WASHINGTON — The U.S. House of Representatives gave final approval this week to a bipartisan housing bill aimed at lowering housing costs and increasing the supply of homes, sending one of the most significant housing measures in decades to President Donald Trump for consideration.
The legislation, known as the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, passed the House on Tuesday by a vote of 358-32 after clearing the Senate a day earlier with an 85-5 vote, according to congressional records and statements from lawmakers involved in the negotiations. The measure combines dozens of housing-related proposals developed through months of bipartisan discussions.
Lawmakers from both parties said the bill is intended to address housing affordability concerns by reducing regulatory barriers, accelerating construction, expanding financing options and encouraging new housing development. The legislation also includes provisions aimed at limiting the ability of large institutional investors to acquire additional single-family homes, according to summaries released by congressional leaders and media reports.
House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill, an Arkansas Republican who helped negotiate the measure, said the legislation would “help build more homes to meet that growing demand and keep the American dream within reach.” Democratic Representative Maxine Waters of California, another key negotiator, said, “Our country must do better and today we will.”
According to congressional summaries, the bill would expand financing opportunities for housing projects, support manufactured and modular housing, provide incentives for communities that increase homebuilding and strengthen certain renter protections. It also seeks to streamline permitting and environmental review processes for some housing developments and expand programs designed to address homelessness and housing rehabilitation.
The legislation emerged from negotiations between Republican and Democratic lawmakers in both chambers at a time when housing affordability remains a major issue for many Americans. Supporters from both parties described the measure as a rare example of bipartisan cooperation in a divided Congress.
Not all provisions proposed during negotiations were included in the final package. Reports indicate that a Senate proposal requiring certain investors to sell newly constructed homes within a specified period was removed before final passage.
As of Friday, the bill had completed congressional approval and was awaiting final action by President Trump. Reuters reported on Wednesday that a planned signing ceremony had been canceled, though the legislation remained pending before the president. Details regarding the timing of any further action remain unclear.
