The U.S. House of Representatives just passed the Housing for the 21st Century Act, marking a significant step toward addressing the nation’s housing shortage. The legislation takes a comprehensive approach aimed at removing barriers to housing development at all levels of government.Why it matters: Housing supply remains the single biggest driver of affordability challenges. This bipartisan momentum signals that policymakers increasingly recognize the urgency of expanding supply, reducing regulatory bottlenecks, and supporting local solutions.
NAR’s lobbying role: Before the House passed the legislation, NAR issued a targeted call for action urging members of Congress to support this legislation. NAR also sent a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries urging them to support this measure. For REALTORS, this is validation that sustained NAR advocacy is working—and that our members’ voices remain critical to ensure the bill advances.
Insider Insight: Shannon McGahn, NAR executive vice president and chief advocacy officer: “The National Association of REALTORS applauds the House for passing the Housing for the 21st Century Act, a meaningful and bipartisan step toward addressing America’s housing affordability crisis. With the nation facing a shortage of roughly 5 million homes and first-time buyers now entering the market at a median age of 40, bold action to expand supply and remove barriers to homeownership has never been more urgent.”
