Congressional leaders have left Capitol Hill to campaign in their home districts and states in the run-up to Election Day, but Congressional and appropriations staff have continued behind-the-scenes discussions over a final fiscal year (FY) 2023 spending bill. Though members of both chambers will return to Washington, D.C., in mid-November, they will be in session for only one week before leaving for the Thanksgiving break, making the week of November 14 a pivotal time for FY2023 advocacy.
NLIHC and our partners in the Campaign for Housing and Community Development Funding (CHCDF) are leading our annual 302(b) letter, which calls on Congress to provide the highest possible allocation for HUD’s and USDA’s affordable housing, homelessness, and community development programs in the new fiscal year. The FY2023 spending bill represents the last opportunity this year for Congress to make robust investments in affordable housing and homelessness programs.
More than 1,800 state, local, tribal, and national organizations have already joined, and we are aiming to reach 2,000 organizations by November 16 before re-sending the letter to appropriations leaders in Congress. Lawmakers must not pass up the chance to provide the significant funding needed to ensure the nation is moving towards safe, affordable, and accessible housing for all.
Currently, the federal budget is set to expire on December 16, but there is already talk that Congressional leaders might pursue another, shorter-term continuing resolution (CR) lasting until December 25 to buy lawmakers more time to reach a final deal on the FY2023 budget.
Take Action
Advocates should sign their state, local, tribal, or national organization on to CHCDF’s 302(b) letter and share the letter with their networks to encourage members to join. Advocates should also contact their members of Congress and urge them to support the highest possible level of funding for HUD’s and USDA’s affordable housing and homelessness programs in FY2023, including significant funding for NLIHC’s top priorities:
- Full funding for the Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) program to renew all existing contracts and expand housing vouchers to an additional 140,000 households.
- $5 billion for the Public Housing Capital Fund to preserve public housing, and $5.04 billion for the Public Housing Operating Fund.
- $3.6 billion for HUD’s Homeless Assistance Grants program to address the needs of people experiencing homelessness.
- $100 million for legal assistance to prevent evictions.
- $300 million for the competitive tribal housing program, targeted to tribes with the greatest needs.