Housing

Securing stable housing is a critical step in reducing poverty. I have supported increased access to affordable housing through programs that have repaired 72,600 homes, empowered more than 18,800 new homeowners, and assisted 105,253 families with affordable housing counseling to date. As a member of the Caucus on Homelessness, I remain committed to ensuring everyone has access to affordable housing.

Buying a home is a matter of dignity and success for many Americans, which is why we must guarantee that hard-working Americans can afford to buy a house. I support tax credits for first-time homeowners and new housing development within our district so that there are enough homes on the market for those who want one. Last Congress, I worked with my colleagues in the New Democrats Coalition (New Dems) to develop a comprehensive Housing Action Plan. This game plan outlines next steps for legislative and executive branches to tackle rising housing costs, land use policy, and how the federal government can make this process easier, safer, and more affordable for all Americans.

Regrettably, President Trump has expressed his wish to claw back unobligated funding for housing and rental assistance from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This would include the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF), Affordable Housing Program (HOME-ARP), and Residential Energy Programs. To date, these programs have provided over 800 housing vouchers to Marylanders, brought $55 million in housing grants to Prince George’s County, and put a roof over the heads of hundreds of my constituents. MAGA Republicans have threatened to rescind over $8 million in obligated funding for Prince George’s County that would have made homeownership a reality for those who need assistance. At a time when housing is increasingly unaffordable for everyday Americans, we should be investing in solutions that help families–not leaving them high and dry.

Community Engagement and Public Education

As your Congressman, I will continue to fight for common-sense housing policies that make you and your family more confident in your ability to afford a home. That is why I:

• Spoke at the National Fair Housing Responsible AI Symposium in April to discuss cutting-edge AI solutions that increase access to critical opportunities like housing, credit, and insurance.
• Joined local leaders at the 2024 Affordable Housing Conference of Montgomery County to understand how housing policy affects Maryland’s Fourth District and how the federal government can collaborate with local organizations to solve this problem.

• Co-hosted a Foreclosure & Eviction Prevention Workshop in 2023 with Prince George’s County Council Member At-Large Jolene Ivey. 

  I will continue to continue to advocate across the aisle to find solutions that address homelessness and ensure all Americans have access to affordable housing.