### Will Congress Finally Do Something About Housing?
Looks like Congress is zeroing in on the week of February 9 to vote on a housing package that everyone seems to think is a good idea. Sources say senior lawmakers are even considering a fast-track option to get it done quickly. But, of course, nothing’s set in stone. With the government partially shut down, who knows what could happen?
The proposed Housing in the 21st Century Act breezed through the House Financial Services Committee back in December and aims to tackle the housing affordability mess we’re all too familiar with. This bill throws out 25 measures to increase housing supply, revamp local development, expand affordable housing options, and keep an eye on housing providers. It’s basically a laundry list of solutions to a problem that’s been festering for years.
House Financial Services Chair French Hill from Arkansas is all in on getting this bill in front of the House ASAP. He told Bloomberg Radio he’s really pushing for it, saying, “I hope that bill can come to the House floor in just a few days. I really am pushing for that, I think it’s the right decision.”
Meanwhile, the Senate has its own housing proposal called the ROAD to Housing Act, which passed as part of a defense bill but might get its own vote later. If the House can pull off a strong vote in favor of its version first, it could give them some bargaining power when it comes time to hash out the final details with the Senate. However, House Republicans aren’t thrilled with some aspects of the Senate’s bill, claiming it includes provisions that just won’t fly.
So, as lawmakers play their usual game of musical chairs, we’re left wondering: are they actually going to do something meaningful this time, or will it all end up being just more hot air?
