Congressman Cleaver’s Statement on the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Becoming Law

(Kansas City, MO) - Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, celebrates the enactment of the Housing for the 21^st Century Act, the most significant bipartisan housing reform package in nearly 50 years, which officially became law at midnight Eastern Time without the President's signature. The bill was introduced in the House by Rep. Cleaver, House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill (R-AR), Ranking Member Maxine Waters (D-CA), and Housing and Insurance Subcommittee Chairman Mike Flood (R-NE), and in the Senate by Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott (R-SC) and Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).

"Today, the most consequential housing legislation in nearly half a century is now law.

"This legislation was not born out of political convenience. It was forged through countless hours of difficult conversations, honest disagreements, mutual respect, and an uncommon willingness to find common ground. At a time when cynicism too often overshadows cooperation, Democrats and Republicans chose something different. We chose to listen, negotiate, and ultimately, to govern.

"For more than eighteen months, I was proud to work alongside Chairman Flood, our colleagues in both chambers, housing advocates, lenders, local leaders, and stakeholders from across the political spectrum to confront one of the defining challenges facing our nation: the cost of keeping a roof over your head. We did not always share the same approach, but we shared the same conviction that America's housing crisis demanded action, not excuses.

"That spirit of partnership produced landmark legislation that will expand housing supply, modernize our housing finance system, remove unnecessary barriers to development, and help make homeownership and affordable housing more attainable for millions of Americans. It is proof that when we choose progress over partnership, Congress can still deliver transformative results for constituents like mine in Missouri's Fifth District. This law stands as a reminder that our greatest achievements are rarely the product of one party's triumph but rather born when we have the courage to build something together on behalf of the people we serve."

The 21^st Century ROAD to Housing Act includes numerous individual provisions sponsored by Ranking Member Cleaver, including:

• Innovation Fund: The innovation fund is a section first proposed in the American Housing and Economic Mobility Act, introduced by Ranking Member Cleaver, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-MA). This section authorizes a seven-year $200 million annual competitive grant program for jurisdictions pursuing innovative policies, interventions, or programs for increasing housing supply.
• HOME Reform Act: Introduced by Ranking Member Cleaver and Chairman Flood (R-NE), the legislation is the most significant reform to the HOME Investment Partnerships Program since authorization in 1990. The legislation includes provisions introduced by Representative Joyce Beatty (D-OH) and would modernize and update the federal government's largest block grant program dedicated exclusively to creating and preserving affordable housing for low-income households.
• Rural Housing Service Program Improvements: The legislation includes sections of the Rural Housing Service Reform Act, introduced by Ranking Member Cleaver and Representative Zach Nunn (R-IA), representing the most significant US Department of Agriculture Rural Housing Service reforms in decades. The included sections would allow for greater use of the Rural Housing Service Section 504 Home Repair Program, ensure continued rental assistance for tenants in properties with expiring protections, and make it easier for nonprofits to buy and preserve housing.
• Choice in Affordable Housing Act: The legislation includes sections of the Choice in Affordable Housing Act, introduced by Ranking Member Cleaver and Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY), representing a major reform to HUD's Section 8 program. The included sections would streamline inspections, increase access to housing for voucher holders, and encourage private landlord participation.
• Manufactured Housing Innovations: The legislation includes the Housing Supply Expansion Act of 2025, introduced by Rep. Cleaver and Rep. Rose (R-TN), which would update the federal definition of manufactured housing and allow for more efficient and cost-effective designs.
• HUD Accountability Act: Introduced by Ranking Member Cleaver and Rep. Lawler (R-NY), the HUD Accountability Act requires the Secretary of HUD to testify on an annual basis before Congress.

Official text of the 21^st Century ROAD to Housing Act is available here.

A one-pager on the 21^st Century ROAD to Housing Act is available here.

A section-by-section of the 21^st Century ROAD to Housing Act is available here.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.