Housing & Insurance Chairman Flood Applauds House Passage of Updated 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act as Landmark Housing Reform

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Congressman Mike Flood, who serves as Chairman of the Housing & Insurance Subcommittee, released a statement following House passage of the amended text to the "21st Century ROAD to Housing Act." The amendment includes several provisions introduced and backed by Congressman Flood and represents a bipartisan, bicameral effort to lower housing costs.

"The '21st Century ROAD to Housing Act,' as amended by the House, is landmark legislation that will benefit renters, homeowners and families hoping to buy a home across the country," said Congressman Flood. "The leadership of Chairman Hill and Ranking Member Waters has been instrumental in making this a reality, along with the leadership of President Trump. I hope the Senate takes up the bill without delay so we can make this bill law as soon as possible."

Congressman Flood delivered remarks on the House floor outlining his support for the updated "21st Century ROAD to Housing Act." Video of his remarks can be found by clicking here. News outlets are welcome to use the footage for reporting purposes.

In addition to serving as Chairman of the Housing & Insurance Subcommittee, Congressman Flood is the Chairman of the Republican Main Street Caucus.

The amended text of the "21st Century ROAD to Housing Act" can be found here.

Legislation Congressman Flood previously introduced that are included in the amended version of the housing bill are detailed below:

The HOME Reform Act

"America is in the midst of a housing crisis as families struggle to live the American dream due to the shortage of millions of homes," said Congressman Flood. "The HOME program is a federal program that builds housing supply, but it has previously been weighed down by regulatory burdens that make it hard to build housing. The reforms in this legislation will result in more homebuilding across the country as we work to tackle our nation's housing shortage. From Columbus, Nebraska to Columbus, Ohio and beyond, local communities will have an unprecedented opportunity to build affordable homes and directly address the housing crisis gripping our nation."

The "HOME Reform Act" modernizes the HOME Investment Partnership Program by exempting projects from NEPA and provides relief from Build America, Buy America requirements as well as establishing a "small project" exemption under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968. The bill raises income eligibility to 100% of area median income, extends the time communities have to commit funds, updates definitions of affordable single and multifamily housing, as well as allows funds to be used for infrastructure tied directly to new housing, such as sidewalks, sewers, and utility connections.

Read the initial press release on the "HOME Reform Act" here. The bill was co-introduced by Housing & Insurance Subcommittee Ranking Member Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO).

The Streamlining Manufactured Housing Standards Act

"America has been grappling with a housing crisis and cutting red tape is one of the key tools to helping home builders create more housing," said Congressman Flood. "Manufactured homes have historically been built to a HUD code, and in order to make manufactured homes a cost-effective option for consumers we must ensure that HUD has primary authority over all manufactured housing standards."

The "Streamlining Manufactured Housing Standards Act" clarifies that the Department of Housing and Urban Development is the primary regulator as it relates to all manufactured housing building standards.

Read the initial press release on the "Streamlining Manufactured Housing Starts Act" here. The bill was co-introduced by Housing & Insurance Subcommittee Ranking Member Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO).

Unlocking Housing Supply Through Streamlined and Modernized Reviews Act

"The Unlocking Supply Through Streamlined and Modernized Reviews Act is an important step towards increasing housing supply in America," said Congressman Flood. "Environmental reviews can slow housing projects by months- or even years. Currently, those reviews are not properly tailored to the size and scale of housing projects. This legislation is a meaningful step towards fixing that problem."

The "Unlocking Housing Supply Through Streamlined and Modernized Reviews Act" streamlines the environmental review process for a range of Department of Housing and Urban Development building activities.

Read the initial press release on the "Unlocking Housing Supply Through Streamlined and Modernized Reviews Act" here. The bill was co-introduced by Congressman Sam Liccardo (D-CA).

The Housing Supply Frameworks Act

"The rising cost of housing is putting the American Dream out of reach for working families across our country," said Congressman Flood. "We need an all-of-the-above approach to addressing America's housing crisis. To this end, the Housing Supply Frameworks Act helps establish suggested best practices for state and local governments across the country who want to break down barriers holding back development and innovation in housing and construction."

The "House Supply Frameworks Act" requires HUD to publish best practices and guidelines to assist communities in maintaining modern local and state zoning frameworks that support the production of adequate housing options at every income level.

Read the initial press release on the Housing Supply Frameworks Act here. The bill was co-introduced by Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen (D-CO).