Sen. Bernie Sanders Bernie SandersSirota reacts to report of harassment, doxing by Harris supporters Republicans not immune to the malady that hobbled Democrats The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - Republicans lawmakers rebuke Trump on election MORE (I-Vt.), a 2020 White House hopeful, on Tuesday came out against a proposed city ordinance in Las Vegas that would criminalize homelessness.

“Homelessness isn’t a crime, it’s a symptom of the greed that is destroying housing in America,” Sanders said in a statement. “We are in the middle of a national housing crisis, with Nevada having the greatest shortage of affordable housing for the lowest income earners, while the wealthiest have it all. That has got to change.”

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The Vermont senator also pledged to “stop the criminalization of homelessness” if he is elected president and end the problem altogether by spending $32 billion over five years.

Sanders said his campaign would utilize its email list to urge residents to attend a rally outside Las Vegas City Hall on Wednesday, when the city council is set to vote on the proposal. It would criminalize camping or sleeping in public areas in parts of the city.

Under the ordinance, those sleeping on the streets in parts of the city would be charged with a misdemeanor and could receive a fine of up to $1,000, NBC News reported.

Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman said in a statement that the proposal is intended to help direct homeless people to the city's resource center and other nonprofits.

"The city believes the ordinance will be a benefit to the homeless population, while at the same time protecting the health and safety of the entire community," she said. "The city has always demonstrated compassion for the needs of the growing homeless population, understanding the public safety of everyone is a top priority.”