Larson Votes for Comprehensive Plan to Expand Access to Affordable Housing and Homeownership Opportunities

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) voted for the bipartisan Housing for the 21st Century Act, a comprehensive bill to incentivize the construction of affordable housing units and expand access to homeownership opportunities. Larson also called on Congress to continue to advance affordable housing solutions, including his Neighborhood Homes Investment Act, which would spur the development of 500,000 affordable, single-family homes over the next ten years.

"Growing up in Mayberry Village in East Hartford, my parents worked hard to afford a home, but today, that dream is out of reach for too many families," said Larson. "I was proud to join with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance much-needed reforms that will expand access to affordable housing and make homeownership a reality for more hardworking Americans. The bill we passed tonight includes important provisions to help communities adopt more pro-housing zoning rules, improve the review process to ensure new homes can be quickly constructed, and expand access to mortgages, loans, and assistance to middle-income earners. I will continue to work to advance common sense solutions to our nation's housing crisis, so everyone can afford a quality home."

The Housing for the 21^st Century Act includes 48 bipartisan proposalsto lower housing costs and build new units, including by:

• Providing grants to local governments for the development of pre-reviewed construction plans that comply with zoning rules, and developing guidance to help communities overcome regulatory barriers

• Streamlining the review process for federally supported housing, including home construction, rehabilitation, and development

• Increasing the Federal Housing Administration's (FHA) outdated multifamily loan limits and expanding access to FHA-backed mortgages under $100,000

• Expanding program eligibility for the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) program, to make sure middle-income earners can access homeownership opportunities

• Allowing Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to be used for the construction of new, affordable housing and increasing the cap on community investments by banks, including affordable housing projects, from 15% to 20%

• Expanding access to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) home repair loans for low-income households

• Excluding veterans' disability benefits from income eligibility calculations for the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program and CDBG assistance

• Authorizing a helpline for renters to access eviction counseling, resources, and referrals