For Immediate Release

February 24, 2025

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representatives Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05), Gregory Meeks (NY-05), and Ritchie Torres (NY-15) announced the establishment of the Congressional Public Housing Caucus (CPHC). Co-chaired by a group of lawmakers with lived experience in public housing, the CPHC will serve as a dedicated resource for Members of Congress to help strengthen public housing nationwide.

“As a proud product of the Old Colony Housing Project in South Boston and co-chair of the new Public Housing Caucus, I am honored to work with Ranking Member Cleaver and our other Caucus colleagues to build upon our lived experiences and advance our shared commitment to expanding and modernizing public housing on behalf of America’s working families,” said Congressman Lynch. “In the midst of an escalating housing crisis that includes a shortage of more than 7 million affordable homes for low-income families, the Trump Administration is planning to terminate 50% of jobs at the Department of Housing and Urban Development – the federal agency whose mission is to provide decent and safe public housing for low-income families, veterans, senior citizens, and people with disabilities. With the creation of this caucus, I look forward to making public and affordable housing a top priority in Congress.”

“I am deeply alarmed by reports about the termination of hundreds of probationary HUD employees and planned cuts to the Department’s funding and workforce spearheaded by Elon Musk,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Despite public housing providing safe and stable shelter to millions of Americans nationwide, the Department of Housing and Urban Development and programs such as the Department’s public housing program are under constant assault. As the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, as well as a former resident of public housing, I’m proud to launch the Congressional Public Housing Caucus with my colleagues to ensure our expertise and experience living in public housing can be used as a resource to defend and strengthen these programs for American families.”

“Growing up in public housing in New York, I know how essential diverse and stable housing options are for the residents of our districts,” said Congressman Gregory W. Meeks.  “That is why my colleagues and I are introducing this movement to continue working to unfreeze federal funding, bolster long-term policy solutions, and uplift the needs of vulnerable voices in our districts and across the country. I’m proud to help launch the Congressional Public Housing Caucus, especially at a time when the Department of Housing and Urban Development is yet another victim of the Trump-Musk Administration’s rogue budget cuts and workforce firings. Together, we aim to create safer spaces for the millions of low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities who call public housing their home.”

"As a proud product of public housing, I understand firsthand the challenges and the immense potential that come with it,” said Rep. Torres. “The creation of the Congressional Public Housing Caucus marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing fight to uplift millions of Americans who call public housing their home. Together with my fellow co-chairs, we will advocate for policies that ensure affordable, quality housing for all and work to eliminate the barriers that continue to keep too many families from achieving their full potential. Public housing is not just a roof over one’s head; it’s a foundation for building a brighter future, and I am committed to fighting for the resources and support needed to make that vision a reality."

“The launch of the Congressional Public Housing Caucus comes at a critical moment for our country. The challenges posed by this administration to affordable housing programs demand an equally strong and urgent response. This caucus will serve as a vital platform to rally and convene constituents, advocates, and policymakers who are committed to protecting and expanding public housing. We are pleased that the caucus co-sponsors have asked the National Low Income Housing Coalition to partner with them in this fight, and we are positioned to do whatever it takes to defend public housing and the millions of people who call it home,” said Renee M. Willis, Interim President & CEO, National Low Income Housing Coalition.

"PHADA is excited to see the launch of the Congressional Public Housing Caucus and looks forward to partnering with its members to address the nation's affordable housing needs,” said Tim Kaiser, Executive Director, PHADA. “With rental costs soaring and housing availability at historic lows, preserving and expanding public housing is essential for millions of low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities."

“The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA) is pleased to support the launch of the Congressional Public Housing Caucus led by Congressman Emanuel Cleaver. The time is now for Congress to take action and invest in public housing to ensure that our most vulnerable communities have access to safe, adequate, and affordable housing. CLPHA looks forward to working with Congressman Cleaver and the Public Housing Caucus to improve the public housing stock and the quality of life for its residents,” said Sunia Zaterman, Executive Director, CLPHA.

“The Housing Authority of Kansas City, Missouri applauds Congressman Cleaver for his leadership in establishing a Congressional Public Housing Caucus,” said Edwin Lowndes, Executive Director, Housing Authority of Kansas City. “With over 1 in 10 American families below the poverty line; and with the growing housing crisis, it is more important than that Congress understand and provide for the housing needs in our Country. Housing is a basic human need, and it is literally the foundation for success. Housing authorities across the country are dedicated to providing quality housing to families that cannot afford housing on their own. This Caucus will help ensure that we as a Country leave no one behind. We look forward to working with Congressman Cleaver and the Congressional Public Housing Caucus to address the critic housing needs we are facing.”

"Congressman Cleaver’s leadership in forming the Public Housing Caucus is a testament to his dedication to improving the lives of those in public housing," said Tina Bartlett, CEO, Independence Housing Authority. "We believe that through collaboration and advocacy, we can secure the necessary resources and policies that will enhance the quality of life for public housing residents across the country."

The Congressional Public Housing Caucus is a coalition of Members of Congress committed to preserving public housing across the United States and prioritizing the needs of the millions of residents who call it home. The Caucus will work to ensure that public housing remains a stable, safe, and quality option for low-income individuals and families and will serve as a platform for lawmakers to collaborate on solutions that address the challenges facing public housing. 

The Caucus will focus on: 

• Advocating for Federal Investments – Securing the resources needed to preserve, modernize, and expand public housing. 
• Strengthening Public Housing Policies – Advancing policy solutions that improve affordability, habitability, and long-term stability. 
• Ensuring Tenant Protections – Centering the needs and voices of public housing residents in legislative discussions. 

Public housing is a vital part of the nation’s housing system, providing homes to low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities. The Congressional Public Housing Caucus is dedicated to making public housing a national priority and ensuring that federal policies support the American families who depend on it.