Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.2747 - Healthy Affordable Housing Act (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R.2747, the Healthy Affordable Housing Act, aims to establish a grant and loan program through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This program would provide funds to eligible entities for developing, creating, or preserving affordable housing units in areas with identified shortages. The bill prioritizes locations near essential amenities like healthcare, grocery stores, childcare, pharmacies, and public transportation.

Expected Effects

The bill's enactment would likely lead to increased availability of affordable housing in underserved neighborhoods. It could also improve residents' access to essential services and potentially enhance their overall quality of life. The bill also mandates surveys to assess the perceived benefits of living near these amenities.

Potential Benefits

  • Increased availability of affordable housing.
  • Improved access to healthcare, food, and childcare for residents of affordable housing.
  • Potential for economic development in underserved areas.
  • Enhanced community well-being through proximity to essential services.
  • Data collection on the impact of affordable housing on residents' lives.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential for inefficient allocation of resources if the selection criteria are not well-defined.
  • Increased burden on HUD to administer the grant and loan program and conduct surveys.
  • Risk of unintended consequences if the program leads to displacement or gentrification.
  • Possible delays in implementation due to bureaucratic processes.
  • Limited funding may not address the full scope of the affordable housing crisis.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). It also falls under Congress's power to regulate housing and urban development, as implied by Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to collect taxes and provide for the general welfare of the United States. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or liberties.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).