Pelosi Statement on 40th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1968

Contact:Brendan Daly/Nadeam Elshami, 202-226-7616

Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on the 40th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, often known as the Fair Housing Act:

"Today, we honor the 40th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1968--often known as the Fair Housing Act--landmark legislation designed to address widespread and insidious discrimination in housing.

"Much more needs to be done to fulfill the promise of the Fair Housing Act. Federal inaction in enforcing the housing discrimination laws has contributed to the current mortgage crisis, especially predatory lending practices designed to steer borrowers into more expensive loans.

"The New Direction Congress has and will continue to take action to address both the lack of civil rights enforcement in housing and the mortgage crisis. As a nation, we must make real the promise of fair housing for all."