Millions Could Lose Housing Aid Under Trump Plan
According to drafts of unpublished rules obtained by ProPublica, the Trump administration's plans could lead to 4 million people losing federal housing assistance. Experts who reviewed the documents say that these new regulations would pave the way for a range of restrictions on public housing, including time limits on living in such housing and work requirements for those receiving aid.
The proposed rules would also strip aid from entire families if one member is in the country illegally, a move that has been met with criticism from advocates who argue it would disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. "This is a devastating development for many low-income families," said Diane Yentel, executive director of the National Low Income Housing Coalition. "It's a cruel and heartless policy that will leave thousands without a place to call home."
The proposed rules are part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to overhaul the federal housing assistance program. The plan would require recipients to work at least 20 hours per week, with some exceptions for those who are elderly or disabled. Those who fail to meet this requirement could lose their aid.
Background on the issue is essential to understanding the implications of these proposed rules. The federal housing assistance program provides support to over 5 million low-income households across the country. These households rely on the aid to pay rent and keep a roof over their heads. With millions at risk of losing their assistance, advocates are sounding the alarm.
"This plan is a disaster for low-income families," said Yentel. "It's a policy that will push people further into poverty and homelessness." The proposed rules have also been met with criticism from lawmakers who argue they would be too harsh on vulnerable populations.
The Trump administration has defended its plan, saying it aims to promote self-sufficiency among recipients of federal housing assistance. However, critics argue that the plan is overly restrictive and fails to address the root causes of poverty.
As the proposed rules make their way through the regulatory process, advocates are urging lawmakers to take action. "We need Congress to step in and block this devastating policy," said Yentel. "We can't let millions of low-income families be pushed further into poverty."
The current status of the proposed rules is that they have been submitted for review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The OMB has 90 days to review the rules before sending them back to the agency for finalization.
In conclusion, the Trump administration's plan to overhaul the federal housing assistance program could have far-reaching implications for millions of low-income households. As the proposed rules make their way through the regulatory process, advocates are urging lawmakers to take action and protect vulnerable populations from being pushed further into poverty.
*Reporting by Propublica.*
