Housing advocates warn that millions are at risk of losing their home due to the fact that $46.5 billion in federal rental assistance has been delayed by local and state bottlenecks.The White House has called on the state and local governments to accelerate their efforts in disbursing rental funds. Only 6.5 percent of these funds had been distributed to tenants and landlords by June's end. Biden also directed three agencies of the federal government that support mortgages, the Departments of Housing and Urban Development, Agriculture, and Veterans Affairs, to extend their eviction bans until September.In a case in which landlords sought to repeal the ban, the Supreme Court decided last month that the Biden administration's hands were tied. While the high court allowed the moratorium to remain in effect, conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh joined liberals to allow it continue. Kavanaugh reaffirmed that he had agreed with a lower court finding that the CDC had exceeded its authority. In his concurring opinion, he stated that the CDC would need clear and specific authorization from Congress (via new legislation).Maxine Waters, the House Financial Services Chair (D-Calif.), stated earlier this week that she was pushing for the Biden administration's renewal of the moratorium despite concerns over shaky legal footing.She said, "I know it's a problem but I'm so concerned about the evictions. All these children and families might end up on street." "So, despite any obstacles that might get in the way of it, I believe they should [extension it].
