Dear Mr. Chairman:
On May 14, 2011, the Washington Post published the first in a series of articles
on its investigation of the HOME Investment Partnership Program, which distributes
“block grants to 642 cities, counties, and states" to develop affordable housing for lowincome
households. The investigation reportedly found that there have been $400
million in grants distributed to developers for nearly 700 projects that have stalled or
been otherwise abandoned, insufficient federal and local agency oversight, and legal
impediments that prevent recouping money from failed projects. Enclosed is a copy of
the article for your review.
Some of these allegations relate to projects dating back as far as 2001. If these
allegations are accurate, they are very troubling. I am writing to request that the
Committee examine these allegations in more detail, beginning with a briefing from the
Department of the Housing and Urban Development. This issue is within the jurisdiction
of the Committee and presents an opportunity for bipartisan and constructive oversight
into the HOME program, the actions of developers who received U.S. taxpayer funds,
and potential flaws in the block grant process that allegedly led to fraud, waste, and
delay.
I hope we can work together to find solutions to ensure a more effective and
efficient HOME program.
Sincerely,
Elijah E. Cummings
Ranking Member
