Bpc Action Presses Congress To Advance Bipartisan Housing Bill

Bipartisan Policy Center Action (BPC) is urging congressional leaders to bring two bipartisan housing bills to the floor for votes in the House of Representatives and the Senate as soon as possible, citing rising housing costs and a nationwide shortage of affordable homes.

In a statement issued Monday, the advocacy group called on lawmakers to advance the ROAD to Housing Act, sponsored by Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), along with the Housing for the 21st Century Act, led by House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill (R-Ark.) and Ranking Member Maxine Waters (D-Calif.)

The bills are separate pieces of legislation that aim to address housing affordability through different policy approaches.

The ROAD to Housing Act is a broad housing supply package that was unanimously passed by the Senate in October but has not yet received House approval. The legislation focuses on reducing regulatory and procedural barriers to housing development, aiming to accelerate the construction of both market-rate and affordable housing nationwide.

The Housing for the 21st Century Act is the House counterpart to the ROAD to Housing Act. The bill seeks to accelerate housing development by encouraging zoning reforms, supporting accessory dwelling units and small multifamily projects, and lowering costs tied to permitting and design. It also includes grants for preapproved building plans intended to shorten approval timelines.

The BPC wrote separate letters to Senate and House leaders, saying that high housing costs and limited supply of affordable homes supply affecting communities across the country and across the political affiliation. The group noted that families, employers, local governments and housing providers are impacted, highlighting the need for durable, bipartisan solutions.

The letters are signed by Michele Stockwell, president of BPC Action.

BPC Action said the two legislative packages would allow Congress to demonstrate a commitment to addressing one of the most pressing challenges facing Americans. The bills aim to reduce regulatory barriers; improve coordination among federal, state and local governments; and support responsible expansion of housing supply.

Many provisions in the proposals align with bipartisan housing policy recommendations outlined in BPC Action’s American Housing Act legislative brief, the group said.