WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, the House passed the bipartisan Housing for the 21st Century Act. The bill, introduced by Chairman French Hill (R-AR), Ranking Member Maxine Waters (D-CA), Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance Chair Mike Flood (R-NE) and Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance Ranking Member Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), makes important reforms to boost the supply and bring down the cost of housing in America. Last year, the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) endorsed the legislation in a letter to lawmakers and called for a vote. Following the bill’s passage from the House, USCM President David Holt, Mayor of Oklahoma City, released the following statement:
“Housing is the largest cost in any family budget, and addressing the challenge of housing affordability is the top national priority of America’s mayors. We commend the House for taking action through the Housing for the 21st Century Act. This pragmatic bill would strengthen proven programs and reform outdated policies to make it easier to build much-needed housing in America. As the elected officials closest to the people they serve, America’s mayors know firsthand that a challenge as great as housing affordability needs a comprehensive response from all levels of government. We commend the House and the Senate for prioritizing this issue and we stand ready to support final passage of legislation through Congress that will deliver meaningful relief for all Americans.”