Shreve Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Cut Red Tape, Build More Homes

WASHINGTON - Congressman Jefferson Shreve (IN-06) introduced the bipartisan Build More Homes Act today with Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), legislation to help communities reduce permitting delays, lower construction costs, and bring more homes to market.

The bill focuses on pattern books - collections of home designs approved in advance by local governments. These pre-approved plans can streamline permitting, saving builders time and money.

Currently, builders often face lengthy approval processes that can add thousands of dollars and months of delays to construction. Pattern books offer a practical alternative by allowing builders to use designs that have already undergone local review.

The Build More Homes Act directs a study of these practices, identifies successful approaches communities can adopt, and calls for specific recommendations tailored to rural areas.

"Homeownership is a pillar of the American Dream, but too many Hoosiers are being priced out," said Congressman Shreve. "We need to make it easier and less expensive to build. My bill will help local communities find practical ways to cut red tape, shorten delays, and get more homes on the market."

"New Hampshire is in a full-blown housing crisis: 85% of households across our state are priced out of this cornerstone of the American Dream," said Congresswoman Goodlander. "Nurses, teachers, firefighters, electricians, and hardworking people of all ages are being pushed out of the communities they love and the communities that depend on them. I'm using every tool I have to lower the sky-high housing costs New Hampshire families face and make it cheaper and faster to build the homes we urgently need. Our bipartisan Build More Homes Act is about cutting costs and red tape, and learning from communities like Lebanon that are already showing us what works."

Read the full bill text here.