Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson released the following statement applauding the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) introduction of a fair housing regulation entitled Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH), a rule aimed at promoting harmonious, stable and prosperous communities and locales:
"When Congress passed the Fair Housing Act in 1968, it did so with the intent to prohibit discrimination in housing related activities, while also imposing an affirmative duty to further fair housing. The Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule sets out a framework for local governments, states, and public housing agencies (PHAs) to take meaningful action to remedy decades of government-supported segregation practices, promote fair housing choice and encourage inclusive communities that are free from discrimination.
The regulation released today will equip communities that receive HUD funding with data and tools necessary to meet fair housing obligations, ensuring that federal funds are not used to support discriminatory policies. For far too long, we have unfairly deprived under-served communities of the educational and economic investments necessary for equitable success.
Today's announcement by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is a critical step in addressing the harmful effects of housing segregation and inequality across our nation, and I applaud Secretary Castro and the Obama Administration for releasing a final rule that seeks to redress such a harmful cycle of inequality."
Along with the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule, HUD will provide local policymakers with improved data on housing, demographics, and other local conditions. Additionally, the rule will help communities make strategic use of the resources available to expand housing choices for individuals with disabilities, families with children, and other under-served groups.
