The United States House of Representatives has passed the Housing for the 21st Century Act by a decisive 390–9 vote, signaling rare bipartisan agreement in a divided Congress. Lawmakers across party lines increasingly view housing affordability as a national economic priority rather than a niche issue.

Rising rents and home prices have strained households in cities, suburbs, and rural areas alike. Wage growth has often failed to keep pace, sidelining first-time buyers and placing added pressure on renters. Supporters say the bill responds to these long-building challenges.

Instead of large new spending programs, the legislation focuses on structural reforms. It aims to modernize federal housing programs, reduce inefficiencies, and encourage greater housing supply through regulatory improvements.

The measure was co-sponsored by French Hill and Maxine Waters, leaders of the House Financial Services Committee. Their partnership reflects uncommon bipartisan cooperation on expanding housing access and streamlining outdated systems.

A central provision calls for a comprehensive review of federal housing programs to identify redundancies and administrative barriers. Lawmakers argue that layered regulations have slowed development and increased compliance costs over time.

The bill also updates the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, which funds state and local affordable housing initiatives. Changes are designed to improve flexibility, reduce procedural hurdles, and expand capital access for lenders and developers.

Republican supporters frame the bill as part of a broader push to reduce regulatory burdens and boost supply. Democrats emphasize that affordability affects communities nationwide and that improving federal efficiency can complement local reforms.

With strong House backing, the bill now moves to the Senate. If enacted, it would mark one of the most significant bipartisan housing reform efforts in recent years, prioritizing modernization and supply expansion to address long-term affordability challenges.