US Congress reaches deal on 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act

The Senate and the House of Representatives announced a compromise on the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, reconciling the two chambers’ earlier versions so the bill can proceed to a final vote. The agreement retains most of the House’s revisions, including carve‑outs for build‑to‑rent single‑family homes and limits on large institutional investors buying single‑family properties, while restoring certain Senate provisions such as a modified Rental Assistance Demonstration program and a three‑year funding schedule for the Community Development Block Grant‑Disaster Recovery program. The legislation also creates a new Office of Disaster Management and Resiliency within HUD and adds nine community‑banking measures. Lawmakers highlighted the bill’s potential to cut red tape, increase housing supply, lower costs for families, and address the widening affordability gap that has driven voter discontent, especially among younger adults.

Analysts note that the forced‑sale requirement for build‑to‑rent housing was removed after industry opposition, and the bill is being pushed ahead of the midterm elections in hopes of securing bipartisan support and a presidential signature.