Major Bipartisan Housing Bill Passes Senate, Returns to House
June 23, 2026 — Last night, the Senate passed a further-amended version of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act by a bipartisan 85–5 vote, moving the major housing package one step closer to enactment. The bill returns to the House for a potential vote this week. The House previously passed an amended version of the bill by a bipartisan 396–13 vote. If the House passes the Senate-approved version without additional changes, the legislation can be sent to the President to be signed into law. The House may vote on the bill as early as today.
The massive housing package includes several provisions of interest to NAHRO members, such as:
- NAHRO-supported reforms to the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, including language requiring HUD to review the implementation of Build America, Buy America requirements within the HOME program.
- NAHRO-supported expanded authority to use Community Development Block Grant funds for affordable housing construction.
- The NAHRO-supported Rural Housing Service Reform Act, which would reform rural housing programs.
- NAHRO-supported efforts to streamline environmental review (NEPA).
- Manufactured and modular housing provisions, including the NAHRO supported PRICE Act and critical changes to the definition of manufactured housing.
- The NAHRO-supported Choice in Affordable Housing Act which allows for alternative inspections of voucher units and initial inspections before voucher lease agreements are finalized.
- NAHRO-supported removal of the RAD sunset date with an increase to the RAD cap from 455,000 units to 555,000 units.
- A 3-year authorization of the CDBG-DR program.
- Changes to Homes are for People, Not Corporations, which would limit large institutional investors from owning more than 350 single-family homes and competition from corporate investors in order to improve access to homeownership.
Of particular interest to public housing agencies, the bill includes a limited expansion of the Moving to Work demonstration through a new “Economic Opportunity and Pathways to Independence Cohort.” The provision would allow HUD to add up to 25 additional high-performing public housing agencies to the MTW program. NAHRO is encouraged to see Congress recognizes the value of MTW flexibility and the role local housing agencies can play in testing approaches that better meet community needs.
However, NAHRO remains concerned about new MTW reporting and oversight requirements included in the bill. Accountability and evaluation are important, but new requirements should be implemented in a way that does not create unnecessary administrative burden for agencies already operating with limited staff capacity and constrained federal resources. If the bill is enacted, NAHRO will work with HUD, Congress, and our members to support effective implementation. That includes working to ensure that any new MTW reporting requirements are clear, workable, coordinated with existing processes, and designed to minimize administrative burden for new and returning participating agencies.
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is largely focused on housing policy and program administration rather than annual funding levels. Even if enacted, Congress will still need to provide adequate funding for core HUD programs through the FY 2027 appropriations process, including Housing Choice Vouchers, Public Housing Operating and Capital Funds, Project-Based Rental Assistance, HOME, CDBG, Homeless Assistance Grants, and related HUD accounts. Show Congress your support for adequate FY27 funding for housing and community development programs by by sending a letter or a video to Congress using NAHRO’s Action Alert Center!
That distinction matters. Policy reforms can help improve how programs operate, but PHAs also need stable funding, clear guidance, realistic implementation timelines, and sufficient administrative capacity to carry out federal housing policy effectively.
NAHRO will continue reviewing the Senate-passed bill text and monitoring House action. As the process moves forward, NAHRO members should continue sharing local examples with congressional offices about what federal housing programs mean in their communities, including vouchers leased, units preserved, properties maintained, residents served, and local partnerships supported.
This is an important moment for federal housing policy. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is not yet law, but the Senate vote shows that lawmakers in both parties continue to hear from communities about the need to address housing supply, preservation, affordability, and program performance.