PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Congressional Research Service
Version 36 · Passed House amended · May 9, 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: General Provisions Title II: Public Housing Subtitle A: Block Grants Subtitle B: Admissions and Occupancy Requirements Subtitle C: Management Subtitle D: Homeownership Subtitle E: Disposition, Demolition, and Revitalization of Developments Subtitle F: General Provisions Title III: Choice-Based Rental Housing and Homeownership Assistance for Low-Income Families Subtitle A: Allocation Subtitle B: Choice-Based Housing Assistance for Eligible Families Subtitle C: Payment of Housing Assistance on Behalf of Assisted Families Subtitle D: General and Miscellaneous Provisions Title IV: Accreditation and Oversight of Local Housing and Management Authorities Subtitle A: Housing Foundation and Accreditation Board Subtitle B: Accreditation and Oversight Standards and Procedures Title V: Repeals and Conforming Amendments Title VI: National Commission on Housing Assistance Programs Cost Title VII: Native American Housing Assistance Subtitle A: Block Grants and Grant Requirements Subtitle B: Affordable Housing Activities Subtitle C: Allocation of Grant Amounts Subtitle D: Compliance, Audits, and Reports Subtitle E: Termination of Assistance for Indian Tribes under Incorporated Programs Subtitle F: Loan Guarantees for Affordable Housing Activities Subtitle G: Other Housing Assistance for Native Americans Title VIII: National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Consensus Committee United States Housing Act of 1996 - Title I: General Provisions - Provides for the organization of local housing and management authorities (LHMA) to manage and operate public and assisted housing. Limits housing assistance eligibility and admission of those convicted of drug-related criminal activity and of drug or alcohol abusers. Establishes community work and family self-sufficiency requirements. (Sec. 115) Prohibits using funds under this Act to indemnify contractors or subcontractors against costs regarding infringement of intellectual property rights. Title II: Public Housing - Subtitle A: Block Grants - Directs the Secretary to provide eligible LHMAs with block grant funding for capital and operating activities. Subtitle B: Admissions and Occupancy Requirements - Establishes low-income housing requirements. Authorizes LHMAs to: (1) permit income-mixed occupancy; (2) waive occupancy requirements for law enforcement personnel; (3) establish occupancy preferences; and (4) designate housing for elderly and disabled families. Subtitle C: Management - Sets forth LHMA management provisions, including regarding: (1) management by other entities, including resident-requested independent managers; (2) housing quality requirements; and (3) resident councils and management corporations. Subtitle D: Homeownership - Authorizes LHMAs to carry out a low-income family home ownership program. Subtitle E: Disposition, Demolition, and Revitalization of Developments - Authorizes LHMAs to demolish or dispose of nonviable public housing projects. (Sec. 262) Authorizes severely distressed public housing revitalization grants. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 263) Allows LHMAs to convert a development to choice-based rental housing under this Act. Subtitle F: General Provisions - Authorizes appropriations for: (1) capital and operating block grants; and (2) operation safe home relocations. Title III: Choice-Based Rental Housing and Homeownership Assistance for Low-Income Families - Subtitle A: Allocation - Authorizes contracts with LHMAs for housing assistance for low-income families. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the conversion of certain unused section 8 assistance (United States Housing Act of 1937) to housing assistance under this title. Subtitle B: Choice-Based Housing Assistance for Eligible Families - Provides housing assistance under this title only to: (1) low-income families; or (2) families that qualify to receive such assistance under other Federal law. (Sec. 329) Authorizes LHMAs to: (1) provide a home ownership option; and (2) make assistance payments involving manufactured homes. Subtitle C: Payment of Housing Assistance on Behalf of Assisted Families - Authorizes LHMAs to make housing assistance payments contracts with unit owners. Subtitle D: General and Miscellaneous Provisions - Defines specified terms for purposes of this title. (Sec. 372) Authorizes rental assistance fraud recoveries. Title IV: Accreditation and Oversight of Local Housing and Management Authorities - Subtitle A: Housing Foundation and Accreditation Board - Establishes the Housing Foundation and Accreditation Board to: (1) evaluate deep subsidy housing programs; (2) establish LHMA performance standards; (3) develop effective LHMA financial and performance audits; (4) establish LHMA accreditation guidelines; and (5) classify LHMAs by performance categories. Subtitle B: Accreditation and Oversight Standards and Procedures - Directs the Board to establish LHMA performance benchmarks and accreditation procedures. (Sec. 435) Directs the Secretary to seek performance agreements with agencies that are troubled or at risk of becoming troubled. Authorizes redirecting or withholding funds from local governments whose actions substantially contribute to an LHMA being designated as troubled. (Sec. 437) Authorizes block grant contracts (under title II) to provide for conveyance of title or possession to the Secretary in cases of substantial default. (Sec. 438) Authorizes removal of ineffective LHMAs. (Sec. 439) Directs the Secretary to either take over or contract out the management of chronically troubled LHMAs. (Sec. 440) Provides that a State or local government comprehensive housing affordability strategy shall not be in compliance with provisions of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act unless it includes provisions to improve any troubled public housing agency in its area. (Sec. 443) Applies this subtitle to resident management corporations. Title V: Repeals and Conforming Amendments - Repeals the United States Housing Act of 1937. Repeals specified program provisions under: (1) the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974; (2) the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act; (3) the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987; (4) the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992; (5) the HUD Demonstration Act of 1993; (6) the Housing Act of 1954; (7) the Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1981; (8) the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1991; (9) the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Act, 1992; (10) the Housing and Urban-Rural Recovery Act of 1983; and (11) the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987. (Sec. 502) Amends the Housing Act of 1959 with regard to elderly housing assistance. Declares that, for determining assisted housing eligibility, a person does not have a disability or handicap solely because of the use of a controlled substance or alcohol. Amends the Housing and Urban-Rural Recovery Act of 1983 regarding pet ownership in assisted rental housing for the elderly or handicapped. Directs the Secretary to investigate security contracts awarded by grantees with over 4,500 units under the Public and Assisted Housing Drug Elimination Act of 1990. Mandates actions regarding non- compliant contracts. Provides for reductions in the number of units assisted under contracts under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 and section 236 of the National Housing Act. (Sec. 503) Amends the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 to replace the drug elimination pilot program with an expanded program of crime elimination grants for public and other low-income federally assisted housing. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 504) Deems rehabilitation activities by Pennrose Properties in New Jersey to have been conducted under specified provisions of the United States Housing Act of 1937. (Sec. 505) Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to: (1) modify the definition of "metropolitan city;" and (2) extend an exception for the City and County of Los Angeles regarding the provision of public services. (Sec. 506) Amends the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 to allow the transfer of surplus real property to nonprofit organizations that exist to provide housing for homeless or low-income individuals or families. (Sec. 507) Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to deem the city of Altus, Oklahoma, a rural area. (Sec. 508) Presumes State occupancy standards reasonable and, in the absence of State standards, presumes two persons per bedroom reasonable. (Sec. 509) Mandates implementation of the Ida Barbour Revitalization Plan of Portsmouth, Virginia. (Sec. 510) Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act and the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to modify income requirements. (Sec. 511) Amends National Housing Act provisions relating to rental and cooperative housing for lower income families to modify rental requirements. (Sec. 512) Amends Federal law to declare that an obligation containing a gold clause issued on or before October 27, 1977, is discharged on payment in U.S. coin or currency, notwithstanding any assignment or novation (or both) after that date, unless all parties agree to a gold clause in the new agreement. (Sec. 513) Mandates a demonstration program, involving LHMAs and Indian housing authorities, focusing on reducing costs, achieving greater cost effectiveness, and giving incentives to families with children where the head of the household is working (or seeking or preparing for work). (Sec. 514) Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to authorize denial of federally assisted housing occupancy for tenants who were, during the last three years, engaged in criminal activity on or off the premises. Allows requiring applicants to consent to criminal record access. Sets forth tenancy termination causes. Allows criminal record access. (Sec. 515) Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that products purchased with this Act's funds should be American made. (Sec. 516) Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to limit the amount obtained from obligations guaranteed under specified provisions that may be used for certain housing purposes. (Sec. 517) Mandates consultation with local governments and LHMAs before settlement or consent decree under title III of this Act or the United States Housing Act of 1937, as in effect before this Act. Title VI: National Commission on Housing Assistance Programs Cost - Establishes the National Commission on Housing Assistance Programs Cost to: (1) analyze the per-unit cost to Federal, State, and local governments, public housing agencies, and other parties, of Federal assisted housing programs; and (2) estimate the future taxpayer liability under Federal assisted housing programs before enactment of this Act. Makes available funds from the amounts available for policy, research, and development activities of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Title VII: Native American Housing Assistance - Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 - Subtitle A: Block Grants and Grant Requirements - Mandates grants to Indian tribes for affordable housing activities. Permits retention of program income. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Affordable Housing Activities - Sets forth national objectives concerning Indian tribe affordable housing activities. Defines eligible activities, including acquisition, construction, reconstruction, and rehabilitation. Requires maintenance of operating assistance. Permits using grant amounts through certain investments. Subtitle C: Allocation of Grant Amounts - Provides for grant allocation. Subtitle D: Compliance, Audits, and Reports - Provides for compliance, audits, and reports. Subtitle E: Termination of Assistance for Indian Tribes under Incorporated Programs - Terminates, for Indian tribes, public and new rental housing assistance provided under the United States Housing Act of 1937. (Sec. 763) Terminates Indian housing assistance by amending the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (Youthbuild and HOME programs), the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act (emergency shelter and rural homelessness grant programs), and the HUD Demonstration Act of 1993 (Innovative Homeless Initiatives Demonstration Program). Subtitle F: Loan Guarantees for Affordable Housing Activities - Authorizes: (1) guarantees for tribal obligations issued to finance affordable housing activities; and (2) grants for interest costs. (Sec. 603) Requires that the interest paid on any loan guarantee be included in gross income for tax purposes. (Sec. 606) Limits the aggregate principal amount the Secretary may guarantee for FY 1997 through 2001. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle G: Other Housing Assistance for Native Americans - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to authorize guarantees of housing loans to Indian tribes. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act to authorize the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) to guarantee the loans. (Sec. 782) Allows Indian owners to lease for a 50-year term any restricted Indian lands. (Sec. 783) Authorizes appropriations for training and technical assistance to Indian housing authorities and tribally designated housing entities. Title VIII: National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Consensus Committee - National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1996 - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to mandate a consensus committee for maintenance and revision of Federal manufactured home construction and safety standards. Repeals provisions establishing the National Manufactured Home Advisory Council.
People & committees
Sen. Mack, Connie, III [R-FL] · R–FL
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Senate agreed to request for conference. Appointed conferees. D'Amato; Mack; Faircloth; Bond; Sarbanes; Kerry; Moseley-Braun. (consideration: CR S9208)
Senate disagreed to the House amendments by Unanimous Consent.
Resolving differences -- Senate actions: Senate disagreed to the House amendments by Unanimous Consent.
Message on House action received in Senate and at desk: House amendments to Senate bill House requests a conference.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
The clerk was authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming corrections in the House amendment to S. 1260.
The Speaker appointed conferees: Leach, Lazio, Bereuter, Baker (LA), Castle, Gonzalez, Vento, and Kennedy (MA).
On motion that the House insist upon its amendments, and request a conference Agreed to without objection. (consideration: CR H4753)
Mr. Lazio asked unanimous consent that the House insist upon its amendments, and request a conference.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
The title of the measure was amended to that of similar measure H.R. 2406. Agreed to without objection.
A similar measure H.R. 2406 was laid on the table without objection.
On passage Passed without objection.
Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed without objection.
The House struck all after the enacting clause and inserted in lieu thereof the provisions of a similar measure H.R. 2406. Agreed to without objection.
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2406 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. Providing for the consideration of the bill in the Committee of the Whole. Bill is open to amendments. It shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Banking now printed in the bill. Amendment shall be considered by title rather than by section. Prior to consideration of any other amendment, it shall be in order to consider a Lazio amendment printed in the Congressional Record of May 7, 1996, debatable for 10 minutes and not subject to further amendment. If that amendment is adopted, the bill, as amended, shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment. After passage of the bill, it shall be in order to ta...
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 426. (consideration: CR H4738-4753)
Held at the desk.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Received in the House.
Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote.
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote.
The committee substitute as amended agreed to by Voice Vote.
Measure laid before Senate. (consideration: CR S136-167)
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S19272)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 295.
Committee on Banking. Reported to Senate by Senator D'Amato with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 104-195. Additional views filed.
Committee on Banking. Reported to Senate by Senator D'Amato with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 104-195. Additional views filed.
Committee on Banking. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Committee on Banking. Hearings held.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S13844, S13856-13857)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.
Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
AI Conversation Starters
Choose a perspective, copy a prompt, and paste it into your preferred AI. Each prompt includes the bill version and available official source links, and asks for counterarguments as well as supporting evidence.
Analyze S.1260 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine S.1260 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine S.1260 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
Examine S.1260 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.