Member Corner

Working to find solutions to Texas housing issues
Rep. Monica De La Cruz
November 14, 2025

For many, owning a home is the American dream. Yet, outdated and inefficient housing policies are keeping Texans from turning homeownership into reality. Across our communities, families that need assistance are left on long wait lists, and veterans struggle to find housing that meets their needs. These challenges are not abstract – this is what countless Americans across our country are facing. But fortunately, as Vice Chairwoman of the Housing and Insurance Subcommittee for the House Financial Services Committee, I am working to find solutions to the issues far too many people are facing.

In 2024, more than 32,000 veterans across America experienced homelessness on a single night. It’s unacceptable that those who served face red tape and bureaucracy when they return home. Our veterans deserve better. Earlier this year, the House passed my Disabled Veterans Housing Support Act, which helps disabled veterans access suitable housing faster and with fewer bureaucratic obstacles. These brave men and women risked their lives for our freedom; the least we can do is ensure they have a roof over their heads.

America is facing a nationwide housing shortage, and Texas is no exception. Across the Rio Grande Valley, the demand continues to outpace the availability of affordable housing. To address this, we need more than just construction. On the Committee, we are working to make smarter policies, ensure proper oversight, and establish a stronger commitment to accountability at every level of government. 

That’s why I introduced H.R. 225, the HUD Transparency Act, to strengthen accountability at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). For too long, Americans have been left in the dark about how federal housing dollars are spent and whether they are helping those in need. My bill would require the HUD Inspector General to testify before Congress every year and hold HUD accountable to the people they serve. It’s a common-sense bill that would help root out waste, fraud, and abuse while ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently.

These two bills are about making federal housing programs more effective. They focus on two key issues: better serving the people most in need and improving the systems we already have. This is about cutting bureaucracy and getting more out of the system we already have in place. 

As your Congresswoman, I will continue to work on solutions to get Washington out of the way and allow Texans to thrive.