Senate Passes Major Housing Legislation; NAHRO Pushes for Conferencing of Bill
March 12, 2026 — Today, the Senate passed its major housing bill, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, 89-10. The bill combines the Senate’s ROAD to Housing Act and the House’s 21st Century Housing Act. NAHRO strongly supports Congress’ efforts to tackle the nation’s housing crisis and while this is a strong step forward, there is room to make the bill even better. Both chambers now have the opportunity to work together to ensure the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act delivers the greatest possible benefits for communities nationwide.
Earlier this week, NAHRO released a statement with our industry partners asking the Senate to work with the House by conferencing the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act to create the most effective bipartisan, bicameral bill possible. Members can also send letters to the Representatives asking for the House to conference the bill through the Action Alert Center.
We also thank all the incredible NAHRO members who were up on Capitol Hill yesterday, making their voices heard on this issue!
Although there are many positive provisions in the bill that would streamline construction, expand RAD and the Opportunity Zone program, and improve inspection processes, NAHRO remains concerned about other provisions.
Section 205 – Build Now Act: Even with carve-outs for certain markets, NAHRO is concerned the incentives in this section could undermine what makes the Community Development Block Grant program effective: local decision-making about how funds are used. Over time, the structure could create funding “winners” and “losers,” limiting communities’ ability to respond to their own housing needs.
Section 504 – New Moving to Work Cohort: As written, this provision would create a new MTW cohort that would limit the administrative flexibility that has made the Moving to Work Demonstration Program successful. The language also adds increased reporting requirements for existing MTW agencies.
Section 901 – Homes Are for People, Not Corporations: NAHRO is concerned that this provision could reduce the number of single-family homes available to families using housing vouchers, further constraining housing choice.
Removal of BABA Study Language: NAHRO is also disappointed to see the removal of language related to studying the impacts of the Build America, Buy America Act. Maintaining the study requirement would help policymakers better understand how these requirements are affecting affordable housing development and costs, although an exemption from housing and community development from BABA requirements would be even more impactful. NAHRO appreciates Congress’ substantial efforts to address affordable housing and red tape and hopes that work continues to move forward between the House and the Senate to create the most impactful affordable housing bill possible. We will continue to engage with Congressional offices and coalition partners as the bill moves forward.