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Managing America: Disaster Relief

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Week Ending March 23, 2006

H.R.1227 To assist in the provision of affordable housing to low-income families affected by Hurricane Katrina.

The effort to stabilize individuals impacted by Hurricane Katrina continues with this bill that focuses mostly on delivering funds to help in the area of housing.

Money already in the pipeline ($1.2 billion) to the Louisiana Recovery Authority under the Hazard Mitigation Grants program (FEMA) are now recognized as having been made available to the LRA for the community development fund of the Department of Housing and Human Development under the 2006 hurricane recovery legislation. The funds must also be approved by the HUD secretary for use under the LRA Road Home Program. Around $5 million would end up going to private developers who would, under Louisiana law develop property and put it back on the market.

The popular Community Development Block Grants can be used by a State or locality to match, share or contribute for other federal programs made before this Act regarding disaster relief, long-term recovery and infrastructure restoration in major disaster areas affected by Katrina, Rita or Wilma.

Unused funds can be sent to assist metropolitan cities and urban counties that used up earlier funds to help with rental housing assistance for families evacuated due to the hurricanes.

The Secretary is directed to provide an independent study of public housing residents of New Orleans about returning to a repaired public housing or comparable dwelling unit.

Previous public housing households are granted the right to return. Those households may not be prevented from occupying a replacement dwelling unit. The local authorities would also be prohibited from demolishing or disposing of any public housing dwelling unit operated or administered by that authority and that would included any uninhabitable unit or any previously approved for demolition.

A report to Congress on the potential transfer of ownership of public housing is ordered. Extended to January 1, 2008 the Disaster Voucher Program for housing expense relief and instructs the Secretary to make adjustments to voucher allocations upward to adequately fund needs. Tenant replacement vouchers for all units are provided for in the bill as well as voucher assistance for supportive housing and reimbursements to landlords for damages resulting from abrogation by FEMA of commitments under the city lease program.

Sponsor:  Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA-35^th)

Vote: Passed House 302 to 125 March 21, 2007 (RC 172) A motion to recommit the bill 249 to 125 with 1 voting 'Present'. (RV 171)

Cost to the taxpayers: $15 million to New Orleans

Earmark Certification:   Some funds would be available to private contractors for redevelopment efforts and so might qualify as an earmark if competitive processes do not apply to granting the aid.

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MORE INFORMATION

Amendment offered by Ms. Brown, Corrine.

An amendment numbered 1 printed in Part B of House Report 110-53 to provide those receiving housing vouchers with additional comparable funds for utilities.

Agreed to by voice vote March 20, 2007

Amendment offered by Ms. Brown, Corrine.

An amendment numbered 2 printed in Part B of House Report 110-53 to provide two deadlines for residents to indicate their intent to return as well as two re-occupancy deadlines: October 1, 2007 and December 1, 2007. The amendment would also require HANO/HUD to assist tenants with negotiating early termination of their current leases.

Withdrawn March 20, 2007

Amendment offered by Mr. Hensarling.

An amendment numbered 3 printed in Part B of House Report 110-53 to require recipients of rental assistance under the bill to perform 20 hours per week of approved `work activities.' Approved activities include work, preparation to find work, vocational education, community service, and providing child care services. Exemptions are provided for senior citizens, the disabled, those already exempt from TANF work requirements, and those who cannot access child care.

Amendment failed in the House 162 to 266 March 20, 2007 (RC 164)

Amendment offered by Mrs. Biggert.

An amendment numbered 4 printed in Part B of House Report 110-53 to require that, instead of replacing all pre-Katrina public housing units, only the number of public housing units occupied pre-Katrina be replaced.

Amendment failed in the House 198 to 232 March 20, 2007 (RC 165)

Amendment offered by Mr. Green, Al.

An amendment numbered 5 printed in Part B of House Report 110-53 to extend FEMA housing assistance for evacuees of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma until December 31, 2007 and provide tenant-based rental assistance upon termination of FEMA housing assistance.

Amendment passed House 246 to 164 March 20, 2007 (RC 166)

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