The United States House of Representatives has passed the Housing for the 21st Century Act by a decisive 390–9 vote, signaling broad bipartisan agreement on the urgent need to address housing affordability. Lawmakers emphasized that rising home prices and limited housing supply have placed significant strain on households across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Rather than introducing expansive new spending programs, the legislation focuses on structural reforms designed to modernize federal housing programs, streamline regulatory processes, and encourage private-sector participation in housing development. With the bill now advancing to the Senate, its ultimate outcome remains uncertain, though the strong House support positions it favorably for consideration.
The legislation was co-sponsored by French Hill, chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, and Maxine Waters, the committee’s ranking member. Their partnership demonstrates an uncommon bipartisan alignment, as the two often diverge on broader financial policy. Both sponsors framed the bill as a targeted effort to increase housing availability and reduce inefficiencies in existing federal programs. The measure passed the House Financial Services Committee in December before receiving near-unanimous backing in the full chamber, reflecting lawmakers’ recognition of persistent housing shortages that have limited options for first-time buyers and middle-income families.
Key provisions of the act direct the Government Accountability Office to conduct a thorough review of federal housing programs to identify gaps and redundancies. The bill also updates the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s HOME Investment Partnerships Program, intended to support affordable housing development at state and local levels. Additionally, it seeks to reduce regulatory hurdles that slow construction and raise compliance costs for developers. By providing financial institutions with greater flexibility to fund housing projects—particularly in underserved areas—the legislation aims to empower local communities and market participants while maintaining oversight and accountability.
House Speaker Mike Johnson highlighted the bill as part of a broader affordability agenda, citing regulatory barriers as a key factor limiting housing supply and driving up costs. Sponsors, including Hill and Mike Flood, emphasized the economic principle that when supply fails to meet demand, prices increase. The legislation’s approach prioritizes clearing obstacles for developers and lenders rather than imposing additional mandates, a strategy aimed particularly at supporting smaller builders operating in tight-margin environments. By focusing on efficiency and capital access, proponents argue the bill could stabilize housing costs over time.
Supporters point to factors contributing to the housing shortage, including complex zoning rules, lengthy permitting processes, rising material costs, and compliance burdens affecting small and mid-sized developers. They argue that federal-level reforms, like those in the bill, can complement ongoing state and local efforts. The overwhelming 390–9 House vote reflects recognition that housing affordability is a national concern transcending partisan divisions. While some policymakers advocate for subsidies or direct federal spending, the act represents a supply-focused strategy designed to address structural constraints in the housing market.
The bill now moves to the Senate, where bipartisan interest exists but procedural and political challenges remain. Senators such as Tim Scott and Elizabeth Warren have previously collaborated on housing reforms, suggesting potential cross-party engagement. Whether the Senate will pass the House version intact or amend it is still unknown. If enacted, the Housing for the 21st Century Act would be one of the most significant bipartisan housing reform initiatives in recent years, emphasizing regulatory modernization, program evaluation, and financial flexibility as a pragmatic approach to addressing the structural roots of America’s housing shortage.
