Speech #1100073067

Mr. Speaker. the intent of this motion to recommit is clear. Upon adoption of this motion to recommit. we will go right to the adoption of the bill in its entirety to include the important language that ensures illegal immigrants are not benefitting from rental assistance provided by the section 8 program that is funded by the dollars of hardworking Americans. The section 8 program has provided much needed rental assistance to lowincome families who spend a high percentage of their income on housing costs since its creation in the 1970s. Today. there are approximately 2 million vouchers administered by the more than 2.500 public housing authorities in this country. The success of this program is now dominating HUDs budget. but we are looking for clear reform to ensure the viability of this program. This motion to recommit helps strengthen the section 8 program by ensuring that illegal immigrants cannot receive assistance from this program. This measure will simply require all occupants of a housing unit. supported by section 8. to establish proof of their legal residency through the use of secure forms of identification. There are four options here: drivers license or REAL ID card. a foreign or U.S. passport. a citizens and immigration services photo ID card. or a Social Security card in conjunction with the State or Federal photo ID. Without this addition to this bill. illegal immigrants could utilize current loopholes to secure section 8 housing benefits. We absolutely cannot reward this illegal behavior with incentives for illegal immigrants to remain in the country in blatant violation of the law. By providing housing. we are simply encouraging the continuation of their illegal presence in our Nation. This is a form of backdoor amnesty. There have been many stories across the country highlighting examples of benefits being granted to illegal immigrants. I believe. in 2006. in Denver. Colorado alone. there were an estimated 20.000 illegal immigrants holding FHA ensured loans. Each of these cases provides further incentives for illegal immigrants to remain in our Nation violating the law. Our Nations immigration system is clearly broken. We must take this opportunity to strengthen a successful Federal program to ensure this benefit is only provided to legal residents. The American people work too hard for their tax dollars to have them spent on Illegal immigrants. I urge a "yes" vote on this motion to recommit. Mr.