Housing Act

The US Senate passed the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act (H.R. 6644) on March 12, 2026, by a 89-10 vote, incorporating a temporary prohibition on the Federal Reserve issuing a central bank digital currency defined as a widely available US dollar-denominated digital asset. Section 901(b) bans large institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes, while Title III eliminates the permanent chassis requirement for manufactured homes to boost affordable housing production. The legislation combines House and Senate versions, reflecting Trump administration priorities, and now awaits House reconciliation amid opposition to Senate amendments. Provisions also increase FHA multifamily loan limits and expand appraiser training to address housing supply shortages.

The Senate approved the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act on March 12, 2026, with an 89-10 bipartisan vote, marking the first major housing reform in a decade and including LeadingAge-supported policies for affordable senior housing. The bill creates grants for planning affordable housing, streamlines environmental reviews, and updates manufactured home standards to increase supply. It represents key wins by empowering state and local governments to revise zoning and regulatory barriers hindering development. Further reforms and House action remain needed to fully address senior housing shortages.

The US Senate passed a broad bipartisan housing bill on March 12, 2026, aimed at increasing construction and curbing institutional home purchases amid affordability woes. The bill's path in the House remains uncertain despite White House support announced March 2. Complementing President Trump's recent executive orders, it addresses voter concerns over home prices five times median income heading into midterms. Implementation hinges on state policies and market rates, with potential construction boosts eyed for relief.