The House

The House of Representatives has approved the Housing for the 21st Century Act in a decisive 390–9 vote, advancing a sweeping bipartisan proposal aimed at addressing one of the nation’s most pressing economic challenges: housing affordability. The measure, which seeks to modernize federal housing programs, reduce regulatory barriers, and expand the nation’s housing supply, now moves to the Senate for consideration.

The legislation was co-sponsored by House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill (R-AK) and Ranking Member Maxine Waters (D-CA), reflecting rare bipartisan collaboration in a closely divided Congress. The overwhelming margin of passage underscores broad agreement among lawmakers that housing costs and supply constraints have reached a critical point nationwide.

Addressing a National Housing Shortage

Lawmakers from both parties have increasingly acknowledged that the United States faces a persistent housing shortage, with demand outpacing supply in many regions. Supporters of the bill argue that rising rents and home prices are not solely the result of market forces but are compounded by regulatory complexity, permitting delays, and outdated federal housing frameworks.

The Housing for the 21st Century Act takes a supply-focused approach. Rather than creating new subsidy programs or expanding federal spending, the legislation concentrates on identifying inefficiencies within existing systems and reducing obstacles that can delay or discourage development. Proponents say that by making it easier and less costly to build housing, the market can respond more effectively to growing demand.