June 29, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 119 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E585]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   INTRODUCTION OF THE PROTECTING RENTERS FROM EVICTIONS AND FEES ACT

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                     HON. JESUS G. ``CHUY'' GARCIA

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 29, 2020

  Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the 
Protecting Renters from Evictions and Fees Act along with my colleague, 
Barbara Lee.
  Our country is facing an unprecedented pandemic and an economic 
crisis greater than we've seen in generations. I'm introducing this 
bill which will prohibit the eviction of tenants for failure to pay 
rent or additional fees because if people across the country are forced 
out of their homes then both of the crises we face will deepen.
  More than half of my constituents in Chicago rent their homes. 
Businesses in my district have closed or reduced hours, and some of 
them won't reopen again. My district is a working class, immigrant 
district, and far too many of my neighbors have to choose between 
putting food on the table and paying rent. Many of them can't access 
some of the benefits that Congress passed because they don't have 
sufficient documentation. They should not have to worry about losing 
their home during a public health crisis.
  I am introducing this bill today so that they don't have to. I urge 
this body to advance this legislation.

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