Rep. Joyce Beatty Leads Fiery Rally to Defend Affordable Housing Amid Federal Budget Cuts

WASHINGTON, D.C. — With the backdrop of a deepening housing crisis, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty of Ohio took center stage alongside Congresswoman Maxine Waters of California and other members of the House Financial Services Committee to protest proposed federal housing cuts. Addressing an energized crowd of housing advocates, community leaders, and everyday Americans outside the U.S. Capitol, Beatty made it clear that she and her colleagues would not stand idly by as critical funding for affordable housing programs faced drastic reductions.

"We know that we are in the middle of a national crisis," Beatty said passionately. "Today, it’s housing. Before, it was the Treasury. Then, it was the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Where will they stop? They won’t, unless we stop them."

Personal Ties to Housing Policy and Public Service

For Beatty, the fight for affordable housing is not just another political battle—it’s deeply personal. She shared her own experience growing up in a working-class community that relied on public housing initiatives and reflected on her more than two decades of service at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, commonly known as HUD.

"My very first job—do you remember how proud you were when you got your first paycheck?—was with the Housing Authority," she said, recalling the excitement she felt when she first entered the workforce. "I was so excited that HUD had given me an opportunity as a young adult, and for more than twenty years, I worked to ensure people had access to affordable housing. That was my purpose, my mission."

Beatty’s connection to housing policy extends beyond her professional career. She spoke about her own family’s reliance on housing programs, underscoring the impact that federal assistance has had on countless Black and working-class families across the country.

"We understand what it means to have a roof over our heads. We understand that without housing, there is no economic stability, no opportunity, no future," she said, as the crowd responded with applause and affirmations.

The Dire Consequences of Proposed Housing Cuts

The congresswoman delivered a stark warning about the devastating effects that drastic budget cuts to HUD programs could have on millions of Americans. The proposed reductions, which include slashing federal housing programs by nearly 50 percent, would have immediate consequences for the nation’s most vulnerable communities, she explained.

"If you don’t know what public housing is, let me break it down for you," Beatty told the crowd. "If they take away vouchers, they’re evicting people. If they cut funding, they’re shutting the doors on families who need a home. This is real life—we’re talking about mothers and fathers, grandparents, and children who will be out on the street."

She stressed that these budget cuts would not just impact tenants but would also lead to mass layoffs for employees in housing agencies, mortgage lenders, and construction companies that rely on federal funds to develop and maintain affordable housing.

"When you go to get a mortgage or apply for Section 8 housing, if they slash funding, there won’t be enough workers there to serve you. These cuts are not just numbers on a budget sheet; they are real people losing their livelihoods," she said, her voice rising with emotion.

Calling Out Trump, Musk, and Republican Lawmakers

Beatty did not hold back in naming those she believes are responsible for the attack on affordable housing programs. She directly called out former President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, arguing that their influence over conservative lawmakers has led to policies that harm working families.

"We’re not going to let Musk and Trump control our housing. We’re not going to let them control us," she declared to resounding cheers from the crowd.

However, she made it clear that this fight extended beyond just two individuals. She shifted her focus to Republican lawmakers who have supported these budget cuts, holding them accountable for their role in undermining public housing programs.

"It’s not just about Trump and Musk. It’s about those Republicans who refuse to stand up for you. They made promises, and they lied—just like Trump always does," she said.

She then turned her attention to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and his GOP colleagues, issuing a strong warning that their housing policies would not be forgotten when election time arrived.

"We want Speaker Johnson and every Republican over there to know that we’re coming after them. If they don’t stand with us on housing, what more can we expect from them?" she asked. "They are telling us exactly who they are, and it’s time we respond accordingly."

Mobilizing the Public: The Power of Protest and Voting

Beatty reminded the crowd that the fight for affordable housing was not just happening in Congress—it was a battle that required action from everyday Americans. She called on voters to take a stand by flooding their representatives’ offices with phone calls, emails, and in-person protests to demand that housing assistance remain a priority.

"We need you to make calls, to write, to protest. We are not going away," she said. "You have a secret weapon—your vote. The more you protest, the more you call them out, the more power you have over them."

She emphasized the importance of voter participation, particularly in upcoming elections, as a means of holding elected officials accountable.

"Tell those Republicans who refuse to stand up to Musk and Trump that you will stand up to them," she said. "Let’s make them scared. Let’s remind them who put them in office and who can take them out."

A Defiant Stand for Housing Rights

Beatty concluded her speech with a passionate call for unity and resilience, reminding supporters that history has shown the power of collective action in the face of injustice.

"We stand with you. We hear you. We see you," she said, her voice unwavering. "This is one of those moments in history. And when our families are at stake, we fight harder."

As chants of "Housing is a human right!" echoed through the crowd, it was clear that the fight for affordable housing was far from over. With lawmakers like Beatty and Waters leading the charge, and with growing public pressure on Congress, the battle to protect federal housing programs is only beginning.