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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Solano County, CA – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced that two projects in Solano County will receive a total of $1,342,000 in funding from his community project funding requests. Rep. Thompson secured $13,317,000 total for projects in California’s Fourth District in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.

“This funding will make a real difference for Solano County families,” said Thompson. “From ensuring access to clean, reliable drinking water to expanding affordable housing opportunities, this funding will help improve safety and affordability for our community.”

“We are sincerely grateful to Congressman Mike Thompson for his strong advocacy on behalf of Solano Irrigation District and the rural communities we serve,” said Cary Keaten, General Manager of the Solano Irrigation District. “This $1.092 million federal investment is a critical first step in advancing the Vaca Public Valley Water System Consolidation Project and improving water quality, reliability, and long-term affordability for our customers.”

“We are grateful for Congressman Thompson’s continued partnership and leadership in expanding housing opportunities in our community,” said Savita Chaudhary, Vacaville’s City Manager. “This $250,000 investment in Harmony Village helps turn the dream of homeownership into a real opportunity for local families. Through our partnership with Habitat for Humanity, we are creating permanently affordable homes that strengthen neighborhoods, promote stability, and expand access to safe, high-quality housing for those who need it most. This is the power of meaningful collaboration—thank you for championing housing affordability and investing in our community’s future.”

“We are extremely grateful to Congressman Thompson and the City of Vacaville for this funding for Harmony Village!” said Andrew Killeen, CEO of Solano-Napa Habitat for Humanity. “It represents a critical component of the capital stack that is helping to turn all of our plans for this 10-home development into a reality – a reality that will provide 10 local, low-income families with an opportunity to buy the houses that they will help us build in partnership.”

The projects are:

• $1,092,000 for the Vaca Valley Public Water System Consolidation Project
• $250,000 for the Harmony Village Affordable Housing Project

Background on these projects can be found below. 

Vaca Valley Public Water System Consolidation – Phase I project: Provides $1,092,000 for the Solano Irrigation District’s Vaca Valley Public Water System project which consolidates two existing public water systems to facilitate the connection of existing homes that currently use point-of-entry treatment and bottled water for drinking because their existing supply does not meet drinking water standards. It will also increase the system’s reliability and harden its infrastructure to improve firefighting capabilities by having a consistent and reliable supply of water.

Harmony Village Affordable Housing Project: Provides $250,000 to the City of Vacaville to help build a 10-parcel subdivision that will house 20 families in ten single-family semi-detached duet homes in Vacaville. These homes are located on lots ranging from 2,700 – 3,680 square feet. The hard-working, low-income families that purchase these homes will live in a neighborhood easily accessible through public transportation, in an area with conveniently located retail stores, and surrounded by infrastructure and city resources.

About Community Project Funding (CPF)

Each year, Members of Congress may direct federal funding to a select number of Community Projects through the appropriations process. Under this process, each House member is permitted to submit 15 project requests to the Appropriations Committee on behalf of their Congressional District so long as the projects meet criteria set forth by the Committee. There are no guarantees that Community Projects will all be funded, and the projects are competitively evaluated by the Committee on Appropriations.

Project selection and submissions is the first stage of the process for Community Project Funding. The projects are subject to a strict transparency and accountability process before they may be selected for inclusion in the relevant appropriations legislation for the upcoming year.

Find more information on Rep. Thompson’s CPFs here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Napa County, CA – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced that three projects in Napa County will receive a total of $3,100,000 in funding from his community project funding requests. Rep. Thompson secured $13,317,000 total for projects in California’s Fourth District in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.

“These investments will make a real difference for Napa County families,” said Thompson. “From improving grid resiliency in the face of natural disasters to expanding outdoor recreation and educational opportunities for people of all ages, this funding will help improve safety and life in Napa County. I’m proud to deliver funding that strengthens our communities and improve quality of life across our district.” 

“On behalf of the American Canyon City Council, I want thank Congressman Thompson for securing this $2.0 million federal investment in the Eco Center Project,” said American Canyon Mayor Pierre Washington. “This new funding helps moves this vision to reality in 2026. As the future home of the American Canyon Community and Parks Foundation, the Eco Center will strengthen education, inspire stewardship, expand public access, and create a destination where residents and visitors will forge unmatched connections with the natural resources that make this location along the Napa River wetlands special for generations to come.”

“Congressman Thompson’s leadership and long-standing commitment to the Napa River Ecology Center have been instrumental in bringing this project to a shovel-ready stage,” said Janelle Sellick, Executive Director of the Napa River Ecology Center. “With this latest $2 million in federal funding, building on the $800,000 he secured in previous years, his support has been instrumental in moving the project from vision to reality. With its focus on stewardship, education, and conservation, the Napa River Ecology Center will become a vital community resource for generations to come. We are honored by the Congressman’s support and excited for what lies ahead.”

“This community project funding turned years of planning into unstoppable momentum,” said Shawn White, Executive Director of the Napa Valley Vine Trail. “The Yountville–St. Helena Link will connect three segments of the 47-mile alternative transportation Napa Valley Vine Trail. It is the catalyst that accelerates alignment survey, environmental review, and engineering to turn a long-envisioned project into a tangible reality. With matching investments from the Napa Valley Vine Trail Coalition, Napa County, and the City of St. Helena, the project has completed three critical phases: project approval and environmental documentation, plans, specifications, and estimates. In a rural agricultural community that attracts millions of people worldwide, the Vine Trail demonstrates the strength of community connections, sustainability, and accessibility for all.”

“The Town of Yountville is honored to receive this federal funding, which affirms our commitment to climate resiliency and sustainable development,” said Yountville Mayor Margie Mohler and Vice Mayor Pam Reeves. “These funds will help us advance environmentally responsible design, reduce our long term environmental impact, and strengthen our community’s ability to adapt to a changing climate.”

The projects are:

• $2,000,000 for the Napa River Ecology Center
• $850,000 for the Napa Valley Vine Trail Project
• $250,000 for the City of Yountville Microgrid Project

Background on these projects can be found below. 

Napa River Ecology Center Project: Provides $2 million to American Canyon to repurpose an industrial site into a regional destination for education, recreation and conservation. Once complete, the Napa River Ecology Center will feature an education center and gathering spaces, community walking paths, wildlife viewing deck, and an outdoor classroom. By removing blight and improving the site, the project generates new educational, economic and tourism benefits that are unique to the region. The site currently houses a county maintenance facility that over time has become surrounded by residents and trails, making this industrial use incompatible with the neighborhood. The project will remove physical and visual barriers to the adjacent Napa River wetlands while also rehabilitating/beautifying an existing building with architectural enhancements, ADA accessibility upgrades, energy efficient HVAC and lighting, and community-focused programmatic amenities. The site is located along the Bay Trail which is more than 350 miles, and connects communities, parks, open spaces, schools and transit. Because it is situated at sea level, the project will include resilience measures to protect against flooding, in addition to documenting weather events such as tidal flows and high-water events. The area adjacent to the site is an important migratory bird stop along the Pacific Flyway and is recognized for its abundance of flora and fauna, including several critical species. The project removes existing debris, equipment, pavement, and outbuildings thereby conserving and protecting the adjacent habitat for these species.

Napa Valley Vine Trail Project: Provides $850,000 for the Napa Valley Vine Trail. This funding will help finish the design phase of the eleven-mile paved path north from Yountville through St. Helena, parallel to SR-29. The project connects the currently-under-construction eight-mile section of the Vine Trail from Calistoga to St. Helena to the existing 12-mile Vine Trail from Yountville to downtown Napa, allowing residents to walk and cycle the full length of the Napa Valley. This project will close the gap in the 47-mile regional bicycle and pedestrian transportation network from the Vallejo Ferry Port to Calistoga, providing cyclists and pedestrians with a safe alternative to the use of SR-29 between Yountville and St. Helena and connections to schools, jobs, and services.

City of Yountville Microgrid Project: Provides $250,000 for the City of Yountville’s microgrid project which seeks to significantly enhance grid resiliency and reliability in the region which is frequently impacted by wildfires. The project will integrate renewable energy sources and increased battery storage to create a standalone power solution that can operate independently from the traditional power grid. This will provide reliable power to safeguard against increasing natural disasters in the region.

About Community Project Funding (CPF)

Each year, Members of Congress may direct federal funding to a select number of Community Projects through the appropriations process. Under this process, each House member is permitted to submit 15 project requests to the Appropriations Committee on behalf of their Congressional District so long as the projects meet criteria set forth by the Committee. There are no guarantees that Community Projects will all be funded, and the projects are competitively evaluated by the Committee on Appropriations.

Project selection and submissions is the first stage of the process for Community Project Funding. The projects are subject to a strict transparency and accountability process before they may be selected for inclusion in the relevant appropriations legislation for the upcoming year.

Find more information on Rep. Thompson’s CPFs here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Yolo County, CA – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced that three projects in Yolo County will receive a total of $2,225,000 in community funding from Rep. Thompson’s community project funding requests. Rep. Thompson secured $13,317,000 total for projects in California’s Fourth District in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.

“These investments are about access: to transportation, education, and food,” said Thompson. “The over $2 million in funding secured for Yolo County will strengthen our community and ensure more residents can get where they need to go, learn valuable skills, and put food on the table.”

“The City of Davis is deeply appreciative of Representative Thompson’s success in securing much-needed federal funding,” said Davis Mayor Donna Neville. “This $1,000,000 will be used to modernize the historic Davis Amtrak Station by improving access between the Amtrak station and the Olive Drive neighborhood and is an important part of closing the project’s funding gap.”

“This funding is a big win for our agriculture program, which is one of the strongest Career Technical Education pathways in the region,” said Rody Boonchouy, Superintendent of Winters Joint Unified School District. “It truly makes a difference in students’ lives, giving them real skills and real opportunities. The support from our community was incredible, with dozens of letters backing the grant. These dollars will help us make much-needed upgrades to a building that’s been serving students for more than 50 years, and it’s exciting to finally give our ag classrooms the improvements they deserve.” 

“As affordability challenges continue to impact families across Yolo County, this generous gift of a Mobile Food Pantry Truck from Congressman Thompson arrives at a vital moment,” said Karen Baker, Executive Director of the Yolo Food Bank. “This vehicle will ensure our rural neighbors have reliable access to fresh, nutritious food through a seamless distribution process.”

The projects are:

• $1,000,000 for the Amtrak Depot/Olive Drive Connection Project
• $850,00 for the Winters Joint Unified School District Agriculture Site Modernization and Deferred Maintenance Project
• $375,000 for the Yolo Food Bank Mobile Food Pantry Project

Background on these projects can be found below. 

Amtrak Depot / Olive Drive Connection Project: $1 million in funding was secured for this project to construct a pedestrian and bicycle connection from Olive Drive to the Davis Amtrak Station. Amtrak is currently developing an undercrossing connecting its ADA improvement project at the station, and this funding would connect the Amtrak Depot to Olive Drive. The connection will provide residents of Olive Drive the ability to walk and bike downtown, access basic needs and social services in other parts of the city, and utilize Amtrak and bus options. It will also improve public safety by providing an alternate route that makes it safer and easier to cross Olive Drive and South Davis than the busy Olive Drive/Richards Boulevard intersection.

Winters Unified School District Agriculture Site Modernization and Deferred Maintenance Project: Provides $850,000 to the Winters Joint Unified School District to complete the Agriculture Site Modernization and Deferred Maintenance Project. The Ag-Site is a vital hub for agricultural education and workforce development, offering hands-on training in welding, woodworking, floral design, livestock management, and more. To ensure safety and long-term viability of this site, critical facility upgrades are needed to enhance learning conditions and expand community engagement.

Yolo Food Bank Mobile Pantry Truck Project: Provides $375,000 to the Yolo Food Bank (YFB) to purchase a truck to start a mobile pantry program that will serve Yolo County’s rural residents, providing a unique and convenient method for the community to access fresh produce. According to the YFB’s 2023 Yolo County Food Access Survey, almost one-third of Yolo County residents experience food insecurity. Nearly 20 percent of those who need food assistance do not access food relief resources. One of the reasons for this gap is the lack of access to transportation. By purchasing a food truck, YFB can bring fresh, locally sourced food to the community. The mobile pantry will be year-round and focus on seasonal produce purchased from local farmers. YFB will hire an Ag Procurement Manager, who will leverage established relationships with local farmers and food hubs, to facilitate the purchase of fresh, local produce that they can provide on the Mobile Pantry Truck.

About Community Project Funding (CPF)

Each year, Members of Congress may direct federal funding to a select number of Community Projects through the appropriations process. Under this process, each House member is permitted to submit 15 project requests to the Appropriations Committee on behalf of their Congressional District so long as the projects meet criteria set forth by the Committee. There are no guarantees that Community Projects will all be funded, and the projects are competitively evaluated by the Committee on Appropriations.

Project selection and submissions is the first stage of the process for Community Project Funding. The projects are subject to a strict transparency and accountability process before they may be selected for inclusion in the relevant appropriations legislation for the upcoming year.

Find more information on Rep. Thompson’s CPFs here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) issued the following statement on the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr.

“Today, I join people across the nation in mourning the loss of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., a giant of the civil rights movement and fearless advocate for justice,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “Rev. Jackson dedicated his life to standing with people who too often go unheard, fighting poverty, defending voting rights, and demanding America live up to its promise for every community.”

“Through his ministry and his work to build broad coalitions for change, he opened doors to opportunity that once seemed sealed shut,” Matsui continued. “His legacy is a reminder that progress is not inevitable, it is built by people who refuse to accept exclusion and bigotry as the status quo. I send my deepest condolences to the Jackson family and all who loved him.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mark Takano (D-Calif)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sanford D Bishop Jr (GA-02)

COLUMBUS, Ga. – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement regarding the passing of civil rights leader, Reverend Jesse Jackson:

“My wife, Vivian, and I were deeply saddened to learn that our friend of longstanding, Reverend Jesse Jackson, had passed.

“Through his life’s work as an iconic activist for civil and human rights and his leadership of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, he was pivotal in creating a diverse coalition in the epic struggle to assure that America’s freedoms, justice, and opportunity were enjoyed by all.

“His historic run for President inspired generations to keep hope alive and to fight for a more perfect union where life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are not hollow words but rather the lived opportunity for all Americans.

“We extend our sincere condolences to his family and all who mourn his loss. But we thank God for his exemplary life of servant leadership for the betterment of humanity.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

WASHINGTON – Representatives Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.) Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.), and Terri Sewell (D-Ala.) led 14 of their Ways and Means Democratic colleagues in calling on the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration to investigate the leak of 47,000 taxpayers’ confidential information by the Internal Revenue Service to the Department of Homeland Security.

Despite strict privacy laws protecting taxpayers, the IRS agreed last April to share sensitive information, including names and addresses, of individuals who were being targeted for immigration enforcement. This agreement is just another example of the Trump administration recklessly and unlawfully violating the rights of immigrants and working families. Federal courts have since held that sharing this private data violates taxpayers’ rights.

 “When agencies take advantage of public trust by illegally sharing taxpayer data, it creates an environment wherein undocumented individuals are not comfortable complying with tax law,” the members wrote. “Undocumented immigrants have paid taxes for years with assurances that they can safely do so – this illegal action has pulled the rug out from under working individuals who are trying to comply with the law.”

In addition to Gomez, Thompson, Sánchez, and Sewell, the letter was signed by Representatives Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), John Larson (D-Conn.), Danny Davis (D-Ill.), Suzan K. DelBene (D-Wash.), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Gwen Moore (D-Wis.), Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.), Don Beyer (D-Va.), Dwight Evans (D-Pa.), Brad Schneider (D-Ill.), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), Steven Horsford (D-Nev.), Stacey Plaskett (D-V.I.) and Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.).

Full text of the letter is available HERE and follows:

 Ms. Heather M. Hill
Acting Inspector General for Tax Administration
Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration
901 D St SW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20024

Dear Acting Inspector General Hill:

As members of the Committee on Ways and Means, we ask the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) to immediately investigate the leak of confidential taxpayer information of 47,000 individuals reported today by the Washington Post in this morning’s article entitled IRS improperly disclosed confidential immigrant tax data to DHS.

Not only does this action endanger working, tax paying individuals who contribute to our economy, but it disincentivizes tax compliance for everyone. When agencies take advantage of public trust by illegally sharing taxpayer data, it creates an environment wherein undocumented individuals are not comfortable complying with tax law. Undocumented immigrants have paid taxes for years with assurances that they can safely do so – this illegal action has pulled the rug out from under working individuals who are trying to comply with the law. We are seeing an increasing rise of violence and illegality in President Trump’s immigration enforcement; it is highly unprecedented and completely inappropriate that the Department of the Treasury should take part in such efforts.

Since February 2025, we have been deeply concerned that confidential taxpayer information protected by Section 6103 of the Internal Revenue Code was being unlawfully and unjustly disclosed to or accessed by other government agencies. In fact, just last week, the Department of the Treasury responded to a letter from many members of this committee, alongside other Members of Congress, stating that they “share[d] our commitment to taxpayer privacy.” 

 On February 16, 2023, Chairman Jason Smith wrote to the Department of Treasury regarding a previous disclosure of private information, which has now resulted in the President suing the Internal Revenue Service for $10 billion. We similarly ask the following:

“Therefore, I request that TIGTA commit in writing that it will complete the following actions:

1. Conduct a comprehensive and timely investigation.
2. Produce a report that summarizes TIGTA’s investigation with findings and recommendations.
3. Provide these Members with a full copy of TIGTA’s unredacted report.
4. Make as much of that report public as possible, consistent with 26 U.S.C. § 6103.”

Thank you in advance for your attention to this request. We look forward to learning the results of your investigation.
 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (D-NC-12) released a statement mourning the loss of Reverend Jesse Jackson.

“It is with profound sadness that I acknowledge the passing of a civil rights icon, my North Carolina A&T Aggie brother, and my friend, Rev. Jesse Jackson. A transformational leader in his own right, he dedicated his life to confronting injustice head on—walking with, advising, counseling, ministering to, and fighting alongside generations of leaders in the ongoing struggle for equity and justice.

“I had the honor of serving as co-chair of his 1984 presidential campaign in Guilford County, and his work inspired me to run for School Board for the very first time. His example helped shape my journey in public service.

“Rev. Jackson was a soldier who fought a good fight and prepared his troops for the battles ahead. Now it is time for him to rest. I celebrate his extraordinary life, honor his enduring legacy, and recommit myself to calling out injustice wherever it appears.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA-12)

Today, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) announced members of his staff will host Community Office Hours across Georgia’s 12th District during the month of March.

During these events, members of Congressman Allen’s staff will be available to assist constituents with a variety of federal issues, including help navigating various federal agencies such as FEMA, Social Security, Veterans Affairs, Medicare, and others. Community Office Hours are a quarterly resource provided by Congressman Allen’s staff designed to serve constituents closer to home. Congressman Allen himself will not be in attendance.

After the announcement, Congressman Allen issued the following statement:

“I invite anyone seeking help with a federal issue to take advantage of the one-on-one services my office provides. If you need assistance dealing with a federal agency, our dedicated caseworkers stand ready to help you. Please visit my team during Community Office Hours next month or contact one of our district offices for more information.”

See below for a list of Community Office Hours dates, times, and locations by county (excluding counties in which Congressman Allen has a permanent office):

Burke County

WHEN: Tuesday, March 10th from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

WHERE: County Commission Boardroom, Burke County Courthouse

111 E. 6th Street

Waynesboro, GA 30830

Candler County

WHEN: Monday, March 9th from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

WHERE: Metter City Hall

49 S. Rountree Street

Metter, GA 30439

Columbia County

WHEN: Wednesday, March 18th from 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM

WHERE: Grovetown City Hall

103 Old Wrightsboro Road

Grovetown, GA 30813

Effingham County

WHEN: Tuesday, March 3rd from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

WHERE: Effingham County Chamber of Commerce

712 N. Laurel Street, Suite 200

Springfield, GA 31329

Emanuel County

WHEN: Monday, March 2nd from 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

WHERE: Swainsboro-Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce

102 S. Main Street

Swainsboro, GA 30401

Evans County

WHEN: Monday, March 9th from 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM

WHERE: Claxton City Hall

206 W. Railroad Street

Claxton, Georgia 30417

Glascock County

WHEN: Wednesday, March 25th from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

WHERE: Family Connections & Communities in School

370 W. Main Street

Gibson, GA 30810

Jefferson County

WHEN: Wednesday, March 25th from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

WHERE: Community Club House

101 McNair Street

Wrens, GA 30833

Jenkins County

WHEN: Thursday, March 12th from 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

WHERE: Jenkins County Chamber of Commerce

548 Cotton Avenue

Millen, GA 30442

Johnson County

WHEN: Monday, March 9th from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

WHERE: Wrightsville City Hall

8647 S. Marcus Street

Wrightsville, GA 31096

Lincoln County

WHEN: Wednesday, March 18th from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

WHERE: Lincoln County Courthouse

210 Humphrey Street

Lincolnton, GA 30817

McDuffie County

WHEN: Thursday, March 12th from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

WHERE: Thomson-McDuffie Administrative Building

210 Railroad Street

Thomson, GA 30824

Montgomery County

WHEN: Monday, March 2nd from 10:45 AM – 12:15 PM

WHERE: Montgomery County Courthouse

400 S. Railroad Avenue

Mount Vernon, GA 30445

Screven County

WHEN: Wednesday, March 4th from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

WHERE: Screven County Courthouse, Commission Boardroom

216 Mims Road

Sylvania, GA 30467

Tattnall County

WHEN: Wednesday, March 11th from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

WHERE: Glennville Welcome Center/Chamber of Commerce

136 S. Veterans Boulevard

Glennville, GA 30427

Treutlen County

WHEN: Monday, March 2nd from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

WHERE: Treutlen County Commissioners’ Office

1830 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive

Soperton, GA 30457

Warren County

WHEN: Thursday, March 12th from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

WHERE: Warren County Chamber of Commerce

46 Norwood Street

Warrenton, GA 30828

Washington County

WHEN: Thursday, March 19th from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

WHERE: Community Health Care System

220 Morningside Drive

Sandersville, GA 31082

Wheeler County

WHEN: Monday, March 2nd from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

WHERE: Alamo City Hall

7 W. Main Street

Alamo, GA 30411

Wilkes County

WHEN: Thursday, March 12th from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

WHERE: Washington-Wilkes Chamber of Commerce

22B West Square

Washington, GA 30673

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) and Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) submitted an official public comment letter to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner in strong opposition to HUD’s proposed rule to eliminate the “disparate impact” standard under the Fair Housing Act, arguing that this change would “significantly weaken the federal government’s role in preventing and remedying housing discrimination.”

 

The comment was co-signed by Ohio Delegation colleagues Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) and Congressman Greg Landsman (OH-01).

 

Established by the Obama Administration in 2013, the disparate impact standard allows HUD to investigate and enforce against housing and lending policies that have discriminatory effects in practice.

 

The members write: “Ohio communities—like many communities across the country—continue to face significant housing challenges, including rising housing costs and documented disparities in mortgage access and valuation outcomes that can undermine fair access to homeownership and wealth-building. At a moment when housing affordability and availability are worsening nationwide, weakening fair housing enforcement would exacerbate—rather than address—these disparities.”

 

The full text of the public comment letter is HERE. 

 

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