump trucks
hit in 2017, homes across many of northeast spending plan in December 2019, city officials
worked to widen and deepen Hunting Bayou
Houston’s Black and Hispanic neighborhoods feared Houston wouldn’t get its fair share.
to absorb runoff from future storms.
The work is a small portion of a $2.5 billion flooded, swamped under 30 inches of rain in Because there weren’t enough funds for
flood protection bond that Harris County what was the country’s costliest disaster every proposed project, the state’s land of-
passed in 2018. The bulk of the bond money that year. Under the rush of water, one of fice set up a competition in which jurisdic-
was directed to wealthier neighborhoods be- the walls in Guevara’s home began to bulge tions would apply for a slice of the $1 billion
cause the county expected to receive federal out. in the initial round. HUD identified 20 main-
disaster funds for poorer ones, according to Years after Harvey, little aid has made it ly coastal counties, including Harris County,
county commissioner Rodney Ellis. to the people of Houston. The federal govern- that were most distressed by Hurricane Har-
But without money to upgrade the ditch ment budgeted some $9.3 billion so that com- vey and would be eligible for funds. The land
system to drain storm water from neighbor- munities could not only rebuild, but also office then expanded the list, adding coun-
hood streets, it’s unclear if the bayou expan- better prepare for the next storm. But city ties that fell under the umbrella of the origi-
sion will be effective. and regional governments have delivered lit- nal FEMA disaster declaration in 2017. That
‘‘This is the Texas two-step in Houston. tle of those funds, and a state agency’s more than doubled the list with more rural,
You have to get the water from the neigh- ‘‘competition’’ has held back aid that the inland counties like Milam, 200 miles from
borhoods to the bayous. And then you have Department of Housing and Urban Develop- the coast.
to get the water from the bayous to the Gulf ment designated for post-Harvey mitigation, When results from the competition came
of Mexico,’’ said Ellis, who represents the money which would have helped upgrade out last May, Houston didn’t get a cent. The
area. drainage systems. As a result, low-income city’s requests for $470 million worth of
Residents, too, remain skeptical. communities like Guevara’s have been left projects, like flood control in the majority-
‘‘It’s a wait and see situation,’’ said Doro- out of much-needed infrastructure improve- Black neighborhoods Sunnyside and
thy Wanza, another Kashmere Gardens resi- ments. Kashmere Gardens, were rejected. So was the
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE
dent whose street turned into a river during Without their fair share of aid, commu- $200 million watershed improvement plan for
Harvey and flooded her home with more than nities struggling to rebuild will be just as the flood-prone Halls Bayou, which is sur-
a foot of water. The experience left the 80- vulnerable when the next storm comes, advo- rounded by some of Houston’s poorest neigh-
year-old so traumatized that ‘‘every time it cates say. These obstacles also expose weak- borhoods. ‘‘For the State GLO not to give
rains, I get the hell out of dodge.’’ nesses in HUD’s recently created mitigation one dime in the initial distribution to the
She spent the previous night fully dressed, program, which aims to help reduce risks city and a very small portion to Harris Coun-
prepared to evacuate to one of her children’s from future climate disasters. ty shows a callous disregard to the people of
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May 13, 2022 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4947
Houston and Harris County,’’ Houston Mayor She said GLO has complied with HUD’s re- countability and performance improve-
Sylvester Turner said in a state1nent at the quirements, and now it’s being faulted for ment. These are the objectives of my
time. not ‘‘going above and beyond’’ to benefit amendment.
Instead, funds largely went to smaller, even more minority residents than it already
whiter, inland towns. They went to drainage
My amendment also deals with mak-
has. Eck said the land office is appealing
upgrades in Rockdale, a two-hour drive HUD’s findings. ing sure, through a GAO study, that
northwest of Houston, and sewage improve- ‘‘GLO did not engage in discrimination, CSBG has performed well; which pro-
ments in Nixon, a small town outside San and HUD’s allegations amount to nothing grammatic activities, services, and
Antonio that emerged from Harvey un- more than unlawful attempts to ‘second- other uses of funds were the most effec-
scathed and sheltered evacuees fleeing the guess’ GLO’s open and transparent competi- tive and had the greatest positive im-
storm. ‘‘The more that we’re giving this tion process, which was approved by HUD,’’ pact; which administrative, organiza-
money to inland counties and jurisdictions, Eck said. tional, structural, and operational
we are actually taking away from where we When the state agency’s spending plan was
truly need the money and where the money still a draft, Madison Sloan, director of the
strategies and tactics that were de-
was originally intended to assist commu- disaster recovery and fair housing project at ployed were most successful; how much
nities,’’ said Julia Orduña, the southeast Texas Appleseed, a public interest justice of the CSBG funds were allocated to
Texas regional director at Texas Housers, a center, sent a letter detailing concerns that States for distribution to and use by
low-income housing group. its scoring system would divert money from community action agencies; and
After the snub, the city of Houston hoped the hardest-hit areas. ‘‘I don’t want to deny whether these grants retained by each
for a second chance when the Houston-Gal- that communities all over the state need State exceeded the percentage of such
veston Area Council, a regional council span- mitigation,’’ she said. ‘‘But when you look at funds that were allowed to be retained.
ning 13 counties, planned to deal out its own where the damage was, where people are
pool of the funds. But in February, the coun- In effect, the GAO would be con-
most vulnerable, it is the coast. What this
cil granted just 2 percent of its $488 million represents is a missed opportunity to do ducting a performance audit of this
to the city, which represents around 30 per- some really largescale, meaningful mitiga- program to position it for a fresh start
cent of the council’s population. tion on the coast that’s going to protect a by determining the extent to which
According to the council, Houston and lot of people.’’ these funds reached their intended
Harris County didn’t need much more than These problems aren’t limited to Houston. beneficiaries. Many times, minorities,
that because the GLO planned to grant the Along the coast, other cities hit hard by Hur- though it was directed for them, are
county a direct payment of $750 million—a ricane Harvey, like Beaumont, Corpus Chris-
promise only made after the first competi-
disadvantaged because of the agency.
ti, and Port Arthur, lost out in the competi-
tion received intense criticism. But that Finally, the net result will be trans-
tion. In Port Arthur, where the poverty rate
wasn’t a fair consideration, according to is twice the national average, floods pro- parency and improvement so that oth-
Mayor Turner, since that grant had yet to be pelled by nearly 50 inches of rain devastated ers will be served and helped. I thank
approved. the housing stock. Decades of underinvest- you for including it in the amendments
Last June, the Northeast Action Collective ment have eroded residents’ ability to re- en bloc.
and Texas Housers filed a civil rights com- cover from disasters, said Michelle Smith, Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of
plaint with HUD, alleging that the GLO dis- marketing director at the Community In- H.R. 5129, the ‘‘Community Service Block
criminated against Black and Hispanic resi- Power and Development Association, Inc., an
dents. In a recent letter sharing the findings
Grant Modernization Act of 2022.’’ I applaud
environmental justice group in the city.
of its investigation, the federal agency sided Leadership for bringing H.R. 5129—which has
Some decided to leave Port Arthur entirely
with the organizations, saying the competi- because ‘‘they had nothing to come back to,’’ strong bipartisan support—to the Floor for
tion ‘‘substantially and predictably dis- she said. So it stung when the city’s proposal consideration and votes.
advantaged minority residents, with particu- for a $97 million drainage project was re- For decades, the Community Service Block
larly disparate outcomes for Black resi- jected. Grant (CSBG) has fueled a wide range of anti-
dents.’’ Without these funds, communities that poverty programs, activities, and services
A major issue, according to HUD, was that were poorly equipped for Harvey are just as across the country. It has been profoundly
the state agency split the competition in vulnerable to the next storm. ‘‘This is an on-
two. Half the funds were reserved for coun-
beneficial, improving countless lives by helping
going thing,’’ Smith said. ‘‘With each hurri- Americans who are most in need of an assist,
ties that the federal government had identi- cane, we continue to suffer because we’re not
fied as hardest hit by Harvey—where Black able to recover. The little bit that we can
enabling them to rise up and access the path
and Hispanic residents were most likely to salvage is then taken away again and again to a better quality-of-life.
live—while the other half went to more and again.’’ H.R. 5129 not only provides a long-overdue
rural, inland counties included on the state’s Sloan thinks the whole situation exposes reauthorization of the program; it also im-
expanded list, which tended to be whiter. fissures in HUD’s mitigation program. It’s proves the CSBG in many ways, including by
At minimum, HUD required that half of largely up to states to decide how to divvy adding systems that will enhance the pro-
the funds would go to communities on its up funds, but studies are needed in advance
list of hardest-hit counties. While the state gram’s transparency, accountability, and eval-
to ensure fair distribution, she said. That uations in the future.
agency met that requirement, dividing the doesn’t just benefit the vulnerable; it could
competition in two also meant awards to Accountability and performance improve-
make the coast, as a whole, more resilient.
those counties would be capped at 50 percent. ‘‘Funding to areas where vulnerable people ment are also the objectives of the Jackson
But those counties represented 90 percent of of color live is going to benefit plenty of Lee amendment, through additional mecha-
the population in the entire competition, white people, plenty of higher-income people nisms. My amendment would direct the Comp-
amounting to much less money available for who also live in those areas,’’ she said. ‘‘In troller General of the GAO to study how the
Black and Hispanic residents. this case, in general, equity means everyone CSBG has performed over the past ten years,
After the winners were announced in May wins.’’
2021, GLO spokeswoman Brittany Eck focusing on:
After backlash followed the first competi- which programmatic activities, services, and
backed the results in a statement to the tion, the state’s land office announced that
Houston Chronicle. ‘‘It is important that it would give the remaining funds to regional
other uses of funds were the most effective
Texas inland counties are resilient as they bodies like the Houston-Galveston Area and had the greatest positive impact on indi-
provide vital assistance to our coastal com- Council to distribute—the same entity that viduals and communities that the CSBG was
munities during events such as asset staging, offered Houston a minuscule amount of fed- designed to serve;
evacuations, sheltering, and emergency re- eral aid. ‘‘The GLO’s solution to not doing a which administrative, organizational, struc-
sponse/recovery,’’ she said. second competition was pushing the respon- tural, and operational strategies and tactics
The competition favored smaller commu- sibility to local jurisdictions,’’ said Orduña,
nities. A flood control project in Houston’s that were deployed by states were the most
who felt the new plan does not rectify HUD’s productive, efficient, and successful, such that
mostly Black and Hispanic neighborhood of allegations of discrimination.
Kashmere Gardens, HUD’s letter explained, There will be other storms to come, and
they should be considered as ‘‘best practices’’
would have helped 8,845 residents. But Hous- Congress will eventually allocate more for replication by other states going forward;
ton’s total population is 2.3 million, so the money to rebuild from them. When that hap- how much of CSBG funds that were allo-
project scored less than 1 out of 10 points be- pens, Billy Guevara, of the Northeast Action cated to states for distribution to, and use by,
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE
cause it would help only a small percentage Collective, worries all the talk and reports Community Action Agencies and other eligible
of residents. On the other hand, the city of will have been just that. ‘‘That’s our biggest entities were not fully disbursed by states to
Iola applied for a wastewater project that all fear,’’ he said. ‘‘Being overlooked again.’’
379 of its residents would gain from. It scored those intended recipients; and
10 out of 10, and the project was funded. Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, whether CSBG funds retained by each state
In an email to Grist, Eck accused the fed- my amendment is extremely impor- exceeded the percentage of such funds that
eral agency of ‘‘blatant political theater.’’ tant. Very quickly, it deals with ac- were allowed to be retained by the state for
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H4948 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 13, 2022
administrative and other permissible purposes, The question is on the amendments Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield
the amount that was retained in excess of en bloc. myself such time as I may consume.
what was allowed, and to what other uses The question was taken; and the Madam Speaker, this en bloc in-
those funds were applied or to what other ac- Speaker pro tempore announced that cludes several amendments that I be-
count were they transmitted. the ayes appeared to have it. lieve would vastly improve the under-
In effect, the GAO would be conducting a Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, on that I lying legislation.
‘‘performance audit’’ of the CSBG program to demand the yeas and nays. First, one of the included amend-
position it for a fresh start, citing its strengths The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ments will address a critical concern. I
and shortcomings, and making recommenda- ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution cannot support any legislation that
tions that will help states optimize their efforts 8, the yeas and nays are ordered. opens the door for taxpayer funding of
in the years ahead. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- abortion, and this bill opens that door.
By determining the extent to which CSBG ther proceedings on this question are The legislation includes vague lan-
funds reached their intended beneficiaries and postponed. guage allowing program funds to ad-
fulfilled their intended purpose, we will see AMENDMENTS EN BLOC NO. 2 OFFERED BY MS. dress health needs and improve health
which states have been conscientiously ad- BONAMICI OF OREGON and well-being. While this might sound
ministering the program, which could help cali- Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, nice at first blush, it hides a huge prob-
brate future strategies to structure and monitor pursuant to section 11 of House Resolu- lem. I am concerned that instead of
the program. tion 1097, I rise to offer amendments en helping people receive high-quality
The net result is that the GAO study and re- bloc No. 2. healthcare, it will lead to taxpayer dol-
port provided by the Jackson Lee amendment The SPEAKER pro tempore. The lars funding abortions.
will provide transparency and accountability to Clerk will designate the amendments The majority of Americans oppose
the program’s recent past performance. The en bloc. seeing their hard-earned dollars go to
findings will enable the program, and the Amendments en bloc No. 2 consisting pay for abortions, and we must do all
states that administer it, to learn from the past, of amendment Nos. 3, 5, and 10, printed in our power to stop that from ever
adjust their programs to maximize results, and in part F of House Report 117–320, of- happening. This amendment will make
revitalize their efforts for each state’s next fered by Ms. BONAMICI of Oregon: sure that no taxpayer dollars are used
chapter of CSBG performance. AMENDMENT NO. 3 OFFERED BY MR. GOOD OF
to reimburse healthcare services. It
Thank you, Madam Speaker, for bringing VIRGINIA
will also ensure that taxpayer dollars
this very important bipartisan legislation to the Page 28, after line 6, insert the following:
‘‘(e) PROHIBITION.—Funds made available to
are not used for experimental gender
Floor today. hormone medications or other harmful
carry out this subtitle shall not be used to
I urge all my colleagues to support the bill, gender medical interventions.
provide direct payment or reimbursement
including the Jackson Lee amendment and the for any health care services.’’. Additionally, this amendment takes
entire en bloc amendment. AMENDMENT NO. 5 OFFERED BY MR. GROTHMAN the commonsense steps to prohibit tax-
Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I reserve OF WISCONSIN payer dollars from funding lobbying ac-
the balance of my time. Page 27, line 18, strike ‘‘200 percent of’’. tivities and voter registration activi-
b 1015 Beginning on page 27, strike line 24 and all ties. H.R. 5129 would allow program
that follows through line 6 on page 28, and funds to be used for voter registration
Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, I insert the following:
yield myself the balance of my time to efforts. While getting more eligible in-
‘‘(2) Whenever a State determines that it
close. dividuals registered to vote is a worthy
serves the objectives of the block grant pro-
Madam Speaker, once again, I reit- gram established under this subtitle, the goal, we should not jeopardize the in-
erate that these amendments en bloc State may revise the poverty line not to ex- tegrity of this program or let the next
contain commonsense proposals that ceed 125 percent of the poverty line other- election distract from serving low-in-
strengthen the underlying bill. I appre- wise applicable under this paragraph.’’. come Americans.
ciate my colleagues for their contribu- AMENDMENT NO. 10 OFFERED BY MRS. MCCLAIN Finally, this amendment ensures
tions and their strong support of im- OF MICHIGAN that limited Federal funds are spent on
proving access to services, combating Page 64 line 17, strike ‘‘or’’ at the end. those Americans most in need by main-
Page 64, line 21, strike the period at the taining the poverty threshold that ex-
poverty, and uplifting low-income peo- end and insert ‘‘; or’’.
ple in our communities. ists in current law. Increasing this
Page 64, after line 21, insert the following:
I strongly urge support of the amend- (C) any voter registration activity.
threshold will just expand the pool of
ments en bloc and the underlying bill, Page 65, line 5, strike ‘‘(c)’’ and insert eligible participants and stretch re-
and I yield back the balance of my ‘‘(d)’’. sources thinner. We need to tailor the
time. Page 65, after line 4, insert the following: program to ensure that Federal dollars
‘‘(c) PROHIBITION ON LOBBYING.—No funds serve those most in need.
Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield
available to carry out this subtitle shall be Madam Speaker, I hope my col-
myself the balance of my time to close. used, directly or indirectly, to influence the
My friends at home tell me all the issuance, amendment, or revocation of any
leagues will support this group of
time that they believe common sense is executive order or similar promulgation by amendments, and I reserve the balance
in short supply in Washington. I com- any Federal, State, or local agency, or to un- of my time.
pletely agree with them. It is prac- dertake to influence the passage or defeat of Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, I
tically nonexistent on the other side. any legislation by Congress, or by any State yield myself such time as I may con-
Madam Speaker, we can exercise or local legislative body, or State proposals sume.
common sense by focusing on reform- by initiative petition, except that the rep- Madam Speaker, I rise in strong op-
ing the Federal safety net so that pro- resentatives of the entity may testify or position to these amendments en bloc.
make other appropriate communication— The amendments contained in this en
grams pull people out of poverty and ‘‘(1) when formally requested to do so by a
into self-sufficiency and not encour- legislative body, a committee, or a member
bloc are either a distraction from the
aging them to stay in dependency on of the body or committee; or bipartisan work we are doing today or
the Federal Government. Adding more ‘‘(2) in connection with legislation or ap- fundamentally undermine the improve-
duplication and bureaucracy to the propriations directly affecting the activities ments we are putting forth in this leg-
CSBG program will not accomplish of the entity.’’. islation. Notably, this en bloc includes
that goal. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- yet another Republican attack on
I urge my colleagues to oppose these ant to House Resolution 1097, the gen- women’s rights and liberty.
amendments and yield back the bal- tlewoman from Oregon (Ms. BONAMICI) Instead of focusing on what we have
ance of my time. and the gentlewoman from North Caro- accomplished together to strengthen
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- lina (Ms. FOXX) each will control 10 this program in a bipartisan way, some
ant to House Resolution 1097, the pre- minutes. of my colleagues across the aisle are
vious question is ordered on the The Chair recognizes the gentle- trying to further divide us. Madam
amendments en bloc offered by the woman from Oregon. Speaker, it has been 24 years since the
gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, I last reauthorization of the community
BONAMICI). reserve the balance of my time. services block grant program in 1998.
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May 13, 2022 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4949
Our communities need a comprehen- maintained stable housing for over a rific practice of abortion. To Demo-
sive reauthorization, not a partisan year. crats, I say bring it on. Let Democrats
controversy that will delay the urgent Madam Speaker, Daniel’s story is defend piercing a baby’s skull and
need to renew this program. just one example of why raising the sucking out its brains, tearing an in-
From the beginning of the program, Federal poverty level eligibility to 200 fant limb from limb, or burning it alive
community action agencies have ad- percent is so critical to this legisla- with a saline injection. Call it what it
dressed the health needs of low-income tion. Unlike the underlying legislation, is and call them out for supporting
individuals in their communities, par- these amendments en bloc would weak- abortion with no restrictions whatso-
ticularly important to rural commu- en CSBG, or it offers solutions in ever.
nities. The 1964 Economic Opportunity search of problems. Just this week, Democrats pushed
Act, which first authorized the commu- One of the needless proposals in this another failed abortion-on-demand
nity action program, the predecessor to en bloc actually duplicates the current vote in the Senate, a bill that passed
CSBG, specifies that such program funding restriction in the bill and stat- this House with no Republican votes
shall be conducted in those fields with ute for voter registration activities but, sadly, all but one Democrat sup-
the purposes of this part, including em- which, of course, are nonpartisan ac- porting it, as they try to ensure that
ployment, job training and counseling, tivities. America remains among the most ex-
and health, indicating that health has Madam Speaker, we are here today to treme nations in the world with the
always been and continues to be a core support a bipartisan CSBG reauthoriza- most radical laws on abortion.
part of addressing poverty conditions tion and the important work of com- Now, this current piece of legislation
that is the central mission of these munity action agencies in our commu- will permit Federal dollars to be used
agencies. nities. These amendments en bloc to harm the unborn, as it includes a
Additionally, this en bloc would seek would move us backward. I strongly provision that allows taxpayer dollars
to strip out language from H.R. 5129 al- urge my colleagues to reject these to be used to ‘‘address health needs and
lowing CAAs, community action agen- amendments in this en bloc and sup- improve health and well-being’’ and
cies, to serve individuals up to 200 per- port the underlying bill, and I reserve ‘‘to identify and respond to physical
cent of the Federal poverty line. the balance of my time. and behavioral health challenges.’’
Congress supported, in a bipartisan Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield However, a recent Marist poll found
manner, allowing community action 31⁄2 minutes to the gentleman from Vir- that 54 percent of Americans oppose
agencies to serve individuals up to 200 ginia (Mr. GOOD). using taxpayer dollars to fund abor-
percent of the poverty line to provide Mr. GOOD of Virginia. Madam Speak- tions.
flexibility during the COVID–19 pan- er, the Supreme Court seems poised to My amendment would protect tax-
demic. The CARES Act, for example, finally, mercifully, reverse the only de- payers from being forced to pay for
the FY 2022 Labor/HHS appropriations abortions, even if Hyde were repealed.
cision in the history of the Court that
If this bill is not intended to fund abor-
bill, and the recently passed omnibus has cost more than 60 million precious
tion, then accept and pass my amend-
all included an allowance for CAAs to innocent lives which, by the way, be-
ment.
serve individuals up to 200 percent of yond the moral travesty, has contrib- Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, I
the poverty line. uted massively to our labor shortages have a lot to say in response to the
The CSBG statute, which we know and Social Security and Medicare gentleman, but I am going to take a
now is more than 20 years out of date, being on the verge of bankruptcy. deep breath and say, this is a bill about
sets the income eligibility for CSBG In typical fashion, Democrats are re- helping to lift low-income Americans
services at 100 percent of the official vealing who they are with their re- out of poverty. It is a bipartisan bill we
poverty line or 125 percent if the State sponse, and their unlawful protests and have been working on for many years.
chooses. Currently, the very low-in- intimidation tactics at the homes of It is time to update the community
come eligibility criteria—this is equiv- the Justices, while the administration services block grant program and help
alent to about $27,180 for a single per- and their allies in this body cheer them lift low-income Americans in Oregon
son in 2022—for CSBG creates a cliff. on. and across the country out of poverty.
Individuals will be cut off from public Democrats can’t win at the ballot I oppose these amendments en bloc,
assistance and services as soon as they box or through the legislative process, and I encourage my colleagues to op-
make a dime over the income thresh- so they try to eliminate the electoral pose them. I continue to reserve the
old. college, rig election laws, eliminate the balance of my time.
We must remember that community filibuster, pack the Supreme Court, Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield 2
action agencies are unique, as they do pack the Senate, give statehood to D.C. minutes to the gentlewoman from
not operate a single program. Rather, and Puerto Rico, and now threaten Michigan (Mrs. MCCLAIN.)
CAAs operate and often coordinate an Justices at their homes. Mrs. MCCLAIN. Madam Speaker, I
array of Federal, State, and local pro- This is because Democrats are the would agree with my colleague across
grams, all with varying eligibility re- radical extremists on abortion. They the aisle, this bill should be about lift-
quirements. For example, more than have become the party of death. Their ing families out of poverty and pro-
half of community action agencies op- position is abortion at any time, for viding hope to underserved commu-
erate the Weatherization Assistance any reason, up to and beyond the mo- nities. Let’s do that, and let’s actually
Program. That uses 200 percent of the ment of birth, with taxpayers being for once in agreement, let’s put our
poverty income guidance as the eligi- forced to fund it. money where our mouth is and let’s ac-
bility criteria. I didn’t hear any Democrats criticize tually make sure that the dollars are
I will share a story of Daniel from the former Governor of Virginia when actually used for what the bill intends
North Dakota. When the pandemic he said a couple of years ago that a them to be used for.
struck, Daniel was working in a fast- mother and her doctor can have a con- We should not be blurring lines be-
food restaurant, and his hours were re- versation after a baby is born and de- tween workforce issues and political
duced. With his employment income, cide whether or not to kill it. campaigns. This isn’t a political cam-
he is above the statutory 125 percent, I say, let’s have this fight in this paign, correct? Facilities used for com-
but below the 200 percent flexibility Congress. munity service block grants should not
Congress has provided with bipartisan We had an election 6 months ago in be open to political activities during
support. Unfortunately, Daniel’s hous- purple Virginia when everyone knew operation hours. Sadly, this is exactly
ing was unstable, and he was couch that the Supreme Court would be re- what my colleagues on the other side
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE
surfing. He received case management viewing Roe v. Wade, and the party of want, and they are notorious for talk-
to assist with his housing search. death got trounced in that election. ing about a bill and then packing it full
Through CSBG funds provided under Republicans must embrace this mo- of something that has nothing to do
the CARES Act, he received assistance ment and stand for life, expose Demo- with the bill. So let’s do what we say
with a security deposit in February of crats for the radical extremists they we are going to do and actually help
2021. With this assistance, Daniel has are, and work to end the brutal, hor- the communities.
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H4950 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 13, 2022
b 1030 ments to the underlying legislation Page 24, line 14, strike ‘‘and’’ at the end.
and make sure that program funds are Page 24 line 19, strike the period at the end
Where does this end? This is the foot and insert ‘‘; and’’.
in the door to allow real partisan ac- spent on the program’s original goal, Page 24, after line 19, insert the following:
tion to be commingled with Federal serving low-income Americans and ‘‘(ix) providing support to eligible entities
programs. We have a clear example of helping them get out of poverty. to address the needs of veterans, particularly
this that is happening today. Madam Speaker, I urge my col- homeless veterans.’’.
Need I remind everyone about leagues to support this en bloc amend- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu-
ACORN? That should be example ment, and I yield back the balance of ant to House Resolution 1097, the gen-
enough to illustrate why this is a ter- my time. tleman from New Jersey (Mr.
rible idea but, apparently, not for my Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, I GOTTHEIMER) and a Member opposed
colleagues on the other side of the yield myself the balance of my time. each will control 5 minutes.
aisle. Madam Speaker, again, I reiterate The Chair recognizes the gentleman
My amendment is simple. It would my strong opposition to this en bloc from New Jersey.
remove the troubling language in this amendment and support for the under- Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Madam Speaker,
bill that allows taxpayer-funded com- lying bill. I yield myself such time as I may con-
munity action centers to be used to in- This bipartisan bill is about improv- sume.
crease voting registration. ing services for our communities Madam Speaker, I rise in support of
Let’s keep the bill to what you say it through community action, and these my amendment to the bipartisan Com-
is going to be. It would also prohibit efforts are long overdue. munity Services Block Grant Mod-
community service block grant funds Unlike the underlying bill that en- ernization Act.
from any lobbying activities. Again, joys broad bipartisan support and re- Before I begin, I thank all the vet-
let’s actually use the funds for the peo- flects the input of stakeholders who erans back in my home district in
ple in the community, not the politics. represent these agencies and their vital northern New Jersey and nationwide
We all want eligible Americans to work in our communities, this en bloc from the bottom of my heart for put-
register to vote and actually get to the amendment ignores what we have ac- ting your lives on the line to defend
polls on election day. But that is not complished together to strengthen this our freedom, our families, and the
the purpose of the community block program and seeks to further divide us. greatest democracy the world has ever
grants. This bill should not blur the Rather than addressing the real known.
lines between educational and political needs of low-income individuals, this Please know this: After sacrificing so
activities. en bloc amendment attacks women’s much, no veteran should ever struggle
Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, I reproductive rights at a time when to get the care or recognition he or she
continue to reserve the balance of my they are under attack nationally. has earned. We should always get their
time. The sponsors of this en bloc amend- backs.
Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 ment have injected controversy into a My amendment to the legislation we
minute to the gentleman from Wis- policy on voter registration, which is are considering today will do just that.
consin (Mr. GROTHMAN). nonpartisan. Head Start has had a It will add critical support for our
Mr. GROTHMAN. Madam Speaker, I nearly identical policy for the last 40 brave veterans, particularly homeless
thank the gentlewoman for yielding. years with little evidence of a problem. veterans, to the list of allowable pur-
Madam Speaker, there are certainly Together, these amendments all poses on which State governments, in-
many concerns over this bill. The one failed in our bipartisan committee cluding my State of New Jersey, may
that I would like to highlight today is markup, and they should again. deploy Federal community services
that they are greatly increasing the ex- Madam Speaker, I strongly urge my block grant program investments.
pansion of eligibility for the bill. colleagues to reject this en bloc The bipartisan community services
Now, that doesn’t necessarily mean amendment and support the underlying block grant program helps to reduce
the bill is going to make things more bill. I yield back the balance of my poverty, revitalize communities, and
expensive, but you know very well if time. empower families and individuals to
we are going to bring a whole lot of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- become fully self-sufficient. It helps in-
new areas into the bill, if we don’t in- ant to House Resolution 1097, the pre- dividuals, like veterans, to get and
crease the spending, the areas that are vious question is ordered on the keep a good job, a good education,
currently part of the community serv- amendments en bloc offered by the housing, healthcare, and emergency as-
ices block grant are going to go down. gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. sistance and, above all, to participate
I don’t believe the majority party is BONAMICI). more actively in their communities.
going to let anybody go down, which The question is on the amendments In New Jersey, the program annually
means this bill anticipates a signifi- en bloc offered by the gentlewoman serves more than 200,000 individuals
cant increase in spending on this pro- from Oregon (Ms. BONAMICI). and 130,000 families through the work
gram. This is one of many programs The question was taken; and the of 25 community action agencies. These
that I would argue, under the Constitu- Speaker pro tempore announced that agencies are typically private non-
tion, really even should not be a Fed- the noes appeared to have it. profit organizations, public agencies,
eral concern. It should be a local con- Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, on that I or local government entities, like
cern. demand the yeas and nays. Greater Bergen County Community Ac-
To double the eligibility to 200 per- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- tion, which provides education and
cent and make that permanent is re- ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution training, financial counseling, and
sulting at a time when our spending is 8, the yeas and nays are ordered. more; or Bergen County’s government,
just completely out of control, setting Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- where our county executive and com-
up a situation in which there will be ther proceedings on this question are missioners have focused like a laser
dramatic spending on another govern- postponed. beam on successfully helping combat
ment program. AMENDMENT NO. 4 OFFERED BY MR. GOTTHEIMER veteran homelessness.
Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, I The SPEAKER pro tempore. It is now The bipartisan legislation on the
am prepared to close, and I continue to in order to consider amendment No. 4 floor today will make important up-
reserve the balance of my time. printed in part F of House Report 117– dates to the community services block
Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield 320. grant program. My amendment will
myself the balance of my time. Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Madam Speaker, add support for veterans and, in par-
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE
Madam Speaker, my colleagues have pursuant to section 10 of House Resolu- ticular, as I said, homeless veterans to
presented many good arguments tion 1097, I rise to offer an amendment. the list of investments States like New
against this bill in general and why we The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Jersey can make through the program.
should be voting for these amendments Clerk will designate the amendment. With this amendment, community
that are in this en bloc. These amend- The text of the amendment is as fol- action agencies will work alongside
ments will provide needed improve- lows: State and local agencies to raise
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May 13, 2022 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4951
awareness among veterans of housing lish the mental health services at the Madam Speaker, this amendment
programs and help those who bravely VA Community-Based Outpatient Clin- will help community action agencies
served our country to secure the hous- ic in Newton in Sussex County, New meet the needs of veterans, particu-
ing they need. Once stable housing is Jersey. I am working to cut through larly homeless veterans.
secured, community action agencies red tape with the VA Community Care Although many community action
will work with veterans and other eli- Network to ensure eligible north Jer- agencies already implement other Fed-
gible individuals to ensure the full sey veterans are able to receive refer- eral programs serving veterans, this
range of community resources, includ- rals for community care at ImageCare amendment will emphasize that all eli-
ing workforce training, health re- Centers across the Fifth District. We gible entities are able and equipped to
sources, and opportunities for peer sup- have made critical progress on that serve veterans and their communities.
port, are available to those veterans front. Now, more veterans in my dis- Again, I thank my colleague for of-
who need it most. trict have greater access to healthcare fering this amendment, and I thank the
Supporting our Nation’s veterans that they deserve. ranking member for supporting it as
with the community services block Let me just say, these are not Demo- well.
grant program is the least we can do. cratic or Republican issues. They are Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Madam Speaker,
After serving our country and putting red, white, and blue issues. They are I yield back the balance of my time.
their lives on the line to defend our issues core to protecting our great de- Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield
freedom and democracy, our Nation’s mocracy, the ones our veterans have myself the balance of my time.
veterans should not struggle to get the always fought for. Madam Speaker, we must do all we
resources they have earned. But far too There is nothing more important in can to make sure we help low-income
often, our veterans face issues finding this job than our responsibility to have and homeless veterans. I think this
housing and employment. It is unac- the backs of those who have served our amendment furthers that effort.
ceptable. great Nation, whether that is at the Madam Speaker, I urge my col-
On any given night, the Federal Gov- VA, a mental health issue, or helping leagues to support the amendment, and
ernment estimates that more than veterans find housing or get jobs when I yield back the balance of my time.
40,000 veterans are homeless. On top of they come back home. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu-
that, data shows that the unemploy- Madam Speaker, I urge my col- ant to House Resolution 1097, the pre-
ment rate of veterans ages 18 to 65 is leagues on both sides of the aisle to vious question is ordered on the
higher than the unemployment rate of vote in favor of my amendment to add amendment offered by the gentleman
nonveterans. support for veterans to the list of eligi- from New Jersey (Mr. GOTTHEIMER).
Today’s amendment builds on the ble community services block grant in- The question is on the amendment
work I helped lead, working with both vestments. offered by the gentleman from New
sides of the aisle in recent months and Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- Jersey (Mr. GOTTHEIMER).
since I was elected, to support our serv- ance of my time. The question was taken; and the
Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I claim Speaker pro tempore announced that
icemembers, veterans, and veteran
the time in opposition, but I am not the ayes appeared to have it.
families.
The first piece of legislation I passed opposed. Mr. CLYDE. Madam Speaker, on that
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- I demand the yeas and nays. The
in Congress was to expand hiring of
tlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes. SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to
post-9/11 veterans. Just weeks ago, I Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, we owe
was proud to join my colleagues in section 3(s) of House Resolution 8, the
our military veterans a huge debt of yeas and nays are ordered.
passing a 2.7 percent pay raise for gratitude, and we must make sure they Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur-
members of the military to ensure we are well supported as they transition ther proceedings on this question are
are getting the backs of those who back into the civilian workforce. postponed.
bravely have ours. This amendment encourages the
Late last year, the House passed the f
CSBG program to meet the needs of
bipartisan Student Veterans Coun- low-income veterans, especially home- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER
seling Centers Eligibility Act, which less veterans. It is surprising to me PRO TEMPORE
will expand access to mental health that we need to put such an amend- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pro-
services for veterans utilizing their GI ment in this bill because we would ceedings will resume on questions pre-
benefits at colleges and universities think that the CSBG program would viously postponed.
through established vet centers. already be doing it. But since this is a Votes will be taken in the following
In March, we passed the bipartisan worthy goal and one that I support, I order:
Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act will support this amendment. Amendments en bloc No. 1;
to help expand access to GI benefits for In fact, Madam Speaker, I wear a pin Amendments en bloc No. 2;
members of our military who serve in every day with the United States flag, Amendment No. 4;
the National Guard and Reserves, as the North Carolina flag, and a banner Motion to recommit, if offered; and
they don’t receive the same access to under it that says: ‘‘I support vet- Passage of the bill, if ordered.
vital GI benefits that they deserve as erans.’’ Therefore, I must support an The first electronic vote will be con-
well. amendment that would support vet- ducted as a 15-minute vote. Pursuant
Also in March, working with the erans. to clause 9 of rule XX, remaining elec-
members of the bipartisan Problem While I have concerns with the un- tronic votes will be conducted as 5-
Solvers Caucus, we passed the Hon- derlying bill, I think this is a good minute votes.
oring our PACT Act here in the House amendment, and I appreciate the gen- AMENDMENTS EN BLOC NO. 1 OFFERED BY MS.
to help veterans exposed to burn pits, tleman offering it. BONAMICI OF OREGON
covering veterans dating back to 1991 Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu-
and Operation Desert Storm and ance of my time. ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the unfin-
through our more recent post-9/11 con- Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Madam Speaker, ished business is the question on the
flicts. I thank the ranking member for her adoption of amendments en bloc No. 1,
This included my key provisions to comments and for the support of vet- printed in part F of House Report 117–
address the mental health impacts for erans. 320, on which further proceedings were
toxic exposure for veterans and to en- Madam Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to postponed and on which the yeas and
sure VA information on toxic exposure the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. nays were ordered.
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE
illnesses is published in multiple lan- BONAMICI). The Clerk will redesignate the
guages, like Korean and Spanish, to Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, I amendments en bloc.
help even more of our veterans. thank Representative GOTTHEIMER for The Clerk redesignated the amend-
Back home in New Jersey, I have his amendment and for his leadership ments en bloc.
been fighting for expanded access to in addressing the needs of our coun- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The
healthcare services, and I helped estab- try’s veterans. question is on the amendments en bloc
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