Sam Johnson introduces Service Members Home Ownership Act

May 22, 2009

Just in time for Memorial Day, when America recognizes the sacrifices of our nation’s military men and women, U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (3rd Dist.-Texas) introduced legislation to provide deployed members of the armed services with the same opportunity to buy their first home as their friends and neighbors back home.  The Service Members Home Ownership Act, H.R. 2562, would extend the $8,000 first-time homebuyer credit for an additional year for members of the armed services who are deployed during 2009 for a full year.

“The men and women who wear the uniform fight for our freedom and protection have every right to the first-time homebuyer credit.  It’s just common-sense that we extend this measure specifically for them,” said Johnson, a 29 year Air Force veteran.

Earlier this year, Congress took an important step to rejuvenate the housing market and help middle class families buy their first home by modifying and extending the first-time homebuyer credit as part of the stimulus bill.  This important provision provides first-time homebuyers with an $8,000 tax credit for homes purchased before November 31, 2009.  Unfortunately, many service members who are deployed overseas will not be able to take advantage of this tax credit.

Introduced with Congressman Ron Kind (D-Wisc.), the Service Members Home Ownership Act would address this problem by extending the first-time homebuyer credit for an additional year for members of the armed services who are deployed during 2009.

“An Air Force veteran himself, Sam Johnson knows and understands the needs of our men and women in uniform – especially those who deploy.  I’m proud to introduce the Service Members Home Ownership Act with one of the few combat veterans in Congress,” said Kind.

This legislation is supported by: American Legion, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Military Order of the Purple Heart, National Military Family Association, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Johnson represents Collin and Dallas Counties.

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