On October 13, NLIHC hosted a national HoUSed campaign call to discuss NLIHC’s priorities when Congress reconvenes after the midterms and two recently reintroduced bipartisan bills. Panelists from the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) and Prosperity Indiana joined the discussion, highlighting the need to increase funding for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and offering strategies for how state and local partners can advocate for federal affordable housing investments.
NLIHC Senior Director of Policy Kim Johnson began the call by providing an overview of Congress’ to-do list for the remainder of the 119th Congress, including finalizing a fiscal year (FY) 2027 spending bill for HUD programs. Before adjourning for recess, Congress passed a continuing resolution (CR) extending funding for federal programs through December 11. Without either final FY27 spending bills or another CR in place, there will be a partial shutdown of the federal government when the current CR expires. Kim shared NLIHC’s priorities for the remainder of the 119th Congress, which includes securing increased funding for HUD programs in any final FY27 spending bill; including language in a final spending bill that protects HUD funding and permanently blocks implementation of the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB’s) proposed rulemaking that would radically reshape the federal grantmaking process; and a disaster supplemental that provides funding for the Community Development Block Grant—Disaster Recovery Program.
Sonya Acosta, senior policy analyst at CBPP, shared insights from her recent report on the need for increased funding for voucher renewals in HUD’s final FY27 spending bill. Sonya shared that the House’s FY27 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development bill would leave about 471,000 fewer people – including 178,000 children, 81,000 older adults, and 121,000 people with disabilities – receiving housing vouchers to help them afford rent in 2027. She urged that as Congress continues its work on the FY27 appropriations bills; it should reject the cuts in the House bill and fund additional vouchers so more families can access the help they need to afford rent.
NLIHC Vice President for Strategic Partnerships and Campaigns Chantelle Wilkinson provided updates on two recently reintroduced bipartisan bills that have been major priorities for NLIHC and our Opportunity Starts at Home (OSAH) Campaign. First, Chantelle provided an overview of the “Family Stability and Opportunity Vouchers Act” (FSOVA; S.5405/H.R.10688), led by Senators Todd Young (R-IN) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Representatives Joe Neguse (D-CO) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), which would fund an additional 250,000 HCVs and mobility services for families with young children. Chantelle also discussed the “Eviction Crisis Act,” (S.5535), led by Senators Young and Michael Bennett (D-CO), which would create a permanent emergency rental assistance program to provide households facing eviction due to an unexpected cost with the assistance they need to pay rent and remain stably housed.
Andrew Bradley, senior director of policy and strategy at Prosperity Indiana, shared his insights into engaging congressional offices on making needed investments in affordable housing programs. Andrew discussed how his organization has engaged with Senator Young’s office over the years to encourage the advancement of the FSOVA and the Eviction Crisis Act. He emphasized the importance of leveraging the experience and advocacy of Indiana’s statewide network of members and partners.
Brooke Schipporeit, senior director for field strategy and innovation at NLIHC, closed the call by sharing how attendees can take action and get involved in NLIHC’s advocacy. A recording of the call, as well as the presentation slides, are now available. Register for NLIHC’s next National HoUSed campaign call on November 10 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm ET.
NLIHC Policy Update
- NLIHC’s Budget and Appropriations article in the 10/13 edition of Memo to Members.
- Use NLIHC’s Take Action page to urge Congress to provide the highest possible funding for affordable housing and homelessness programs in FY27.
- See the National Council of Nonprofits’ resources and take action page on the OMB proposed rule.
Need for Increased Voucher Renewal Funding in FY27
- CBPP blog: Congress Should Reject House Cuts That Would Leave Nearly Half a Million More People Without Stable Homes
Bipartisan Legislation
- Learn more about the Family Stability and Opportunity Vouchers Act (FSOVA).
- See OSAH’s Take Action page for FSOVA.
- Learn more about the Eviction Crisis Act.
- Visit OSAH’s Take Action page for the Eviction Crisis Act.
Engaging Congressional Offices on Needed Housing Investments
- Learn about Prosperity Indiana.
- Learn about the Hoosier Housing Needs Coalition.
Take Action and Next Steps
- Visit NLIHC’s Take Action page.
- Become an NLIHC member.
- If you have questions about membership, contact [email protected].
- Connect to your Field Team member at [email protected].
NLIHC’s national HoUSed campaign calls take place on the second Tuesday of the month from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm ET. Register for the series and access NLIHC’s archive of HoUSed campaign recordings.