The quest for equitable housing is intensifying within the corridors of power, as a faction of determined House Democrats spearheads a campaign urging President Joe Biden to address one of the most pressing civil rights issues of our time: affordable housing for marginalized communities. This call to action targets the delayed implementation of a critical housing policy deemed vital for people of color across the nation.
The policy in question, known as the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) rule, aims to mend the longstanding gaps in the Fair Housing Act. Originally proposed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) over a year ago, the rule has since lingered in a state of uncertainty. This delay prompts concern among progressive leaders, who worry that if not enacted timely, it might not withstand potential future administrations that could seek to revoke it.
Led by Representatives Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.) and Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), a group of 28 Democrats has sent a poignant letter to President Biden. Their message underscores a stark reality: despite being over half a century old, the promises of the Fair Housing Act to prevent discrimination and actively promote fair housing remain unfulfilled.
The urgency conveyed by these lawmakers is echoed by the leaders of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, the Congressional Black Caucus, and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, who have all made similar appeals to the President. They emphasize that the lack of proper enforcement of fair housing laws perpetuates discriminatory barriers that prevent many from accessing quality, affordable housing.
In response to these pressing concerns, a HUD spokesperson noted that the AFFH rule is currently navigating through the interagency process, yet no definitive timeline has been provided. This bureaucratic delay raises alarms about the rule’s vulnerability, especially with the looming possibility of a political shift following the next presidential election. Regulations instated late in a term face the risk of being overturned if the incoming administration decides to do so.
Supporters of the AFFH rule argue that the Biden administration must act swiftly to cement these regulations firmly, ensuring they are robust enough to withstand potential future challenges. This rule doesn’t merely seek to uphold the basic tenets of avoiding discrimination; it mandates proactive steps by HUD and its affiliates to rectify the enduring effects of discriminatory housing practices.
The urgency of this issue is palpable in the voices of those affected. “The No. 1 thing I hear from my constituents is that housing is increasingly and consistently unaffordable,” stated Rep. Jayapal, underscoring the dire need for actionable policies like the AFFH rule to combat housing inequity.
The Obama administration initially crafted this policy with the intent to actively counteract decades of discriminatory housing practices. However, it was rescinded during the Trump administration, which criticized the policy as overly burdensome to local governments and an overreach of federal authority. The Biden administration’s reformed version seeks to align closely with the original objectives set during the Obama years, aiming to finally fulfill the Fair Housing Act’s long-standing promises.
As the clock ticks, the call for President Biden to act becomes increasingly urgent. Not only is the AFFH rule a crucial step in righting historical wrongs, but it also represents a fundamental aspect of civil rights, asserting that access to affordable, discrimination-free housing is a right that should be preserved and protected for all Americans. This growing demand from within Biden’s own party highlights the broader national need for robust and inclusive housing policies that affirm the dignity and rights of every citizen.
