H.R.965 - Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.965, the "Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act," aims to amend the United States Housing Act of 1937. The amendment excludes certain disability benefits received by veterans from being counted as income when determining eligibility for the supported housing program under section 8(o)(19). This exclusion seeks to improve housing access for disabled veterans.
The bill specifically targets disability benefits received under chapter 11 or chapter 15 of title 38, United States Code. It also addresses the treatment of these benefits when determining eligibility for new residential dwelling units constructed on Department property. The bill defines key terms such as "Secretary" and "Department property" for clarity.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is to increase the number of disabled veterans eligible for and participating in the supported housing program. By excluding certain disability benefits from income calculations, more veterans will meet the income requirements for housing assistance.
This could lead to a reduction in homelessness among disabled veterans and improved living conditions for those who receive assistance. It may also incentivize the development of more housing units specifically for veterans.
Potential Benefits
- Increased Housing Access: More disabled veterans will qualify for housing assistance.
- Reduced Homelessness: Providing stable housing reduces homelessness among veterans.
- Improved Living Conditions: Veterans will have access to better and safer housing.
- Financial Relief: Excluding disability benefits eases financial burdens.
- Targeted Support: Focuses on a vulnerable population (disabled veterans).
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential Increased Costs: Increased participation may strain existing housing programs.
- Complexity in Implementation: Defining and excluding specific disability benefits could be complex.
- Limited Scope: Only addresses housing, not other needs of disabled veterans.
- Possible Inequity: May create disparities between veterans receiving different types of benefits.
- Exclusion from Adjusted Income: The exclusion does not apply to the definition of adjusted income, which may limit the overall benefit.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it aims to provide housing assistance to a vulnerable population, disabled veterans. The enumerated power to provide for the common defense could also be interpreted to include supporting veterans who have served the nation.
However, the bill's constitutionality depends on whether it infringes upon any other constitutional rights or exceeds the powers delegated to the federal government. As it stands, the bill seems to operate within the scope of Congress's legislative authority under Article I, Section 8.
It does not appear to violate any specific amendments, such as the First Amendment (religious freedom, speech) or the Second Amendment (right to bear arms).
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).