Floor Statement on HEARTH- October 2, 2008

REMARKS BY
THE HONORABLE ANDRÉ CARSON
FLOOR REMARKS ON HEARTH
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2008

Mr. Speaker, I come to the Floor today in support of H.R. 7221.  I also come to the Floor today to honor my late Grandmother, Congresswoman Julia Carson. 

My Grandmother was a huge proponent of increasing homeless assistance to displaced families.  Last year, she introduced the Homeless Emergency and Rapid Transition to Housing Act.  She introduced this bill for children and families in need of assistance. 

This bill sought to implement more effective strategies for preventing homelessness and increasing emergency housing assistance for families in need.

This bill before us today reflects a compromise between my grandmother's legislation and the Senate legislation.  While I wish we could have gone farther in expanding the definition of homeless, this bill will provide critical assistance to families and children neglected by current law.

I urge support for H.R. 7221 and commend Congresswoman Waters, Congresswoman Moore, Congressman Davis, Congresswoman Biggert and their staffs for their hard work on this bill. 

Thank you Mr. Speaker and I yield back the balance of my time.