In the News

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) and Rep. Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) joined Center Forward’s Affordability Summit to discuss their efforts in the Financial Services Committee to help reduce rising costs affecting Americans. Rep. Cleaver came to Congress with on-the-ground experience of the housing affordability challenges Americans are facing as the Mayor of Kansas City, later becoming the highest-ranking Democrat on the Housing and Insurance Subcommittee on the Financial Services Committee. Rep. Pettersen spent a decade in Colorado’s state legislature and came to Congress to continue to fight for Coloradans.

Rep. Cleaver and Rep. Pettersen discussed the affordability priorities of the Financial Services Committee and the major bipartisan legislation they worked on in the 119th Congress. In particular, they highlighted the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a major bipartisan housing package aimed at reducing housing costs for everyday Americans. Rep. Cleaver talked about his role as the Ranking Member on the Subcommittee in driving the legislation. He stressed how the bill will cut unnecessary red tape and modernize federal housing programs to combat the housing crisis in the United States. Additionally, he talked about the work across the aisle to deliver results for Americans and to ensure hardworking Missourians can participate in the American Dream.

Rep. Pettersen touted her integral role in bipartisan negotiations to help ensure that the bill became law. She also touted the policies she introduced that the committee included in the law, creating a fair chance for working Americans to participate in the housing market. The Congresswoman also addressed her efforts to create a pilot program providing for small-dollar mortgages. She stated these efforts allow the federal government to invest in the American people and allow them to grow wealth through early investments in housing.

Rep. Cleaver has more than two decades of experience in Congress and has been fighting for housing affordability since first coming to Congress, co-authoring the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act in 2016. He stated his desire to continue building on his proven record of bipartisan success to further lower housing costs and ensure every American family can work hard toward the opportunity to purchase their own home. 

“The lack of affordable housing is not a Democratic or Republican issue—it is a crisis that impacts families in every community across the country,” said Ranking Member Cleaver. “As we begin to implement the most significant housing legislation passed by Congress in decades with the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, I know there is more work to do. I look forward to continuing the push to ensure every American has access to the American dream by forging bipartisan solutions that will lower housing costs nationwide.”

“I have spent years in Congress focusing on working with my Republican colleagues to deliver results for my constituents,” said Rep. Pettersen. “I am determined to continue to introduce common-sense housing solutions that will address problems facing Americans today.”

Both Rep. Cleaver and Rep. Pettersen demonstrated how their bipartisan efforts provide for long-term, pragmatic solutions. They are committed to bridging divides to reduce the cost of living for all Americans and are looking to continue delivering results for the American people in the next Congress.