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prices are not solely the result of market forces but are compounded by regulatory complexity, permitting delays, and outdated federal housing frameworks.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.

Key Provisions of the Bill

According to the House Financial Services Committee summary, the legislation contains several core components:

• Directing the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to identify gaps, redundancies, and inefficiencies across federal housing programs.
• Updating the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s HOME Investment Partnerships Program to better reflect current housing conditions.
• Reducing regulatory barriers that lawmakers say have slowed the pace of housing development.
• Providing banks with additional flexibility to deploy capital in ways that expand housing supply.

By focusing on modernization and regulatory reform, the bill aims to streamline processes that developers and lenders often describe as burdensome or outdated.

Leadership Support

House Speaker Mike Johnson framed the legislation as part of a broader affordability strategy. He argued that rising housing costs have placed significant strain on American families and that federal policies must adapt to encourage increased supply.

In public statements, Johnson emphasized that reducing red tape and modernizing HUD programs are necessary steps toward expanding access to affordable housing. He described the bill’s passage as a meaningful move toward addressing the structural factors that have constrained development.

Chairman Hill and Rep. Mike Flood (R-NE) echoed similar arguments in a recent opinion piece. They contended that supply shortages inevitably drive up prices and that bipartisan solutions are needed to empower communities and local banks to respond more efficiently to housing needs. According to the lawmakers, clearing regulatory hurdles allows local decision-makers and financial institutions to play a stronger role in expanding housing options.

Bipartisan Cooperation

The co-sponsorship by Hill and Waters is notable given their differing policy philosophies on financial regulation and housing policy. Waters has historically supported expanded federal intervention and tenant protections, while Hill has emphasized regulatory reform and market-based solutions. Their joint effort suggests a shared understanding that housing scarcity requires action that can attract cross-party support.

The 390–9 vote margin reflects that shared urgency. Nearly all members of both parties voted in favor of the bill, signaling consensus that housing affordability has become a national concern affecting urban, suburban, and rural communities alike.

Senate Outlook

The bill now heads to the Senate, where its future remains uncertain but promising given bipartisan interest in housing reform. Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott (R-SC) has previously worked across party lines on housing-related initiatives. In earlier legislative efforts, Scott collaborated with Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) on proposals addressing supply and affordability challenges.

Observers note that the strong House vote may increase pressure on the Senate to act, particularly as housing affordability continues to play a prominent role in broader economic debates. Whether the Senate will adopt the bill as written or introduce amendments remains to be seen.

Policy Approach and Debate

Supporters argue that expanding housing supply is essential to stabilizing prices over time. They maintain that federal policy should prioritize removing structural barriers that prevent development rather than layering additional mandates onto an already constrained market.

Opponents of the measure were few in number and did not significantly slow its progress. While debate on the House floor included discussion about the long-term direction of federal housing policy, lawmakers largely agreed that reform is needed. Differences may emerge in future discussions over how to balance deregulation with oversight, but the House vote suggests a broad base of agreement on initial steps.

Broader Context

Housing affordability has become a central issue in economic discussions across the country. Rising mortgage rates, construction costs, and land prices have complicated efforts to expand supply. Meanwhile, many communities face zoning restrictions and permitting processes that can extend development timelines.

The Housing for the 21st Century Act seeks to address federal-level factors contributing to these challenges. By directing the GAO to review program efficiency and encouraging modernization within HUD, lawmakers aim to improve coordination and effectiveness without expanding overall federal spending.

Supporters say that focusing on supply is a pragmatic response to persistent shortages. They argue that when housing inventory increases, competition can help moderate price growth, providing relief to renters and prospective homeowners alike.

Looking Ahead

If enacted into law, the Housing for the 21st Century Act would represent one of the most comprehensive bipartisan housing reform efforts in recent years. Its emphasis on regulatory streamlining and modernization distinguishes it from proposals centered primarily on subsidies or direct spending increases.

As the Senate considers the measure, stakeholders from the housing industry, financial sector, and advocacy organizations are likely to weigh in. The near-unanimous House vote provides strong momentum, but the legislative process in the upper chamber may involve negotiation and refinement.

For now, the House’s decisive action signals that lawmakers from both parties recognize housing affordability as a pressing national issue. Whether through this legislation or subsequent reforms, Congress appears poised to continue exploring solutions aimed at expanding housing supply and reducing barriers that have constrained development for years.