Which entity passes authorizing legislation and appropriations bills related to housing?

The entity responsible for passing authorizing legislation and appropriations bills related to housing is Congress. This legislative body has the power to create laws that establish and govern housing programs, including the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. Congress authorizes funding levels, sets policies, and ensures there are appropriations for housing programs through budget bills.

The Department of HUD implements the laws established by Congress and administers the programs, but it does not have the authority to create or authorize legislation on its own. Similarly, a Public Housing Agency (PHA) operates within the framework set by Congress and HUD, but it does not legislate. The Office of Public and Indian Housing (PIH) is a division within HUD that focuses specifically on public and Indian housing, but like HUD, it functions based on legislation passed by Congress rather than creating it. Thus, Congress is the correct answer as the legislative body that has the constitutional authority to pass laws affecting housing programs.