Builders, remodelers, and associates from across the country united for the NAHB's Legislative Conference on Capitol Hill, delivering a clear message to lawmakers: housing and homeownership are crucial national priorities. NAHB Chairman Alicia Huey stressed that the economy is intrinsically linked to the state of the housing market.

To combat the housing shortage, Huey emphasized the necessity of building more homes, stating that increased supply is essential to tame inflation, meet demand, and restore balance in the for-sale and rental markets. With 1.5 million housing units needed nationwide, addressing the affordability crisis requires immediate attention from Congress.

 
Huey explained, "Building more homes is the only way to tame inflation, satisfy unmet demand, achieve a healthy supply-demand balance... and ease the nation's housing affordability crisis."

During over 250 meetings with lawmakers, NAHB advocates focused on three key legislative initiatives. Firstly, they called for action to address the shortage and rising costs of distribution transformers, urging the utilization of the Defense Production Act and opposing stricter energy conservation standards proposed by the Department of Energy.

Secondly, NAHB stressed the importance of energy codes, advocating for the introduction and advancement of legislation that would repeal costly and restrictive provisions in updated energy codes. The aim is to prevent exacerbation of the affordability crisis.

Lastly, workforce development funding emerged as a pressing issue. With a shortage of over 400,000 workers in the construction industry, delays and increased costs hinder housing construction. NAHB urged Congress to reauthorize the Workplace Innovation and Opportunity Act and fully fund the Job Corps program to address the industry's severe workforce needs.

Congressman Bruce Westerman, chairman of the Committee on Natural Resources, highlighted the significance of housing for the economy and society. Stressing the importance of healthy forests and domestic production, he echoed the sentiment that housing is fundamental to societal well-being.

https://www.nahb.org/news-and-economics/press-releases/2023/06/more-than-700-residential-construction-workers-discuss-housing-issues-in-hill-visits