Action Alert: NAHRO Sends 4,200 Letters to Congress, Exceeds Lame Duck Advocacy Goal

Thanks to your help, NAHRO sent a total of 4,240 letters to Congress during the lame duck session, far exceeding our ambitious goal of 3,400 letters.

The lame duck session is a critical time in Washington when members of Congress return to Capitol Hill following a federal election to complete unfinished business before the close of Congress. The lame duck session is usually an extremely productive time and presents opportunities for lawmakers to push forward priorities or bills that need to be completed prior to the end of the year.

NAHRO focused on two topics important to housing and community development: finalizing FY 2019 Transportation-HUD spending and the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Improvement Act (S. 548).

While Congress was able to make progress on a number of important issues, neither of NAHRO’s priorities were addressed before the end of the lame duck session. Congress does appear to be on track to avoid a government shutdown during the holidays, but unfortunately, the spending bill they passed is another continuing resolution that will extend federal funding through Friday, February 8. This means final spending decisions for FY 2019 will be delayed until at least four months into the fiscal year.

Additionally, attempts by the House to address tax issues were unsuccessful and no vehicle for the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Improvement Act emerged. Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), one of the original sponsors of the bill, is retiring, but the other sponsor Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) will carry on the fight in the new Congress. NAHRO looks forward to working with Sen. Cantwell to support her bill and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit.

Thank you for your continued support during this productive lame duck session and throughout 2018!