Housing has quickly become one of the most unaffordable necessities in America. The anchor of the American Dream is completely out of reach for millions of people. For the first time, there are now more home buyers over the age of 70 than under the age of 35. Congress must take swift action to build new housing across our nation, prevent corporations and private equity firms from buying entire neighborhoods, and provide financial assistance to first time home buyers.

Technology is also being used to price out people from their homes. Landlords are using software programs like RealPage to figure out what the maximum rent they can charge for a unit is. As a result rents are skyrocketing, which in turn makes it harder for families to save up to buy a home.

Locally, I will support efforts to pass Empty Unit laws that prevent landlords from allowing units to sit vacant for years in order to artificially decrease supply and inflate the market price. I will also work with local leaders to come up with innovative solutions for the shortage of affordable housing in our district. Ultimately, we must do everything we can to get this housing crisis under control.