Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. letter to Bruce J. Katz, March 20, 1996

ftPR-08- 1 996 11=53 ROBERT L. EHRLICH. JR. 2o District. Majo-iano COMMITTEES GOVERNMENT REFORM AND OVERSIGHT BANKING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES REP. ROBERT L. ЕШ.1СН JR. Congress of tfjc Slniteb States $o№ ot ReprfsentalibtB OTastington, ®C 20515-2002 March 20, 1996 Bruce J. Katz Chief of Staff, Office of the Secretary U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 45 1 Seventh Street, S W Washington, DC 20410 P.01/01 316 Cannon HOUSE OFRCE BuilOlNG Washington. DC 2051 S Dear Mr. Katz: Today, Wes Bissett of my staff informed me that you had agreed to provide my office with an update as to the status of the Baltimore ACLU lawsuit and the proposed consent decree. I want to thank you for your assistance in this matter. For over three weeks, my staff and I have been attempting to learn where the consent decree currently stands. Unfortunately, we have heard nothing from HUD despite repeated inquiries. Among other concerns, I am interested in learning the consent decree’s current status, the provisions included in its most current form, and the funding mechanisms by which HUD will finance the settlement. I also remain unclear as to the channels through which the settlement must flow before it is brought before the court, as well as the time frame in which these events are expected. Any information you can provide in this regard is especially appreciated. Besides the obvious interest of my office, we are often contacted by the press and the potentially impacted suburban jurisdictions for status reports. The jurisdictions are particularly concerned by HUD’s refusal to make public the current status of the case, and this continued secrecy only enhances opposition to the settlement. It could also lead to formal legal objections. Thank you in advance for your assistance. Your prompt response is greatly appreciated. Very truly yours, Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Member of Congress ON RCCTCIEO RARER TOTAL P.01