A bipartisan housing bill that combined elements of two bills previously introduced in the House and Senate has now been passed by the latter and is on its way back to the House for changes to be approved.

 

While the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) once advocated for the bill, they recently withdrew their support due to Senate-led changes or removals that the NAHB claims weakens original provisions.

The American Planning Association (APA) and National League of Cities (NLC) have both supported this act and have worked closely with lawmakers on various aspects of the legislation. Aimed to increase housing supply and affordability, H.R.6644 expands grants for planning and community development activities while making adjustments to a few current housing regulations, one of them being the exemption "of certain housing-related activities from the environmental review process" "if such activities do not materially alter environmental conditions and do not materially exceed the original scope of the project." Some of these activities include "replacement of water or sewer lines, reconstruction of curbs and sidewalks, and repaving of streets." NAHB has urged Congress to address the differences between the two acts. If the House passes the bill, it will go to President Trump to be signed into law.