Carson Backs Comprehensive Housing Aid Package

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman André Carson joined the majority of his Congressional colleagues in supporting H.R. 3221, the American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008. This legislation will help families keep their homes and aid local communities hit hard by the foreclosure crisis. Below is the statement read earlier today by Congressman André Carson's on the House Floor in support of H.R. 3221:

"Mister Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Foreclosure Prevention Act. This comprehensive reform package will help working families keep their homes and avert foreclosure.

"H.R. 3221 is especially important to the people in my home state of Indiana. Hoosiers have had to endure many hardships throughout this housing crisis. Indiana, at one point, led the nation in foreclosures and currently ranks ninth.

"I am particularly pleased that this bill provides assistance to cities to rehabilitate vacant, foreclosed homes. In my neighborhood alone, there are over 60 vacant and boarded homes.

"As a former law enforcement officer, I know these vacancies can lead to violence and theft in our neighborhoods. We need the resources provided in this housing measure so that our communities can be revitalized and our neighborhoods stabilized.

"I want to thank Chairman Frank for his work on this bill and I yield back the balance of my time."

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