Should a Council Aimed at Preventing & Eliminating Homelessness be Permanently Reauthorized? (H.R. 5393)
Do you support or oppose this bill?
What is H.R. 5393?
(Updated May 30, 2019)
This bill ― the Working Together to End Homelessness Act — would permanently reauthorize the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USCIH), an independent federal agency within the executive branch that leads the implementation of the federal strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness. Under current law, the USCIH will sunset on October 1, 2020 unless it is reauthorized by Congress.
Argument in favor
The Council on Homelessness plays a vital role in coordinating federal efforts to prevent and eliminate homelessness, it should be reauthorized permanently so its existence isn’t subject to congressional squabbles.
Argument opposed
The Council on Homelessness should have to be periodically reauthorized so that Congress can ensure it’s achieving its goal as efficiently as possible by conducting oversight of its operations.
Impact
Homeless persons; communities; the Council on Homelessness; and other federal agencies.
Cost of H.R. 5393
A CBO estimate is unavailable.
Additional Info
In-Depth: Congressman Ed Royce (R-CA) introduced this bill to permanently reauthorize the Council on Homelessness:
“Ending homelessness is a national priority that both sides of the aisle support. However, history has shown us that increasing federal dollars alone is not enough to solve this complex issue.”
He was joined by Reps. Maxine Waters (D-CA), Steve Stivers (R-OH) and Joyce Beatty (D-OH) in introducing the bill.
“We need to address homelessness in all populations, especially for all those who wore a uniform and our children. The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness has made progress, but there is till work to be done,” said Congressman Steve Stivers. “This bill ensures the USICH will have the authority to continue working to end homelessness in our country. I am proud to work with Representatives Royce, Waters, and Beatty on this legislation.”
The USICH, which was formed in 1987 to combat the homelessness epidemic that currently impacts more than 550,000 Americans, aims to:
“Coordinate the federal response to homelessness and to create a national partnership at every level of government and with the private sector to reduce and end homelessness in the nation while maximizing the effectiveness of the Federal Government in contributing to end homelessness.”
Media:
Summary by Lucas McConnell
(Photo Credit: iStock / Srdjanns74/)
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