On July 18, the House Appropriations Committee’s proposal to cut HUD funding for Fiscal Year 2024—which begins October 1—was approved by the full Committee by a vote of 34 to 27. The proposal, described in detail in this July 12 article, would cut HUD’s budget by 25%, including a 15% cut to HUD Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly, as well as prevent HUD from using funds to implement fair housing provisions.

During a contentious, hours-long Committee markup on the 18th, several lawmakers offered amendments to adjust funding and policy provisions in the draft legislation, and a heated debate ensued about making additional cuts to housing projects that serve LGBTQ+ individuals—which are now included in the House version of the HUD funding bill. LeadingAge’s CEO Katie Smith Sloan released a July 19 statement in response: “Affordable housing for low-income seniors saves lives, and all low-income older adults deserve a safe and affordable place to live. The additional cuts made yesterday in the House’s HUD FY24 funding bill could snatch away the chance for a safe and affordable home from low-income LGBTQ+ older adults. As America grows older and more diverse, we must support older adults in need—without qualification or discrimination.”

Read the full LeadingAge statement here, and more details about the markup here.

The Senate Appropriations Committee scheduled consideration of its version of the HUD FY24 legislation for July 20, after which both chambers will need to reconcile their versions of HUD funding levels.

Members of Congress in both the House and Senate need to hear from constituents about the importance of strong funding levels for HUD. Join LeadingAge’s Action Alert, and urge your members of Congress to protect and expand affordable senior housing.