Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), who represents the West Side of Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn, offered an amendment as part of the omnibus appropriations bill (H.R.3354) that would increase funding for the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program. Congressman Nadler’s amendment, which was expected to pass the House en-bloc later tonight, ensures New York City and other communities continue to receive necessary funding under the new HOPWA formula by increasing funding by $19 million.

A copy of Rep. Nadler’s remarks submitted to the House floor can be found below:

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last year, Congress passed an updated formula for the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (the HOPWA program). The change was necessary to ensure the program better reflected how the HIV/AIDS epidemic is changing in this country. However, at the current HOPWA funding levels, the new formula leaves several jurisdictions, including New York City and Miami, at risk of losing funding for this important program.

“In a program as efficient as HOPWA, when grantees lose funding, people living with AIDS lose their housing. Research clearly demonstrates that housing instability leads to worse health outcomes for those living with HIV/AIDS, and these potential cuts could have a devastating impact on these patients and their families. The new formula will only be effective in addressing the AIDS housing crisis if we maintain adequate funding levels.  

“My amendment increases funding for HOPWA by $19 million, ensuring that, under the new formula, no jurisdiction loses funding in Fiscal Year 2018. The amendment is fully offset through the HUD Information Technology Fund.

“I thank Chairman Diaz-Balart and Ranking Member Price for their long-standing support of HOPWA and for accepting this important amendment to protect people living with AIDS and their families. I look forward to continuing our work on HOPWA in the future. I also speak for all New Yorkers in lending our support to Chairman Diaz-Balart and his district in the face of Hurricane Irma, just as they stood with us during Superstorm Sandy.

“Thank you, and I yield back my time.”