Maxine Waters ready to battle over potential cuts to housing aid (POLITICO)

The White House and congressional leaders are considering slashing $300 billion in housing aid proposed for Democrats’ $3.5 trillion social spending plan, setting up a clash with Rep. Maxine Waters and advocates who are vowing to protect the funds.

Hill aides and lobbyists said the housing money was on the chopping block as Democrats scrambled to find ways to lower the price tag of the budget reconciliation proposal by as much as $2 trillion. The $300 billion at issue would support down payment assistance, affordable home construction and several other housing programs.