Congressman Carlos A. Gimenez (R-Fla.) has teamed up with Rep. Shontel Brown (D-Ohio) and Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) to introduce a bill to preserve and renovate affordable housing.
The bipartisan Affordable Housing Preservation and Protection Act seeks to “repair and preserve” distressed U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-assisted multifamily housing.
“Proud to partner with [Rep. Brown] and [Sen. Rochester] on this common-sense, bipartisan legislation to ensure existing affordable housing units are preserved & well-maintained,” Congressman Gimenez wrote on X. “As Mayor, I fought to increase access to affordable housing & I’ve been taking that same fight to the federal level!”
Bill Provides 30-yr Loans at 1% Interest
The bill proposes a new federal loan program to help qualified property owners and HUS-approved purchasers in financing critical renovations to these properties.
The loans would be offered at a 1% interest rate for a 30-year affordability period to help preserve these properties and protect them from becoming unusable.
“Families across South Florida deserve access to safe, reliable, and affordable housing,” Congressman Gimenez affirmed. “This bipartisan legislation will help preserve the affordable housing we already have, support critical repairs, and ensure these properties continue serving our communities for years to come.”
Gimenez's Previous Support For HUD Programs
Congressman Gimenez has been a strong champion and supporter of HUD initiatives and local programs, especially during his time as Miami-Dade County mayor.
In 2019, Gimenez championed the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program, a similar initiative to the recently introduced legislation.
In 2018, as mayor, Congressman Gimenez helped end veteran homelessness with help from HUD officials, local groups, and federal assistance funds.
While in Congress, Rep. Gimenez also co-sponsored the Women’s and Family Protection Act. The bipartisan bill sought to fund shelters and safe haven initiatives for women, children, and families suffering from gender-based or domestic violence.
