The unexpected delay in the signing of the COVID-19 relief package should not take away from its tremendous impact. The Consolidated Appropriations Act provides desperately needed funding for rental assistance and a host of other initiatives that are historic in their size and scope.

Help is on the way for millions of renters and small business property owners who for months have faced an impending housing crisis. The $25 billion for rental assistance announced by Congress today is a practical start for staving off the immediate threat of mass evictions across the country.

Congresswoman Fudge would bring a much-needed fresh approach to national housing policy. She has been a strong supporter of the HOME program and played a leading role in getting Congress to approve desperately needed funds to stabilize the hardest hit neighborhoods during the Great Recession.