Access to affordable housing is one of my legislative priorities in Congress. With the weakening economy and rising food and gas prices, it is more important now than ever that people have access to housing that they can afford.

This year, I passed legislation in Congress to preserve the affordability of Starrett City, the nation's largest affordable housing development. I have actively supported full funding of the Section 8 housing voucher program and signed on to legislation to increase the number of Section 811 units available to disabled low-income Americans.

Furthermore, I believe we must take action to prevent the unfair practices of predatory lending which have forced so many individuals and families in Brooklyn to lose their homes. I am a proud cosponsor of several bills designed to prevent unfair lending practices and support those being negatively impacted by the mortgage foreclosure crisis through neighborhood stabilization efforts.