WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04) joined all Financial Services Committee Democrats in urging President Biden, Speaker Pelosi, and Senate Leader Schumer to include funding for housing in the Reconciliation bill. In a letter, led by Chairwoman Maxine Waters, the representatives call on leadership to prioritize housing infrastructure in the Build Back Better Act.
The letter cited the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the affordable housing crisis in the United States, specifically for low-income people and families of color. The lack of affordable housing has led to eviction, foreclosure, and homelessness. Before the pandemic, more than 580,000 people experienced homelessness on any given night; more than 20 million renter households paid unaffordable rents; and millions of mortgage-ready individuals were prevented from homeownership, including more than 20 million millennials.
“Affordable housing is a right and it is the responsibility of Congress to address it," Rep. Dean said. "My colleagues and I signed this letter to do just that, and I thank Rep. Maxine Waters for her leadership on it.”
The Financial Services Committee calls for the Build Back Better Act to include new resources for public housing, housing for seniors and people with disabilities, housing for people with the lowest income, rural housing, and climate resiliency.
The letter was signed by all 30 Financial Services Committee Democrats.
Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.
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