Congressman Al Green Introduces Several Pieces of Legislation at the Start of the 114th Congress

(Washington, DC)—After being sworn in for his sixth term on January 6, 2015, Congressman Al Green (TX-09) swiftly began introducing legislation to address some of the challenges facing our nation.

“As the 114th Congress convenes, too many in our great nation still face economic and social uncertainty. We must rededicate ourselves to the preservation and continued achievement of positive progress,” Congressman Al Green said.  “I will continue to work with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to pass and author meaningful, substantive legislation that can begin to address our lingering economic as well as social uncertainty. We must also work to preserve and improve legislation such as the Affordable Care Act, as well as the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform legislation. Eviscerating and emasculating such legislation will not further our economic recovery or assist the least in our society in their pursuit of the American Dream.”

Legislation

H.R. 123, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Alternative Credit Pilot Program Reauthorization Act of 2015

On Tuesday, January 6, 2015, Congressman Al Green introduced the FHA Alternative Credit Pilot Program Reauthorization Act of 2015.

+This bill extends the statutory authority for the alternative credit pilot program, which was established in legislation passed by Congressman Al Green, by five years.
+Section 2124 of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA) directed the Secretary of HUD to create a pilot program at the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) aimed at an automated process for using alternative credit data to determine the creditworthiness of certain borrowers.
+However, the statutory authority for the pilot program expired in July 2013.
+The pilot program would use alternative credit rating information such as rent payments, utility payments, or other payments that reflect an ability to meet regular financial obligations to determine creditworthiness.
+By using alternative credit histories, greater economic opportunities may become available for minority communities.
+“This critical legislation represents one more step forward in responsibly expanding access to homeownership to hardworking persons who pay all of their bills in a timely manner, including rent which often exceeds a mortgage,” Congressman Al Green said. “Homeownership is essential to moving our economic recovery forward and expanding our middle class.”

H.R. 125, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) In-Person Servicing Improvement Act of 2015

On Tuesday, January 6, 2015, Congressman Al Green introduced the FHA In-Person Servicing Improvement Act of 2015.

+H.R. 123 authorizes a pilot program to provide in-person contact to FHA single-family borrowers that are more than 60 days delinquent on their loans.
+This pilot program would impact approximately 50,000 to 100,000 FHA loans.
+The in-person contact is authorized to identify candidates and prepare packages for loan modifications, refinances, and short sales; find owners not living in the homes; provide important asset information on who is living in the home and the physical state of the homes; and, provide the information in useable form to FHA and loan servicer.
+The Department of Housing and Urban Development will be required to provide periodic reports on the status of the pilot program. These required reports may include recovery rate comparisons to loans not included in the pilot.
+“This commonsense legislation gives those people who have sought to own a home through FHA loans all the information and assistance necessary for them to meet their obligations as well as remain responsible homeowners,” Congressman Al Green said. “Our economic recovery will be furthered by operating our federal programs proactively to prevent foreclosure rather than reactively, which can prolong foreclosure.”

H.R. 126, the Students Voicing Opinions in Today’s Elections (VOTE) Act

On Tuesday, January 6, 2015, Congressman Al Green introduced the Students Voicing Opinions in Today’s Elections (VOTE) Act.
+This legislation intends to expand high school students’ knowledge of the voter registration process such that they know how to register to vote.
+This legislation will create a pilot program through the Election Assistance Commission under which the Commission will provide funds to school districts and local education agencies to provide voter registration information to high school seniors prior to graduation.
+The funds will be provided to local education agencies that apply and meet certain requirements. The agencies must provide a description of how they intend to use the funds and carry out the goals, an estimate of the cost associated with the initiatives, and other information the Election Assistance Commission may request.
+The local education agencies receiving the funds are also expected to work with local and state election officials to ensure that the most accurate voter registration information is conveyed to the graduating seniors.
+“A healthy democracy must provide its citizens, especially its youngest citizens, with the information needed to exercise their right to vote,” Congressman Al Green said. “The Students VOTE Act is another step in the direction of a more informed and active electorate, which will engender a more perfect Union.”

H.R. 127, the Transportation for Heroes Act of 2015

On January 6, 2015, Congressman Al Green introduced the Transportation for Heroes Act of 2015.
+This legislation will ensure that veterans will be eligible for discounted fares on public transportation. Seniors and those with disabilities are currently eligible for this discount.
+H.R. 127 proposes a change to the Urbanized Area Formula Grants by requiring transit agencies whom are recipients of the Urbanized Area Formula Grants to provide discounted rates to veterans. Currently, these recipients are required to grant discounts to senior citizens and disabled persons.
+The discounted fare will be 50 percent or less of the peak-hour fare being charged to eligible riders in non-peak hours.
+“The Transportation for Heroes Act of 2015 will lessen the financial burden on those in our society who have served their country and deserve our help,” Congressman Al Green said. “There is still progress to be made but the passage of this measure will once again express the scope of our nation’s compassion and gratitude for those who have made service to America a priority.”

Resolutions

H.CON.RES.2, Honoring and praising the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) on the occasion of its 106th anniversary

On January 6, 2015, Congressman Al Green introduced a resolution to honor the NAACP on its 106^th anniversary.
+This resolution was introduced with 23 original cosponsors.
+This resolution specifically recognizes the integral role that the NAACP played and continues to play in the pursuit of equal human rights for all.
+"Throughout its history, the NAACP has changed the face of America.  As someone who has worked as part of the NAACP, serving as a branch president for approximately ten years, I have seen first-hand how instrumental the NAACP is in securing the rights of all Americans," Congressman Al Green said.

H.RES.13, Recognizing the significance of Black History Month

On January 6, 2015, Congressman Al Green introduced a resolution recognizing Black History Month.
+This resolution was introduced with 23 original cosponsors.
+The theme of this year’s Black History Month is “Civil Rights in America.”
+This resolution specifically recognizes the contributions and accomplishments of some notable African-Americans as well as the importance of African-Americans to American history.
+“This resolution allows Members of Congress to once again reaffirm the importance and story of African Americans in the development of our great nation,” Congressman Al Green said. “Black History Month is relevant to all Americans and for that reason I have introduced this resolution since 2007.”