Congressman Maxwell Frost Joins Rep. Jimmy Gomez in Founding Historic Congressional Renters Caucus
WASHINGTON D.C — In a historic move to amplify the voices of renters across the nation, Congressman Maxwell Frost (FL-10) has joined forces with Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) to announce the formation of the first ever Congressional Renters Caucus.
The Congressional Renters Caucus comes as recent studies show that for the first time since tracking began 20 years ago, the average American is rent burdened, meaning they pay over 30 percent of their income on rent. This historic initiative aims to address the challenges faced by millions of renters, advocate for their rights, and promote affordable and safe housing options.
The Caucus will serve as a vital platform for legislators to collaborate, propose legislation, and engage in constructive dialogue on critical issues impacting renters. With over 44 million households nationwide living in rental accommodations, it is imperative to prioritize their needs and concerns.
“Folks shouldn’t have to work two or three jobs just to make ends meet and keep a roof over their heads,” said Congressman Frost. “Yet working people are being squeezed across Florida and our nation, while our governments stand by and watch as greedy landlords and leasing companies raise rents despite wages staying the same. Housing is a human right, our people deserve bold legislation that protects them, not the for-profit corporations. As a founding member of the House Renters Caucus, I’m ready to get to work for working people and renters in Central Florida and beyond.”
“As the burden of rent has increased significantly, far outpacing the increase in real wages, it’s become clear that we need a strong, coordinated effort in Congress to advocate for the millions of renters in our country. That’s why I’m proud to launch the first-ever congressional caucus to fight for renters and affordable, quality living,” said Congressman Gomez. “Representing the highest percentage of renters in California and third highest in the nation, I see firsthand the challenges faced by renters—soaring costs, often subpar living conditions, discriminatory barriers. The unreasonable cost of rent not only affects individual families, in fact economists warn it will have a significant impact on the country’s GDP, meaning this is an issue that affects everyone. This long overdue caucus will be the launching pad for legislative efforts and advocacy to finally give renters a voice in Washington.”
Alongside Reps. Frost and Gomez, Reps. Dan Goldman (NY-10), Rob Menendez (NJ-08), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC at large), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Grace Meng (NY-06), Ted Lieu (CA-36) and Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) are founding members. Reps. Ritchie Torres (NY-15) and Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) are Vice Chairs of the Caucus.
The Congressional Renters Caucus will work to expand assistance for all eligible cost-burdened renters, eliminate bureaucratic and discriminatory barriers to accessing affordable housing; and improve the quality, availability, and affordability of our nation’s rental housing stock.
“The National Housing Law Project celebrates the creation of the Congressional Renter’s Caucus. Housing is a basic human right, a key to family and individual stability, a social determinant of health and childhood development, and often provides an opportunity to develop wealth. The U.S. housing market and even federal programs were largely developed to encourage and support homeownership and asset building. But as the portion of American households who rent rises, it is important that Congress stay focused on protecting tenants’ rights and preserving safe, decent, accessible, and affordable housing. The current rental market often subjects tenants to discrimination, harassment, rent gauging and significant rent burden, frequent and unjust evictions, and dangerous conditions; and it prevents opportunities for closing the wealth gap. Congress can and should address these challenges, and we’re confident the Congressional Renter’s Caucus can bring together experts and champions to reform the system,” said Shamus Roller, Executive Director.
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