02/21/2026
The Housing for the 21st Century Actpdf, a bipartisan housing package aimed at boosting supply and improving affordability, passed in the House of Representatives by a vote of 390–9. With House approval secured, the legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration.
The legislation was introduced by House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill (R-Ark.), Ranking Member Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), Housing and Insurance Subcommittee Chair Mike Flood (R-Neb.), and Ranking Member Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.). In December 2025, the full committee passed this legislation by a vote of 50–1.
“The National Association of REALTORS® applauds the House for passing the Housing for the 21st Century Act, a meaningful and bipartisan step toward addressing America’s housing affordability crisis. With the nation facing a shortage of roughly 5 million homes and first-time buyers now entering the market at a median age of 40, bold action to expand supply and remove barriers to homeownership has never been more urgent,” says Shannon McGahn, NAR executive vice president and chief advocacy officer.
“Buying a home remains one of the greatest drivers of generational wealth and long-term financial stability. And our recent national survey shows that 85% of voters still believe homeownership is part of the American dream,” McGahn says.
Last week, NAR issued a targeted call for action urging members of Congress to support this legislation. NAR also sent a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries urging them to support this measure.
Addressing the Housing Supply Shortage
The bill targets one of the most persistent challenges facing the housing market: a nationwide shortage of homes. NAR members across the country continue to report tight inventory, especially a critical shortage of affordable starter homes, along with rising construction costs, and regulatory hurdles that delay or discourage new housing development.
The Housing for the 21st Century Act addresses the housing shortage through a comprehensive approach: helping communities overcome zoning and regulatory barriers, streamlining environmental reviews that delay construction, modernizing legacy federal programs like HOME Investment Partnerships and the Community Development Block Grant Program, updating outdated manufactured housing rules, and removing duplicative requirements across federal programs. By addressing barriers at every level of government, the legislation will make it faster and cheaper to build new homes.
