The House of Representatives has passed the bipartisan Housing for the 21st Century Act, a legislative package aimed at addressing rising housing costs across the United States. The measure is the result of a year-long effort led by Congressman Mike Flood and members of the Financial Services Committee, including Chairman French Hill (R-AR), Ranking Member Maxine Waters (D-CA), and Housing & Insurance Subcommittee Ranking Member Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO).
“America’s significant housing shortage is locking entire generations out of homeownership,” said Congressman Flood. “As the Chairman of the Housing & Insurance Subcommittee, I’m proud of the broad support this housing package received every step of the way. Today’s vote shows that bipartisanship is still alive in Washington and continues to be crucial to solving our shared challenges. Now that the legislation has passed the House floor, I look forward to working with our colleagues in the Senate to get housing affordability legislation to President Trump’s desk swiftly.”
The Housing for the 21st Century Act contains several bills authored by Congressman Flood. These initiatives include updates to federal programs and regulatory processes intended to increase affordable housing options.
One component, the HOME Reform Act, seeks to modernize the HOME Investment Partnership Program by removing certain requirements and updating eligibility standards. It raises income eligibility limits and allows funds to be used for infrastructure tied directly to new housing projects.
Another provision, the Housing Supply Frameworks Act, directs HUD to publish best practices for communities developing zoning frameworks that encourage adequate housing supply at all income levels.
The Identifying Regulatory Barriers to Housing Supply Act requires communities receiving Community Development Block Grant funds to report on their land-use policies regarding high-density zoning.
Additional measures include clarifying HUD’s authority over manufactured housing standards and streamlining environmental reviews for certain building activities under HUD jurisdiction.
Finally, the Least Cost Exception Act would give federal regulators more flexibility when resolving failing banks, potentially benefiting small and mid-size institutions.
Congressman Mike Flood represents Nebraska’s 1st district in Congress after succeeding Jeff Fortenberry in 2022. Before serving in Congress, he was a member of Nebraska’s State Legislature from 2007 to 2013. Born in Omaha in 1975, Flood resides in Norfolk. He holds degrees from both the University of Notre Dame and University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
