WASHINGTON — Today, House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) introduced two bills that will make housing more affordable for American families by expanding housing supply, cutting red tape, modernizing federal financing rules, and incentivizing homeownership.
“Washington’s outdated rules have made it too hard for families to buy a safe, affordable home. This bill cuts the pointless red tape and drives costs down for hardworking families. This is a commonsense fix that delivers more options and a fair shot at the American Dream,” Chairwoman McClain said.
The Modular Housing Production Act updates federal financing rules so more families can access high-quality modular and factory-built homes by:
- Removing archaic federal rules that unnecessarily increase financing costs
- Making modular-home financing follow the same rules as traditional construction so families aren’t penalized for choosing a more affordable option
“Homeownership, once a hallmark of the American Dream, has fallen significantly in recent decades,” Chairwoman McClain added. “This legislation provides Americans with more choices, greater affordability, and a real path to homeownership. This is a win-win solution built on common sense, not bureaucracy, ensuring that our local communities can quickly build the stable housing their neighbors deserve.”
The Build Now Act strengthens the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to encourage more housing development by:
- Directing resources toward increasing the housing supply each year
- Supporting communities that modernize and simplify local permitting and zoning
- Encouraging streamlined rules that make homebuilding faster and more efficient
- Prioritizing jurisdictions that approve new housing projects
- Providing targeted help to rural areas facing significant housing shortages
Both pieces of legislation are bipartisan and bicameral. The Modular Housing Production Actis co-sponsored by Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.) and the Build Now Act is co-sponsored by Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.).
