A group of U.S. Senators have introduced major legislation that would allocate $70 billion in federal funds to repair and rebuild the nation's aging public housing infrastructure. The bill, titled the "Public Housing Remediation of Longstanding Deficiencies Act," aims to eliminate the severe backlog of capital needs within the public housing system.
"For too long, we have allowed our public housing stock to deteriorate to unhealthy and unsafe conditions," stated Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE), one of the lead sponsors. "With this investment, we can give millions of families the affordable, quality homes they deserve."
The proposed $70 billion would be distributed over a 7-year period to over 3,300 public housing authorities across the country. As Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), a co-sponsor, explained: "This funding will help preserve and modernize over 1 million public housing units for low-income families, the elderly, and disabled individuals."
According to data from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), there is currently an estimated $70 billion backlog of deferred maintenance and capital needs for public housing. This includes $34 billion for projects in high-density cities.
"We have an obligation to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing for families relying on public assistance," said Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN), another co-sponsor. "This $70 billion investment will help housing authorities address longstanding issues like mold, lead, and unreliable heat and elevators."
The deteriorating conditions have become a major concern for tenant advocates and housing experts. A 2022 report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition found that over half a million public housing units had gone into private management due to disinvestment.
Diane Yentel, president of the coalition, applauded the proposal: "This bill would be an important step towards remedying decades of federal disinvestment in this critical part of our nation's affordable housing infrastructure."
In addition to rehabilitation projects, the bill allocates funds to develop demolition and revitalization plans for some of the oldest and most dilapidated public housing structures.
Sen. Todd Young (R-IN), a co-sponsor, stated: "By upgrading and replacing these units we can improve quality of life while expanding the availability of safe, affordable housing options nationwide."
The proposal has garnered bipartisan support, though its passage remains uncertain given budget constraints. The House version, introduced in March 2023, currently has 79 co-sponsors.
"We know the road ahead will be challenging," said Sen. Coons. "But we simply cannot allow this massive capital backlog to accumulate any further. The costs, both human and economic, are far too high."
Housing advocates argue the $70 billion price tag is a worthy investment that could catalyze broader neighborhood revitalization in underserved communities nationwide.
