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H.R. 217 105th Congress House

Homeless Housing Programs Consolidation and Flexibility Act

Official title: To amend title IV of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act to consolidate the Federal programs for housing assistance for the homeless into a block g… Show full official titleShow less

Official title: To amend title IV of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act to consolidate the Federal programs for housing assistance for the homeless into a block grant program that ensures that States and communities are provided sufficient flexibility to use assistance amounts effectively.

Introduced: January 7, 1997 See on congress.gov
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This bill died when the 105th Congress ended
It never became law before the 105th Congress (1997–1998) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 23 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Mar 4, 1998
Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking.
Mar 3, 1998
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Mar 3, 1998
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 386 - 23 (Roll no. 26).
Mar 3, 1998
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H730-731)
Mar 3, 1998
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 5, rule I, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
Mar 3, 1998
DEBATE - The House resumed debate.
Mar 3, 1998
Mr. Kennedy asked unanimous consent that the time for debate be extended for an additional 4 minutes. Agreed to without objection.
Mar 3, 1998
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate.
Mar 3, 1998
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H703-722)
Mar 3, 1998
Mr. Lazio moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Mar 3, 1998
Supplemental report filed by the Committee on Banking and Financial Services, H. Rept. 105-407, Part II.
Mar 3, 1998
Mr. Lazio asked unanimous consent to file a supplemental report from the Committee on House Banking. Agreed to without objection.
Dec 19, 1997
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 233.
Dec 19, 1997
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Banking and Financial Services. H. Rept. 105-407, Part I.
Nov 13, 1997
Mr. Thune asked unanimous consent that the Committee on Banking, Finance + Urban Affrs have until midnight on Nov. 19 to file a report on H.R. 217. Agreed to without objection.
Nov 5, 1997
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Nov 5, 1997
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Jun 26, 1997
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Mar 5, 1997
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Feb 14, 1997
Referred to the Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity.
Jan 7, 1997
Referred to the House Committee on Banking and Financial Services.
Jan 7, 1997
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E50-51)
Jan 7, 1997
Introduced in House
 Votes taken on this bill 1
DateChamberWhat was voted onResultYes–No
Mar 3, 1998 House · vote #26 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended Passed 386–23 See who voted →
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 Latest action March 4, 1998

Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Homeless Housing Programs Consolidation and Flexibility Act - Amends the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act (Act) to authorize appropriations through FY 2002 for the Federal Emergency Management Agency food and shelter program.

(Sec. 5) Consolidates the existing homeless housing programs under title IV of such Act into a permanent housing development and flexible block grant homeless assistance program.

Makes grants available to States, cities, urban counties, consortia, and insular areas.

Defines "eligible grantees" to be: (1) with respect to grants for insular areas, the insular area, or a designated entity, including a private nonprofit entity; and (2) with respect to grants for permanent housing development and flexible assistance, the State, local government, designated entity, or a consortium of local governmental units.

Authorizes grantees to transfer funds for eligible activities to project sponsors. Sets forth selection criteria.

Sets forth allocation provisions for: (1) insular areas; (2) permanent housing development grants; and (3) flexible block grant homeless assistance.

Sets forth matching fund and program requirements. Requires consultation regarding the use of available National Guard facilities as homeless shelters.

Authorizes permanent housing development grant use to construct, rehabilitate, or acquire permanent housing. Prohibits fund use for supportive services. Requires: (1) at least 50 percent use through nonprofit organizations (with an available waiver); and (2) targeting of special populations.

Authorizes flexible block grant use for: (1) construction, acquisition, rehabilitation, leasing, and operation of supportive housing; (2) homelessness prevention; (3) permanent housing activities; (4) emergency shelter; (5) supportive services; and (6) technical assistance. Requires at least 50 percent use through nonprofit organizations (with an available waiver). Includes within supportive housing transitional housing, single room occupancy dwellings, and safe haven housing.

Considers a facility as emergency shelter if it is designed to provide overnight sleeping accommodations for the homeless, including eating and cooking accommodations.

Sets forth reporting requirements for: (1) grantees; and (2) the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (Secretary).

Authorizes specified appropriations for FY 1998 through 2002.

(Sec. 6) Revises responsibilities of the Interagency Council on the Homeless. Extends the Council's termination date through October 1, 2002.

(Sec. 7) Directs the Secretary to request that each executive agency identify facilities under its jurisdiction that would be suitable for overnight homeless shelters.

(Sec. 8) Repeals specified provisions and makes conforming amendments to the following Acts: (1) HUD Demonstration Act of 1993 (innovative homeless initiatives); (2) Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (FHA single family property disposition for homeless use); (3) Housing Act of 1949 (housing for rural homeless and migrant farmworkers); (4) United States Housing Act of 1937 (SRO assistance program); and (5) Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (youthbuild).

(Sec. 9) Provides that: (1) existing contracts will not be abrogated by this Act; and (2) previously obligated funds will be subject to the Act as in effect prior to enactment of this Act.

 Bill text 4 versions

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 2
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APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 217: Homeless Housing Programs Consolidation and Flexibility Act. 105th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/105-HR-217/
MLA
"H.R. 217: Homeless Housing Programs Consolidation and Flexibility Act." 105th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/105-HR-217/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 217, 105th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/105-HR-217/.
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[H.R. 217: Homeless Housing Programs Consolidation and Flexibility Act](https://openamerica.io/bill/105-HR-217/)
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