Congresswoman Critiques Trump's Proposal to Gut Affordable Housing Investments

The U.S. House Committee on Financial Services convened on July 17, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding the HOME program and its role in addressing the housing shortage, particularly for low-income families. The meeting highlighted the importance of preserving funding for the HOME program, which is a vital source of federal block grant funding aimed at increasing the availability of affordable housing.

During the session, representatives expressed concerns about proposed cuts to housing investments, particularly those associated with former President Donald Trump's policies. One congresswoman emphasized that these cuts would disproportionately affect low-income individuals and families, especially in areas like Atlanta, where the racial wealth gap is significant and housing costs are rising. She urged her colleagues to recognize the importance of the HOME program before making any decisions that could undermine it.

The HOME program is designed to finance a variety of affordable housing activities, including new construction and rehabilitation of both owner-occupied and rental housing, as well as assistance for homebuyers. A key point raised during the meeting was the need for streamlining processes to eliminate duplicative requirements, which could enhance the program's effectiveness.

Miss Bowie, a key witness, provided examples of successful projects funded by the HOME program, including a recent redevelopment in Savannah, Georgia. This project transformed a public housing site into 484 modern, multifamily affordable homes for families, seniors, and individuals exiting homelessness. The project utilized HOME funds in conjunction with housing tax credits, demonstrating the program's flexibility and its ability to leverage multiple funding sources to create affordable housing solutions.

The discussions underscored the critical role of the HOME program in supporting low and moderate-income households and the necessity of maintaining its funding to ensure continued progress in addressing the housing crisis. As the committee moves forward, the preservation of the HOME program remains a focal point in the ongoing dialogue about housing policy and investment in the United States.