The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) hailed the recent enactment of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a sweeping bipartisan measure aimed at tackling the U.S. housing affordability crisis by cutting regulatory barriers, boosting supply, and expanding homeownership opportunities.
The legislation, H.R. 6644, automatically became law on July 11, 2026, after President Donald Trump declined to sign it within the 10-day constitutional window–a move tied to his protest over stalled voter ID legislation. It passed the Senate 85-5 on June 22 and the House 358-32 the following day, reflecting strong cross-aisle support.
Bill Owens, NAHB chairman, issued a statement praising the achievement. “NAHB applauds Congress and the Trump administration for delivering a bipartisan housing victory for the American people,” Owens said. “Strong support in both chambers makes clear that housing affordability is a national priority. By reducing regulatory barriers, helping builders increase supply, and expanding opportunities for homeownership and rental housing, this landmark law is an important step toward easing the nation’s housing affordability crisis. We look forward to working with the administration and Congress to implement it.”
The act merges elements from earlier House and Senate proposals, including reforms to streamline permitting, modernize housing counseling programs, promote innovative building techniques such as point-access block (single-stair) designs, and ease environmental reviews for infill development. It also encourages conversion of commercial properties to residential use, supports manufactured and modular housing, and includes provisions limiting large institutional investors’ purchases of existing single-family homes.
Sponsored by Rep. French Hill (R-Ark.), the bill addresses long-standing supply constraints that have driven up costs for buyers and renters amid persistent shortages. Industry groups have described it as the most significant federal housing legislation in decades, with potential to accelerate construction and improve access to financing for affordable units.
NAHB has long advocated for such measures, emphasizing the need to lower development costs and speed approvals at federal, state, and local levels. Implementation will now shift to federal agencies, including the Department of Housing and Urban Development, with builders eyeing near-term benefits from reduced red tape.
The law’s passage comes as housing remains a top voter concern, with median home prices elevated and inventory tight in many markets. Analysts expect it to provide modest relief over time through increased production, though broader challenges like labor shortages and local zoning will require continued attention.
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