US House Passes 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Targeting Affordable Housing

The U.S. House of Representatives approved the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a comprehensive housing package aimed at expanding affordable housing supply. The legislation incorporates measures to encourage new construction, modernize financing programs, and address labor shortages, high material costs, and restrictive zoning.

The bill also mandates the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to review and update guidance under the 2021 Build America, Buy America Act, ensuring that federal housing projects prioritize U.S.-made products. HUD has issued a Request for Information to assess domestic availability of key manufactured components such as HVAC systems and plumbing fixtures. While the House has passed the act, it still requires Senate approval and the President's signature before becoming law. Lawmakers are also debating proposals that could pause Buy America requirements for housing projects, which critics argue would weaken domestic manufacturing demand.