February 16, 1998

Deaf Watch Newsletter
Richard Roehm
(address snipped)

The Honorable Loretta Sanchez
United States House of Representatives
Washington, D.C.  20510

Dear Representative Sanchez:

	In the coming months, we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the passage 
of the Fair Housing Act and the 10th anniversary of the Amendments Act of 1988,
the landmark civil rights laws which provide for equal housing opportunity
without regard for  race, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability
or family status.  As the country marks these occasions, I ask that you join
me in reflecting on how these laws have strengthened our nation.

	At the same time, I write to ask that you to oppose H.R. 3206, recently
introduced by Rep. Brian Bilbray. This measure represents a frontal assault on
the Fair Housing Act, and on the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose
assassination prompted its passage.  The sponsors of H.R. 3206 will claim that
their bill targets only people with disabilities and children in group homes.
My review of the proposed legislation suggests that its impact is
significantly broader, affecting all classes of people protected by the Fair
Housing Act.  The bill's sponsors will tell you that they merely seek
clarification of the law.  In fact, they seek repeal of the most significant
aspects of the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988.

	Leading national newspapers report that discrimination in housing is 
still widespread in many regions of the United States.  In light of this evidence,
Congress cannot consider rolling back vital civil rights protections.  Spare
no effort in opposing this bill.

	Thank you in advance.

Sincerely,
Richard Roehm
Deaf Watch Newsletter