GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Te Industry Eye on State & Local Issues
GHBA is hard at work monitoring issues at both the local and state level. Find out what's happening, and how you can be involved.
Builders Congregate with Legislators on Key Issues At
its October 18 Political Luncheon, GHBA
succeeded at assembling the influential Houston area Congressional delegation to discuss issues critical to our industry.
"Best GHBA luncheon ever," commented Dale Couch, president of TXL Mortgage, when asked how he enjoyed the roundtable presentation.
By GHBA Director of Government Affairs ADAM ASCHMANN
You Have a Voice with GAC!
If you have questions about this article or would like to get involved on the Government Affairs Committee, call (281) 970-8970, ext. 140 or email aaschmann@
ghba.org.
Very few events lend the opportunity to bring together such a large congressional delegation from one region, not to mention, from both sides of the aisle. In fact, the members of Congress even noted that this is the first time so many of them have joined together at an event such as the luncheon. The Houston delegation put party lines aside and gathered to address residential construction and lending issues in Washington that could be the prime focus of future legislation and affect the state of the country’s economic condition.
Congressman John Culberson spoke affirmatively of seeking solutions and reforms to expand the flow of credit to residential builders on competitive terms. He said the government must work with banks to open up the spigot in order to allow people to get loans for new homes. “It’s like the banks are stopped-up,” Culberson added.
"It pays to speak up," said congressional panel members. "Our doors are always open."
Members of Congress also addressed many of the issues facing HR 5409, to establish the Residential Construction Loan Guarantee Program to guarantee loans made to eligible home building companies for viable building projects. It calls for a federal loan guarantee to stimulate lending, however
it
also leaves room for discretion on behalf of the federal government. Congresswoman Sheila
Jackson Lee and Congressman Al Green both expressed that in order to pass HR 5409, members will have to cross party lines and bridge the gap between their differences.
The Congressional panel included Congressman Kevin Brady, Congressman John Culberson, Congressman Al Green, Congressman Gene Green, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congressman Michael McCaul, and Congressman Pete Olson.
Congressman Kevin Brady highlighted the significant influence that the building industry has on the economic state of the nation. There was strong consensus that the industry is a catalyst for the economy, and if Washington ignores its command, then America will continue to suffer through the recession. Congressman Pete Olson emphasized that it is critical that Congress "create the type of climate to let you build."
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Some of the main points of issue include the soon-to- expire tax cuts. Congressman Michael McCaul noted that Congress is approaching a lame duck session that will be slow to make progress. He is concerned that his colleagues will not move forward with temporarily extending the tax credits. McCaul says this must be addressed "in order to fulfill the number one goal of this Congress—rebooting the economy."
The Congressional panel reflected the fundamental debate occurring all across America, but the members were able to tackle the issues diplomatically in one room. There is a lot of pressure riding on Congress to stimulate the economy, and members are receptive to where the building industry stands on the issues. A common thread of the panel that was reiterated in
NOVEMBER 2010 | HOUSTON BUILDER | GREATER HOUSTON BUILDERS ASSOCIATION – BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE
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