Nation’s Mayors Applaud Passage of Housing Reform in Defense Bill

WASHINGTON, DC - On Thursday, the United States Senate passed its National Defense Authorization Act, which included the bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act, introduced by Senator Tim Scott and Senator Elizabeth Warren. The U.S. Conference of Mayors has championed this package of reforms, and in response to its passage, USCM President David Holt, Mayor of Oklahoma City released the following statement:

"America's mayors commend the United States Senate for making housing reform a priority and passing this important bipartisan legislation. Solving our housing crisis requires a range of solutions, and this bill provides needed regulatory reforms, the reauthorization of critical programs, and new investments in housing revitalization. We appreciate this bipartisan action and are eager to now work with members of the House to ensure a final bill can soon become law."

Joining President Holt in celebrating this progress, Columbus (OH) Mayor Andrew Ginther, USCM past president and Chair of the Conference's Housing Task Force, released the following statement:

"The housing crisis in America touches everyone, and that's why America's mayors have long made reform a top priority. I am thrilled that our progress has gotten to this point, and I am grateful to the bipartisan group of Senators who share our concern about the rising cost of housing in America. This is an enormous problem, but the ROAD to Housing Act provides a real opportunity to make affordable housing possible for more people. This is a historic and long-overdue step forward. We urge the House to now follow the Senate's lead and make this bill a priority."