In addition, couples without children who were not eligible for federal vouchers will now be able to apply, at least for the first two years.

Mr. Liu, who said he wanted those left homeless "fast-tracked" into housing, said the federal vouchers had similar requirements.

The agency also distributes federal vouchers for 76,600 apartments for another 203,300 people.

The House Bill would "convert Medicare into a system of private insurance plans financed by federal vouchers."

One caveat is that the agreement relies on federal enhanced vouchers, which requires voucher recipients to pay 30 percent of their income.

Imagine what would happen if everyone received a federal voucher good for a typical plan - and could keep any savings after buying a cheaper plan that still met basic standards.

The agency offered residents who qualified a variety of relocation options and long-term assistance that included federal rent-assistance vouchers good anywhere in the country.

Many of his apartments are occupied by tenants whose rents are paid with federal vouchers, and a city-subsidized day-care center operates in one of his storefronts.

Linda I. Gibbs, the city's commissioner of homeless services, said she had little choice but to search for an alternative to the use of federal vouchers.

Some liberals have complained about Mr. Lieberman's support for federal vouchers to pay for private school tuition and about his statements in opposition to affirmative action.