Representative Jimmy Gomez (D-CA) announced a new Congressional Renters Caucus on June 7.  “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 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,” Gomez said.

About 22% of older adults rent their homes—a share that is rising—and older adults make up about 30% of all renters, a share that is also rising.  

Caucuses are a gathering point for members of Congress to pursue shared goals. According to Gomez’s office, 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.

Representatives Ritchie Torres (D-NY) and Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) are Vice Chairs of the Caucus. Representatives Dan Goldman (D-NY), Rob Menendez (D-NJ), Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-FL), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Grace Meng (D-NY), Ted Lieu (D-CA), and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) are founding members.