Urgent Need for Effective Rent Control Legislation in the United States, 1948-03-16

Helen Gahagan Douglas presented an amendment to extend rent controls, citing a housing crisis and the need for affordable housing. She argued that rent control was necessary to prevent chaos and advocated for stronger enforcement measures, including injunctions, treble damages, and criminal sanctions. Her bill aimed to protect tenants from illegal evictions and rent increases, and provide standards for rent administrators. Douglas warned that without effective rent control, rents would continue to increase, impacting the economic and social well-being of the nation.