March 13, 2023 3:00 a.m.

On Thursday Senator Ron Wyden joined Senate colleagues to urge President Biden to use a “whole-of-government” approach that comprehensively addresses critical housing needs in Oregon and nationwide.

Wyden and the group of lawmakers sent a letter to President Biden which said, “Our nation’s housing is an essential piece of our infrastructure, but it is a sector that remains in crisis”.

Wyden’s release said federal investment is needed to address the growing housing crisis and ensure fair and competitive markets for all renters and homeowners in Oregon and nationwide.

In their letter, the senators called on President Biden to maximize available federal resources – across all relevant agencies – to increase the supply of safe, accessible, affordable homes; lower rental housing cost burdens; and expand access to affordable home ownership. The senators also urged the Biden administration to ensure resources allocated by Congress are made available to support communities’ comprehensive planning and economic development goals, including to address local affordable housing needs.

The text of the letter is linked: https://www.banking.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/whole_of_government_letter.pdf