Today, President Bush is signing the American Dream Downpayment Act -- a bill aimed at increasing minority home ownership in America. I strongly agree with the goals of this bill. We need to work harder to ensure that more Americans can buy homes and that all Americans have access to safe and affordable housing. That's why today, I'm calling on President Bush to do more than just sign the American Dream Downpayment Act into law. I'm calling on him to fully fund this Act so that a safe home isn't just an American dream, but an American reality.

Unfortunately, for the past three years, when it comes to homeownership, the Bush Administration has been all rhetoric, and few results. While three-quarters of non-minority Americans own their homes, fewer than half of all African Americans and Hispanics do.

And their record has been no better when it comes to safe and affordable housing. President Bush has cut nearly $2.5 billion in public housing funding. He has attempted to eliminate the HOPE VI program - a program that is crucial for the revitalization of our neighborhoods. And he has refused to fully fund Section 8 housing vouchers which so many elderly, disabled, and low-income working Americans depend on to pay for their housing.

This is absolutely unacceptable. We need a comprehensive housing policy in America. Safe and affordable housing is the key to a strong economy and strong families. As President, I will work to make the dream of home ownership a reality for all Americans. I will expand the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, fully fund HOPE VI, and expand Section 8 vouchers. Because all Americans deserve a place to call home.