The Senate passed a sweeping bipartisan housing affordability bill on Monday, marking a rare legislative victory in President Donald Trump’s second term. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, approved in an 85-5 vote, now heads to the House for final approval before reaching Trump’s desk.
The legislation aims to address the housing affordability crisis by increasing supply, cutting regulatory barriers, and limiting institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes. Key provisions include streamlining environmental reviews, creating grant programs for affordable housing, and updating regulations for manufactured homes.
Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), along with Reps. French Hill (R-Ark.) and Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), led negotiations on the bill. The measure has bipartisan support, with Republicans emphasizing supply-side solutions and Democrats highlighting restrictions on Wall Street investors.
The bill’s passage comes amid growing voter concerns over housing affordability. Polls show that nearly 80% of Americans believe the American Dream is harder to achieve than a generation ago, and Trump’s approval ratings on economic issues remain low. The legislation is seen as a potential boost for Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
The House is expected to vote on the bill in the coming days. If approved, it would represent the most significant housing legislation in decades, addressing both supply constraints and investor influence in the housing market.