FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                          CR
JUNE 15, 1995                                      (202) 616-2765
                                               TDD (202) 514-1888

              ATTORNEY GENERAL JANET RENO QUESTIONS
     CONGRESSIONAL ATTEMPTS TO PREVENT THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
               FROM FIGHTING HOUSING DISCRIMINATION


     WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Attorney General Janet Reno made the
following statement today:
          
     "Yesterday, a Congressional subcommittee adopted an
amendment that would cripple our nation's efforts to fight
discrimination in the sale, rental and financing of housing.  

     "For nearly three decades the Attorney General has had the
authority to bring cases challenging patterns of discrimination. 
Yesterday's action threatens anti-discrimination measures that
have repeatedly received bipartisan support.

     "We have brought hundreds of cases protecting the rights of
minorities who have been denied housing or have been rejected for
a loan because of their race, gender or national origin.  It is
unthinkable that the Justice Department would no longer be able
to challenge patterns of discrimination.

     "By voting to eliminate critical elements of the landmark
Fair Housing Act of 1968, the House of Representatives'
Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit turns
back the clock on civil rights.

     "Unfortunately, discrimination in housing transactions is
still pervasive.  A recent study by the Department of Housing and
Urban Development showed that minorities encountered some form of
discrimination in almost one out of every two visits to a housing
provider.  And our enforcement efforts in lending confirm that
loan applicants at times are turned down solely on the basis of
race and national origin.

     "We urge the Banking Committee to strike the amendment when
it meets to consider the bill."
     The amendment was sponsored by Representative Bill McCollum
(R-Fl).

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95-339