Not adopted
This amendment was never taken up, and the bill finished without it. It was never voted on.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- Pending Consideration
- Failed
What this amendment would do
SA 4331, submitted by Mr. Merkley, aims to add a Direct Housing Voucher Funding Pilot Program to H.R. 6644, a bill intended to increase the supply of housing in America.
The purpose of this amendment is to establish a program where the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development contracts with 10 covered agencies to send rent subsidies directly to low-income individuals. This allows the funds to be paid without the involvement of a landlord.
Key Changes and Additions
- Payment Choice: Households from existing voucher waitlists can choose between a traditional voucher or a monthly payment of equivalent value.
- Payment Method: Those choosing the monthly payment receive funds via direct deposit and are responsible for paying the full rent to their landlord.
- Subsidy Calculation: Agencies will calculate subsidies using a method similar to the housing choice voucher program, subtracting the tenant's contribution from a rent standard and capping the subsidy at the gross rent of the unit.
- Income Review: Household income and payments are calculated at enrollment and every 2 years after, though tenants can request a review if their income drops.
- Landlord Relationship: There is no contract between the landlord and the agency. The tenant is primarily responsible for inspecting the unit and checking quality using an agency checklist.
- Tenant Requirements: Households must provide a copy of their lease and notify the agency before moving to remain eligible.
- 3/4/2026
- Senate amendment submitted
This bill has no cosponsors