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HUD's Proposal to End Assistance to Mixed Status Families [Updated July 29, 2019]

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From the Document: "On May 10, 2019, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released a proposed rule to end eligibility for 'mixed status' families in its major rental assistance programs (public housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, Section 8 project-based rental assistance). 'Mixed status' families comprise both citizens (or eligible noncitizens) and ineligible noncitizens. As reported in the press and reflected in analysis by both CRS [Congressional Research Service] and HUD, the rule would likely result in the displacement from HUD-assisted housing of over 25,000 families, including 55,000 children. Additionally, the rule would establish new documentation requirements for citizens. The proposed rule received over 30,000 comments. Some commentators raised concerns about administrative burdens and impacts on families, as well as the possibility of legal challenges under the Fair Housing Act and the Administrative Procedures Act."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

McCarty, Maggie; Carter, Jameson A.

2019-07-29
Housing Funding in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 [March 31, 2021]

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From the Document: "According to Census data from late February 2021, nearly 19% of renters [hyperlink] and more than 10% of homeowners with a mortgage [hyperlink] reported having fallen behind in their housing payments during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In response, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA; P.L. [public law] 117-2), enacted in mid-March 2021, included nearly $43 billion in mandatory funding for housing-related programs intended to assist people experiencing housing instability and homelessness. (In addition to funding housing programs, ARPA provided cash to individuals [e.g., individual relief payments, refundable tax credits, and enhanced unemployment benefits] that may also help families pay their housing costs.) [...] Funded programs include those developed specifically to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g., the Emergency Rental Assistance program and Homeowner Assistance Fund), as well as existing programs. In some cases, ARPA directed that funding provided through existing programs be used in new ways to serve people experiencing homelessness (e.g., Emergency Housing Vouchers and HOME [Home Investment Partnerships Program] funds); in other cases, the funds are to be used to respond to the pandemic largely within existing program parameters (e.g., Native American and rural housing programs). This Insight includes a funding table followed by a list of each program funded and a brief description of how funds can be used."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Jones, Katie; Perl, Libby; McCarty, Maggie

2021-03-31
Federal Eviction Moratoriums in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic [Updated January 26, 2021]

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From the Document: "On September 4, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) imposed a nationwide temporary federal moratorium on residential evictions due to nonpayment of rent. The stated purpose of the order is preventing the further spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), specifically by preventing homelessness and overcrowded housing conditions resulting from eviction. The action, which followed an Executive Order directing the CDC to consider such a measure, is unprecedented, both in terms of the federal reach into what is traditionally state and local governance of landlord-tenant law and its use of a public health authority for this purpose. The national eviction moratorium took effect less than two weeks after the expiration of a different and narrower set of eviction protections established by the CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act (§4024). This Insight compares the two eviction moratoriums across several key features and ends with a review of implementation issues raised by the CDC moratorium."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

McCarty, Maggie; Perl, Libby

2021-01-26
Federal Eviction Moratoriums in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic [Updated December 30, 2020]

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From the Document: "On September 4, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) imposed a nationwide temporary federal moratorium on residential evictions due to nonpayment of rent. The stated purpose of the order is preventing the further spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), specifically by preventing homelessness and overcrowded housing conditions resulting from eviction. The action, which followed an Executive Order directing the CDC to consider such a measure, is unprecedented, both in terms of the federal reach into what is traditionally state and local governance of landlord-tenant law and its use of a public health authority for this purpose. The national eviction moratorium took effect less than two weeks after the expiration of a different and narrower set of eviction protections established by the CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act (§4024). This Insight compares the two eviction moratoriums across several key features and ends with a review of implementation issues raised by the CDC moratorium."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

McCarty, Maggie; Perl, Libby

2020-12-30
Overview of Federal Housing Assistance Programs and Policy [April 15, 2014]

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"The federal government has been involved in providing housing assistance to lower-income households since the 1930s. In the beginning, the federal government was involved in supporting the mortgage market (through establishment of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and the government-sponsored enterprises) and in promoting construction of low-rent public housing for lower-income families through local public housing authorities (PHAs). Over time, the role of the federal government has shifted away from providing construction-based subsidies to providing rental subsidies; private developers and property owners now play a larger role; and more federal funding has been provided to states and localities. Today's federal housing assistance programs fall into three main categories: rental housing assistance, assistance to state and local governments, and assistance for homeowners. Most of these programs are administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Current housing assistance programs include Section 8 vouchers and project-based rental assistance, public housing, housing for the elderly (Section 202), housing for persons with disabilities (Section 811), rural rental assistance (the United States Department of Agriculture's Section 521 program), Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Block Grants, Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), homeless assistance programs, FHA and Veterans' Administration mortgage insurance, and the mortgage interest deduction in the tax code."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

McCarty, Maggie; Perl, Libby; Jones, Katie

2014-04-15
Housing Issues in the 113th Congress [July 8, 2014]

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"The 113th Congress has been active in considering a number of housing-related issues. In general, the issues that have been of interest to Congress can be divided into two broad categories: (1) issues related to homeownership and financing home purchases, and (2) issues related to housing assistance programs for low-income households. Housing assistance for low-income households tends to be primarily, but not exclusively, related to rental housing. During the 113th Congress, housing and mortgage markets have been showing some signs of recovering after several years of distress. Nevertheless, several issues that Congress has been considering are related to addressing problems that arose from the turmoil in housing and mortgage markets in recent years. Congress has also been considering policy changes designed to address problems that are perceived to have contributed to the housing downturn in an attempt to avoid a similar situation in the future."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Jones, Kate; Carpenter, David Hatcher; Hoskins, Sean M. . . .

2014-07-08
Hurricane Katrina: Questions Regarding the Section 8 Housing Voucher Program [January 24, 2008]

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"Hurricane Katrina's devastation to the nation's housing stock was unprecedented. The 2005 hurricanes (Katrina, Rita, and Wilma) and their related flooding were estimated to have damaged 1.2 million units of housing; of those, over 300,000 were seriously damaged or destroyed. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) estimated that 700,000 people may have lived in the areas most adversely affected by Hurricane Katrina, and were most likely to be displaced. […] The full effect of Hurricane Katrina and the circumstances of the families affected may never be fully known. However, existing data provide some insights. For example, CRS estimates that the poverty rate in the Katrina-damaged areas was 21% in 2000--well above the national poverty rate of 12%--and the rate of homeownership in Katrina-damaged areas was 55%, compared with 66% nationally in 2000. In light of the characteristics of the damaged communities--poorer than average and more likely to rent--it is not surprising that many questions arose about the role of the nation's primary housing assistance program for the poor, the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. These questions generally fall into three categories. First, what was the effect of the hurricane on existing voucher holders in the damaged regions? Second, to what extent is the program being used to serve displaced families, regardless of whether they previously received vouchers or other HUD [Housing and Urban Development] assistance? Third, to what extent, if at all, should the program be modified and expanded to serve additional displaced families? This report also reviews the forms of assistance FEMA has provided to displaced families in lieu of Section 8 vouchers."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

McCarty, Maggie

2008-01-24
Federal Eviction Moratoriums in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic [Updated March 30, 2021]

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From the Document: "On September 4, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) imposed a nationwide temporary federal moratorium on residential evictions [hyperlink] for nonpayment of rent. The stated purpose of the order is preventing the further spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), specifically by preventing homelessness and overcrowded housing conditions resulting from eviction. The action, which followed an Executive Order [hyperlink] directing the CDC to consider such a measure, is unprecedented, both in terms of the federal reach into what is traditionally state and local governance of landlord-tenant law and its use of a public health authority [hyperlink] for this purpose. The national eviction moratorium took effect less than two weeks after the expiration of a different and narrower set of eviction protections established by the CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act (§4024) [hyperlink]. This Insight compares the two eviction moratoriums across several key features and ends with a review of implementation issues raised by the CDC moratorium."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

McCarty, Maggie; Perl, Libby

2021-03-30
Emergency Rental Assistance Through the Coronavirus Relief Fund [Updated March 31, 2021]

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From the Introduction: "The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260) included an appropriation of $25 billion to help low-income households make rent and utility payments through an Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program.The ERA is funded through the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF), a program created as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (P.L. 116-136), and administered by the Department of the Treasury, to assist state, local, territorial, and tribal governments. While the CARES Act CRF appropriation could be used for multiple purposes, the ERA appropriation in P.L. 116-260 is directed only to rent and utility assistance and housing stability services. A second appropriation--of $21.550 billion--for ERA was included in Section 3201 of the American Rescue Plan Act (P.L. 117-2). This report briefly describes the need for rental assistance during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, provides information about the allocation of ERA funds, describes the parameters of the ERA program, and discusses outstanding questions about the program and renter needs."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Driessen, Grant A.; McCarty, Maggie; Perl, Libby

2021-03-31
Drug Testing and Crime-Related Restrictions in TANF, SNAP, and Housing Assistance [March 7, 2012]

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"This report describes and compares the drug- and crime-related policy restrictions contained in selected federal programs that provide assistance to low-income individuals and families: the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly Food Stamps), and the three primary federal housing assistance programs (the public housing program, the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, and the project-based Section 8 rental assistance program). These programs were chosen because they serve many of the same families. However, the programs also differ. They have different drug- and other crime-related restrictions, with varying levels of federal administration and discretion for state or local administrators. The drug- and crime-related restrictions in TANF, SNAP, and the housing assistance programs were developed at different times in different laws, but it appears they are intended to serve similar purposes. To some extent, they are intended to deter people from engaging in drug-related and other criminal activity. They may also be intended to punish individuals for engaging in undesirable behavior. Further, when resources are limited, these policies may be intended to direct assistance to other households who are deemed more worthy of assistance. Additionally, particularly for housing assistance programs, drug- and crime-related restrictions may be intended to protect vulnerable communities from the consequences of drug-related and other criminal activity. The report begins by providing a brief overview of the history and evolution of policies establishing drug- and crime-related restrictions in federal assistance programs. It then briefly describes TANF, SNAP, and the three housing programs, and then discusses the specific policies in those programs related to drug testing and drug-related and other criminal activity. It concludes by comparing and contrasting those policies and highlighting considerations for policymakers."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Aussenberg, Randy Alison; Falk, Gene; McCarty, Maggie

2012-03-07
Drug Testing and Crime-Related Restrictions in TANF, SNAP, and Housing Assistance [September 17, 2013]

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"Throughout the history of social assistance programs, administrators have attempted to limit access only to those families considered 'worthy' of assistance. Policies about worthiness have included both judgments about need--generally tied to income, demographic characteristics, or family circumstances--and judgments about moral character, often as evidenced by behavior. Past policies evaluating moral character based on family structure have been replaced by today's policies, which focus on criminal activity, particularly drug-related criminal activity. The existing crime and drug-related restrictions were established in the late 1980s through the mid-1990s, when crime rates, especially drug-related violent crime rates, were at peak levels. While crime rates have since declined, interest in expanding these policies has continued. The three programs examined in this report--the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly Food Stamps), and federal housing assistance programs (public housing and Section 8 tenant and project-based assistance)--are similar, in that they are administered at the state or local level. They are different in the forms of assistance they provide. TANF provides cash assistance and other supports to low-income parents and their children, with a specific focus on promoting work. SNAP provides food assistance to a broader set of poor households including families with children, elderly households, and persons with disabilities. The housing assistance programs offer subsidized rental housing to all types of poor families, like SNAP."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

McCarty, Maggie; Aussenberg, Randy Alison; Falk, Gene . . .

2013-09-17
Drug Testing and Crime-Related Restrictions in TANF, SNAP, and Housing Assistance [July 30, 2013]

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"The three programs examined in this report--the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly Food Stamps), and federal housing assistance programs (public housing and Section 8 tenant and project-based assistance)--are similar, in that they are administered at the state or local level. They are different in the forms of assistance they provide. TANF provides cash assistance and other supports to low-income parents and their children, with a specific focus on promoting work. SNAP provides food assistance to a broader set of poor households including families with children, elderly households, and persons with disabilities. The housing assistance programs offer subsidized rental housing to all types of poor families, like SNAP. All three programs feature some form of drug- and other crime-related restrictions and all three leave discretion in applying those restrictions to state and local administrators. Both TANF and SNAP are subject to the statutory 'drug felon ban,' which bars states from providing assistance to persons convicted of a drug-related felony, but also gives states the ability to opt-out of or modify the ban, which most states have done. Housing assistance programs are not subject to the drug felon ban, but they are subject to a set of policies that allows local program administrators to deny or terminate assistance to persons involved in drug-related or other criminal activity. Housing law also includes mandatory restrictions related to specific crimes, including sex offenses and methamphetamine production. All three programs also have specific restrictions related to fugitive felons."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

McCarty, Maggie; Aussenberg, Randy Alison; Falk, Gene . . .

2013-07-30
Drug Testing and Crime-Related Restrictions in TANF, SNAP, and Housing Assistance [May 13, 2013]

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"This report describes and compares the drug- and crime-related policy restrictions contained in selected federal programs that provide assistance to low-income individuals and families: the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly Food Stamps), and the three primary federal housing assistance programs (the public housing program, the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, and the project-based Section 8 rental assistance program). These programs were chosen because they serve many of the same families. However, the programs also differ. They have different drug- and other crime-related restrictions, with varying levels of federal administration and discretion for state or local administrators. The drug- and crime-related restrictions in TANF, SNAP, and the housing assistance programs were developed at different times in different laws, but it appears they are intended to serve similar purposes. To some extent, they are intended to deter people from engaging in drug-related and other criminal activity. They may also be intended to punish individuals for engaging in undesirable behavior. Further, when resources are limited, these policies may be intended to direct assistance to other households who are deemed more worthy of assistance. Additionally, particularly for housing assistance programs, drug- and crime-related restrictions may be intended to protect vulnerable communities from the consequences of drug-related and other criminal activity. The report begins by providing a brief overview of the history and evolution of policies establishing drug- and crime-related restrictions in federal assistance programs. It then briefly describes TANF, SNAP, and the three housing programs, and then discusses the specific policies in those programs related to drug testing and drug-related and other criminal activity. It concludes by comparing and contrasting those policies and highlighting considerations for policymakers."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

McCarty, Maggie; Falk, Gene; Aussenberg, Randy Alison . . .

2013-05-13
Drug Testing and Crime-Related Restrictions in TANF, SNAP, and Housing Assistance [September 6, 2012]

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"Throughout the history of social assistance programs, administrators have attempted to limit access only to those families considered 'worthy' of assistance. Policies about worthiness have included both judgments about need--generally tied to income, demographic characteristics, or family circumstances--and judgments about moral character, often as evidenced by behavior. Past policies evaluating moral character based on family structure have been replaced by today's policies, which focus on criminal activity, particularly drug-related criminal activity. The existing crime and drug-related restrictions were established in the late 1980s through the mid-1990s, when crime rates, especially drug-related violent crime rates, were at peak levels. While crime rates have since declined, interest in expanding these policies has continued. The three programs examined in this report--the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly Food Stamps), and federal housing assistance programs (public housing and Section 8 tenant and project-based assistance)--are similar, in that they are administered at the state or local level. They are different in the forms of assistance they provide."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

McCarty, Maggie; Falk, Gene; Aussenberg, Randy Alison . . .

2012-09-06
Emergency Rental Assistance Through the Coronavirus Relief Fund [February 18, 2021]

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From the Introduction: "The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260) included an appropriation of $25 billion to help low-income households make rent and utility payments through an Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program. The ERA is funded through the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF), a program created as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (P.L. 116-136), and administered by the Department of the Treasury, to assist state, local, territorial, and tribal governments. While the CARES Act CRF appropriation could be used for multiple purposes, the ERA appropriation in P.L. 116-260 is directed only to rent and utility assistance and housing stability services. This report briefly describes the need for rental assistance during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, provides information about the allocation of the $25 billion in ERA funds, describes the parameters of the ERA program, and discusses outstanding questions about the program and renter needs."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Driessen, Grant A.; McCarty, Maggie; Perl, Libby

2021-02-18
Drug Testing and Crime-Related Restrictions in TANF, SNAP, and Housing Assistance [November 18, 2015]

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"Throughout the history of social assistance programs, administrators have attempted to limit access only to those families considered 'worthy' of assistance. Policies about worthiness have included both judgments about need--generally tied to income, demographic characteristics, or family circumstances--and judgments about moral character, often as evidenced by behavior. Past policies evaluating moral character based on family structure have been replaced by today's policies, which focus on criminal activity, particularly drug-related criminal activity. The existing crime and drug-related restrictions were established in the late 1980s through the mid-1990s, when crime rates, especially drug-related violent crime rates, were at peak levels. While crime rates have since declined, some remain interested in expanding these policies. The three programs examined in this report--the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly Food Stamps), and federal housing assistance programs (public housing and Section 8 tenant and project-based assistance)--are similar, in that they are administered at the state or local level. They are different in the forms of assistance they provide. TANF provides cash assistance and other supports to low-income parents and their children, with a specific focus on promoting work. SNAP provides food assistance to a broader set of poor households including families with children, elderly households, and persons with disabilities. The housing assistance programs offer subsidized rental housing to all types of poor families, like SNAP."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

McCarty, Maggie; Falk, Gene; Aussenberg, Randy Alison . . .

2015-11-18
Drug Testing and Crime-Related Restrictions in TANF, SNAP, and Housing Assistance [August 28, 2015]

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"Throughout the history of social assistance programs, administrators have attempted to limit access only to those families considered 'worthy' of assistance. Policies about worthiness have included both judgments about need--generally tied to income, demographic characteristics, or family circumstances--and judgments about moral character, often as evidenced by behavior. Past policies evaluating moral character based on family structure have been replaced by today's policies, which focus on criminal activity, particularly drug-related criminal activity. The existing crime and drug-related restrictions were established in the late 1980s through the mid-1990s, when crime rates, especially drug-related violent crime rates, were at peak levels. While crime rates have since declined, some remain interested in expanding these policies. The three programs examined in this report--the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly Food Stamps), and federal housing assistance programs (public housing and Section 8 tenant and project-based assistance)--are similar, in that they are administered at the state or local level. They are different in the forms of assistance they provide. TANF provides cash assistance and other supports to low-income parents and their children, with a specific focus on promoting work. SNAP provides food assistance to a broader set of poor households including families with children, elderly households, and persons with disabilities. The housing assistance programs offer subsidized rental housing to all types of poor families, like SNAP."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

McCarty, Maggie; Aussenberg, Randy Alison; Falk, Gene . . .

2015-08-28
Immigration: Noncitizen Eligibility for Needs-Based Housing Programs [December 8, 2015]

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"The issue of noncitizen eligibility for federally funded programs, including needs-based housing programs, is a perennial issue in Congress. Noncitizen eligibility varies among the needs-based housing programs administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), such as Public Housing, Section 8 vouchers and project-based rental assistance, homeless assistance programs, housing for the elderly (§202) and the disabled (§811), the HOME program, and the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) program. Two laws govern noncitizen eligibility for housing programs: Title IV of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (Welfare Reform) and Section 214 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980, as amended. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) explicitly states that aliens, unless they are qualified aliens, are not eligible for 'federal public benefits,' a term defined in the law to include public and assisted housing. Under the statute, unauthorized (illegal) aliens do not meet the definition of qualified aliens, and as a result, they are ineligible for 'federal public benefits.' However, PRWORA did not make those who had been receiving housing benefits before the date of enactment (August 22, 1996) ineligible for housing benefits. Likewise, PRWORA exempts certain types of programs that are usually thought of as emergency programs from the alien eligibility restrictions. HUD has not issued guidance implementing the PRWORA provisions."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Siskin, Alison; McCarty, Maggie

2015-12-08
Immigration: Noncitizen Eligibility for Needs-Based Housing Programs [January 23, 2012]

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"The issue of noncitizen eligibility for federally funded programs, including needs-based housing programs, is a perennial issue in Congress. Noncitizen eligibility varies among the needs-based housing programs administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), such as Public Housing, Section 8 vouchers and project-based rental assistance, homeless assistance programs, housing for the elderly (§202) and the disabled (§811), the HOME program, and the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) program. Two laws govern noncitizen eligibility for housing programs: Title IV of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (Welfare Reform) and Section 214 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980, as amended. [...] There has been congressional interest regarding the implementation of the eligibility requirements for housing programs. Specifically, questions have been raised as to the documentation requirements placed on both citizens and noncitizens in determining eligibility for housing programs. The documentation requirements are dependent on (1) the housing program, (2) the citizenship status of the applicant, and (3) the age of the applicant. This report will be updated to reflect legislative or regulatory activity."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Siskin, Alison; McCarty, Maggie

2012-01-23
HEROS Act, Division K--COVID-19 Housing, Economic Relief, and Oversight Act [June 29, 2020]

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From the Document: "Many economic effects of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic intensified in April and May 2020, including historically high levels of unemployment and related housing affordability issues, consumption and spending reductions, and state and local government financial strains. In an attempt to mitigate a range of issues stemming from COVID-19, the House of Representatives on May 15, 2020, passed the HEROES [Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions] Act (H.R. 6800), by a vote of 208 to 199. This wide-ranging bill, consisting of Divisions A through T, would provide a new round of economic stimulus checks to individuals and tax credits to certain COVID-19-affected businesses and employees; extend certain federal unemployment benefits; grant some student loan forgiveness; provide rental and mortgage assistance; provide certain health care equipment; and offer economic assistance to state and local governments, among other provisions. [...] This report provides an overview of the HEROES Act's Division K--the COVID-19 Housing, Economic Relief, and Oversight Act--which includes provisions for housing assistance, student loan forgiveness, the provision of medical equipment, credit reporting and debt collection, greater funding for Community Development Financial Institutions, and increased oversight of COVID19-related government loans to businesses, among other measures."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Miller, Rena S.; Lowry, Sean; Cecire, Michael H. . . .

2020-06-29
Overview of the Universal Service Fund and Selected Federal Broadband Programs [Updated June 25, 2021]

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From the Introduction: "Efforts to deploy voice telephone service throughout the United States began almost 100 years ago. Starting in the 1990s, these efforts shifted toward the deployment of broadband internet service to homes, schools, and businesses and the provision of infrastructure to support applications such as telehealth and distance learning. These efforts have been supported through various permanent and pilot programs since that time. Further, as a result of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Congress has become increasingly aware of the issues associated with the lack of broadband access in many places throughout the country. [...] This report summarizes broadband support programs at the following agencies: [1] Federal Communications Commission (FCC), [2] National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), [3] Department of Agriculture (USDA), [4] Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), [5] Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), [6] Department of the Treasury, and [7] Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). This report provides an overview of the agencies named above and summaries of the programs themselves, including new programs created or proposed in response to the pandemic."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Figliola, Patricia Moloney; Rachfal, Colby Leigh; Heisler, Elayne J., 1976- . . .

2021-06-25
Overview of the Universal Service Fund and Selected Federal Broadband Programs [April 30, 2021]

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From the Introduction: "Efforts to deploy voice telephone service throughout the United States began almost 100 years ago. Starting in the 1990s, these efforts shifted toward the deployment of broadband internet service to homes, schools, and businesses and the provision of infrastructure to support applications such as telehealth and distance learning. These efforts have been supported through various permanent and pilot programs since that time. Further, as a result of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Congress has become increasingly aware of the issues associated with the lack of broadband access in many places throughout the country. In response, Congress has passed or proposed legislation to create and fund new programs to accelerate broadband deployment: [1] Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (P.L. 116-136), [2] Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA 2021) (P.L. 116-260), [3] American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) (P.L. 117-2), and [4] Leading Infrastructure for Tomorrow's America Act (LIFT America Act) (H.R. 1848, introduced March 11, 2021). [...] This report summarizes broadband support programs at the following agencies: [1] Federal Communications Commission (FCC), [2] National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), [3] Department of Agriculture (USDA), [4] Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), [5] Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), [6] Department of the Treasury, and [7] Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). This report provides an overview of the agencies named above and summaries of the programs themselves, including new programs created or proposed in response to the pandemic."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Figliola, Patricia Moloney; Rachfal, Colby Leigh; Heisler, Elayne J., 1976- . . .

2021-04-30
Pandemic Relief: The Emergency Rental Assistance Program [Updated September 8, 2021]

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From the Introduction: "The Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program was created to help cover the unmet rent and utility expenses of low-income households affected by the economic consequences of the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. [Public Law] 116-260) initially funded the ERA program with an appropriation of $25 billion. The ERA was funded through the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF), a program created as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (P.L. 116-136), and administered by the Department of the Treasury, to assist state, local, territorial, and tribal governments. While the CARES Act CRF appropriation could be used for multiple purposes, the ERA appropriation in P.L. 116-260 was directed only to rent and utility assistance and related housing stability services. A second appropriation--of $21.550 billion--for ERA was included in Section 3201 of the American Rescue Plan Act (P.L. 117-2). This report briefly describes the need for rental assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, provides information about the allocation of ERA funds, describes the parameters of the ERA program, and discusses outstanding questions about the program and renter needs."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Driessen, Grant A.; McCarty, Maggie; Perl, Libby

2021-09-08
CDC's Federal Eviction Moratorium [Updated August 31, 2021]

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From the Document: "On August 26, 2021, the Supreme Court blocked enforcement [hyperlink] of the new order temporarily imposing an eviction moratorium issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Court determined [hyperlink] that the plaintiffs were 'virtually certain to succeed on the merits of their argument that the CDC has exceeded its authority.' The Supreme Court did not rule on the merits of the moratorium, and lower courts may still issue decisions on its legality even as evictions are allowed to proceed. (See this Legal Sidebar [hyperlink] for discussion of the Supreme Court ruling.) The CDC originally imposed a nationwide, temporary federal moratorium on residential evictions for nonpayment of rent on September 4, 2020 ('initial order') [hyperlink]. The CDC extended the initial order several times, until it expired on July 31, 2021. On August 3, 2021, the CDC issued a new order [hyperlink] implementing another eviction moratorium through October 3, 2021 [hyperlink] ('new order'). The new order was applicable only in counties with heightened rates of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] [hyperlink] community transmission. Both CDC orders were intended to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by preventing homelessness and overcrowded housing conditions resulting from eviction. The CDC's actions, which followed an Executive Order [hyperlink] directing it to consider such measures, are unprecedented, both in terms of the breadth of the agency's use of this public health authority [hyperlink] and its reach into what is traditionally [hyperlink] state and local governance of landlord-tenant law."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

McCarty, Maggie; Perl, Libby; Carpenter, David Hatcher

2021-08-31
Pandemic Relief: The Emergency Rental Assistance Program [Updated October 21, 2021]

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From the Introduction: "The Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program was created to help cover the unmet rent and utility expenses of low-income households affected by the economic consequences of the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic. It has received two rounds of funding. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. [Public Law] 116-260) initially funded the ERA program with an appropriation of $25 billion. The ERA program was funded through the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF), a program created as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (P.L. 116-136), and administered by the Department of the Treasury, to assist state, local, territorial, and tribal governments. While the CARES Act CRF [Coronavirus Relief Fund] appropriation could be used for multiple purposes, the ERA appropriation in P.L. 116-260 was directed only to rent and utility assistance and related housing stability services. A second appropriation--of $21.550 billion--for ERA was included in Section 3201 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (P.L. 117-2). This report briefly describes the need for rental assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, provides information about the allocation of ERA funds, describes the parameters of the ERA program, and discusses outstanding questions about the program and renter needs."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Driessen, Grant A.; McCarty, Maggie; Perl, Libby

2021-10-21
CDC's Federal Eviction Moratorium [Updated August 10, 2021]

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From the Document: "On September 4, 2020, [hyperlink] the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) imposed a nationwide temporary federal moratorium on residential evictions for nonpayment of rent. The moratorium was extended several times, until it expired on July 31, 2021. On August 3, 2021, the CDC issued a new order [hyperlink] implementing another eviction moratorium through October 3, 2021 [hyperlink]. Rather than applying nationwide, the new order is only applicable in counties with heightened rates of COVID-19 [hyperlink] community transmission. Both orders are intended to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by preventing homelessness and overcrowded housing conditions resulting from eviction. The CDC's actions, which followed an Executive Order [hyperlink] directing it to consider such measures, are unprecedented, both in terms of the agency's reach into what is traditionally state and local governance of landlord-tenant law and its use of a public health authority [hyperlink]. Courts have issued conflicting decisions on the initial order's legality, leaving a cloud of uncertainty [hyperlink] regarding the order's enforceability [hyperlink]."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

McCarty, Maggie; Perl, Libby; Carpenter, David Hatcher

2021-08-10
Title IV Provisions of the CARES Act (P.L. 116-136) [April 2, 2020]

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From the Document: "Economic conditions have deteriorated rapidly in the past few weeks, as the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused many businesses and public institutions to limit or close their operations, increasing financial hardship for many Americans due to layoffs or time off of work due to illness. COVID-19's effect on the airline industry has been one of many areas of interest for Congress. On March 27, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law as P.L. 116-136. The act contains a number of provisions aimed broadly at stabilizing the economy and helping affected households and businesses. Specifically, Title IV of the CARES Act grants funds to industries affected by the virus and new authorities to the regulators and agencies responsible for those industries, waives requirements for industries to meet certain regulatory requirements, and provides added oversight and consumer protections, each on a temporary basis."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Scott, Andrew P.; Cecire, Michael H.; Cooper, Cheryl R. . . .

2020-04-02
HUD's Response to Hurricane Katrina [January 5, 2006]

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"Hurricane Katrina resulted in the displacement of tens of thousands of families from their homes. While the storm's magnitude is unprecedented in the United States, the resulting need to shelter and house displaced families is not. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the nation's agency with a mission to provide safe and decent housing for all Americans, has played a role in meeting those needs in the past and is playing a role in the wake of Katrina. This report tracks the Department's initial actions as well as proposals to expand the Department's role; it will be updated."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

McCarty, Maggie; Perl, Libby; Foote, B. Ellington

2006-01-05
Hurricane Katrina: Social-Demographic Characteristics of Impacted Areas [November 4, 2005]

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"On the morning of August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina made landfall on the Gulf Coast between the major cities of New Orleans, Louisiana, to the west, and Mobile, Alabama, to the east. Along the Gulf Coast and inland in the swath of the storm, Hurricane Katrina hundreds of thousands of families in three states (Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama) and contributed to the deaths of more than 1,000 people. While CRS estimates that 5.8 million people in three states may have experienced hurricane-force winds, the majority rode out the storm safely. Property damage, loss of life, and sizeable displacement of the population appear to have been largely concentrated along the Gulf Coast within a 100-mile radius of where the storm made landfall [...] This estimate is based on geographical analysis of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood and damage assessments and year 2000 Census data [...] The analysis shows that the Louisiana parishes of Orleans and St. Bernard were especially hard hit by flooding, with an estimated 77% of Orleans population affected, and nearly all residents of St. Bernard. In Mississippi, 55% of Hancock County's population is estimated to have been affected by flooding and/or structural damage, and in the more populous Harrison County, about 19% of its population. In Louisiana, an estimated 645,000 people may have been displaced by the hurricane (based on 2000 Census data), and in Mississippi, 66,000 [...] Due to the city's social and economic composition, the storm impacted heavily on the poor and African Americans--elderly people, families, and children were also affected. CRS estimates that one-fifth of those displaced by the storm were likely to have been poor, and 30% had incomes that were below 1 times the poverty line."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Falk, Gene; McCarty, Maggie; Gabe, Thomas

2005-11-04
Role of HUD Housing Programs in Response to Disasters [Updated October 5, 2005]

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"Hurricane Katrina has resulted in the displacement of tens of thousands of families from their homes. While its magnitude is unprecedented, the resulting need to shelter and house displaced families is not. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the nations agency with a mission to provide safe and decent housing for all Americans, has played a role in meeting those needs in the past and is playing a role in the wake of Katrina. How best to utilize the departments resources, or how best to allocate future additional resources to meet the massive housing needs resulting from Katrina, has yet to be determined. This report begins by introducing the concept of a continuum of housing needs following a disaster. Displaced families needs range from emergency shelter to temporary and permanent housing. While the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has primary responsibility for coordinating disaster relief efforts and providing certain services to help communities recover, other federal agencies, including HUD, also play an important role."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

McCarty, Maggie; Perl, Libby; Foote, B. Ellington

2005-10-05

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