House of Representatives
Page H4133 · Official textThe House met at noon and was called to order by the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. Fong).
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Vol. 172, No. 105 · 119th Congress, 2nd session
Designation of Speaker Pro Tempore
Page H4133 · Official textThe SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following communication from the Speaker:
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June 23, 2026.
I hereby appoint the Honorable Vince Fong to act as Speaker pro tempore on this day.
Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Morning-Hour Debate
Page H4133 · Official textThe SPEAKER pro tempore
Pursuant to the order of the House of January 6, 2026, the Chair will now recognize Members from lists submitted by the majority and minority leaders for morning-hour debate.
The Chair will alternate recognition between the parties, with time equally allocated between the parties and each Member other than the majority and minority leaders and the minority whip limited to 5 minutes, but in no event shall debate continue beyond 1:50 p.m.
Recognizing Robert Gebbia
Page H4133 · Official text(Mr. Beyer of Virginia was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize my friend and the current CEO of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Mr. Robert Gebbia, for his extraordinary leadership in suicide prevention and in recognition of his planned retirement at the end of the year. There is no better time to recognize Robert than in this season where we devote great attention to mental health awareness.
For nearly three decades he has guided the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to national prominence. Under Robert's leadership, AFSP has expanded to 73 chapters across the country and become the largest private funder of suicide prevention research in the world, investing nearly $100 million in lifesaving initiatives.
He has led national awareness campaigns, educational programs, and Out of the Darkness Walks, providing support and hope to millions of individuals and families affected by suicide.
He has also strengthened public policy and advocacy, uniting thousands of volunteer advocates to secure State and Federal funding for suicide prevention and mental health programs nationwide.
In addition, Mr. Gebbia has served in numerous national leadership roles, including as a founding member of the National Council for Suicide Prevention, a member of the National Lifeline Advisory Committee, in the executive committee of the National Alliance for Suicide Prevention, and as past chair of the board of directors of the National Health Council.
His vision and dedication have shaped suicide prevention strategies and initiatives across the United States.
As we honor Robert Gebbia, it is fitting to recognize his decades of service, his commitment to research, advocacy, education, and his enduring impact on communities nationwide.
His leadership has saved lives and strengthened the field of suicide prevention, leaving a legacy that will benefit generations to come.
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Robert on his retirement and thank him for his enduring service to champion the cause of preventing suicide.
Message from the Senate
Page H4133 · Official textA message from the Senate by Mr. Ferrari, one of its clerks, announced that the Senate agrees to the House amendment to the Senate amendment with an amendment to the bill (H.R. 6644) "An Act to increase the supply of housing in America, and for other purposes.". The message also announced that the Senate has passed bills of the following titles which the concurrence of the House is requested:
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S. 675. An act to contribute funds and artifacts to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota.
S. 2585. An act to modernize and improve the Broadband Funding Map in order to promote the most efficient use of Federal funds for broadband deployment, and for other purposes.
S. 4828. An act to reaffirm the Declaration of Independence as an Organic Law of the United States.
Messages from the President
Page H4133 · Official textMessages in writing from the President of the United States were communicated to the House by Mr. Matthew Hanley, one of his secretaries.
Recognizing University of Arkansas Men's Track and Field Team
Pages H4133–H4134 · Official text(Mr. Womack of Arkansas was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 2026 men's outdoor track and field national champions, the Arkansas Razorbacks, led by their head coach, Doug Case.
The Hogs brought home the national title after 4 days of competition at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.
From start to finish, these men exemplified what it means to be a Razorback. They brought grit, energy, and an unwavering determination to the competition. They fought until the very last event to secure that title.
Throughout the meet, Arkansas rose to the top, seizing key opportunities to score points in field events, sprints, and middle-distance events.
In the field, Scottie Vines, a Colorado native, brought an impressive performance in the high jump. He cleared five consecutive bars, ending at 7 feet 4\1/2\ inches. Juriad Hughes put out a set of career-best marks in the long jump. Building on that momentum was Ernest Cheruiyot in the 10,000. Keeping the Hogs on the leaderboard were powerhouse performances by Tyrice Taylor and Rivaldo Marshall in the 800 and Jelani Watkins in the 100. Bringing the victory home was TJ Tomlyanovich, Devyn Wright, Zander Cruzan, and Jordan Pierre in the 4 by 400.
This type of elite performance doesn't happen by chance. It happens as a direct result of the dedication and discipline that are refined in long hours on the track and in the weight room. It is a product of excellence in every practice, down to every drill, every rep. It also happens because of exceptional leadership.
I want to extend my special congratulations to Doug Case, who in his first year, Mr. Speaker, as head coach, has led these men to four titles: two in the SEC and two national championships in indoor and outdoor track. This accomplishment is unprecedented and is a feat not achieved by any first-year head coach in over four decades.
Mr. Speaker, I can't forget Doug's wife, and his number one cheerleader, Chris Case, for her support of this championship program.
I should also recognize assistant coaches Rob Jarvis, Cale Wallace, Brandon Battle, Steven Strobis, and Danny Green. Their contributions should not go unnoticed.
This year's victory builds on the generational legacy of track-and-field dominance at the University of Arkansas. The 2026 title in outdoors was the 11th NCAA outdoor championship for our Hogs and the 53rd national championship for track and field programs overall.
Mr. Speaker, this win isn't just a trophy. It is a testament to the hard work of every athlete and every coach this season. I look forward to celebrating the team's future accomplishments and watching this momentum carried into the next school year.
Coach Case has set a very high bar in his first season as our head coach. I look forward to the future under his leadership.
Wooo. Pig. Sooie. Go Hogs.
Surveillance Pricing
Page H4134 · Official text(Mr. Subramanyam of Virginia was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.)
Mr. Speaker, there are a lot of reasons why we are seeing rising costs. One reason is particularly troubling, and it is called surveillance pricing. You see, it is common for businesses to track our online activity, like searches and web browsing, and to use that to decide who to target with ads.
What if they actually used that information to charge you a higher price for something they knew you actually needed? That is surveillance pricing. It is unfortunately becoming very common.
Surveillance pricing feeds your personal information and your online activity into an algorithm. That algorithm then raises the price you see online for your purchase based on how much it thinks it can get away with charging you. If the algorithm recognizes, based on your web search history, that a family member just passed away and you need to fly across the country, with surveillance pricing, the airline can then use that information to jack up the price of your flight. It is like personalized price gouging.
It is raising the costs on everyone. It is happening with food, housing, transportation, and more. You would never know that it was happening to you.
That is why I am introducing the SLASH Prices Act. This bill requires businesses to disclose the use of surveillance pricing and requires that consumers are able to opt out of surveillance pricing. Customers have the right to know if their personal data is being used to force them to pay unfair prices.
I urge my colleagues to join me in lowering costs by putting an end to online price gouging and predatory surveillance pricing.
Mr. Speaker, there are over 5,000 data centers in this country, with thousands more planned.
Data centers could use 12 percent of the entire country's energy by 2028. Communities are being asked to host these massive centers without knowing exactly how much water and electricity they use. This can lead to irresponsible data center build-outs, electric grid instability, and high energy prices.
Americans deserve to know how much energy and water data centers actually are using and not just estimates. That is why I am introducing the bipartisan Data Infrastructure Energy Measurement and Standards Act. This bill will establish consistent and accurate measures for how much water and energy are used by data centers.
With this transparent information, communities will be able to decide if they want to host a data center. Energy infrastructure can be properly planned, away from homes and schools, and we can understand, finally, data centers' full impact on our communities.
I urge my colleagues to join me in passing this legislation so that Americans are not left guessing when it comes to data centers.
Mr. Speaker, every day nearly 130 people are killed from gun violence. That is 46,000 Americans every year. Far too many families, far too many friends, and far too many loved ones have to cope with a devastating loss because of gun violence.
June marks Gun Violence Awareness Month. I am proud to introduce commonsense measures to promote firearm safety and prevent more of these deaths. For instance, a lot of gun deaths could be prevented by using technology to prevent unauthorized users from using a firearm.
My first bill, the Gun Safety Innovation Opportunity Act, supports research into cutting-edge gun safety technologies, like using fingerprints to ensure that only authorized users can access that firearm. We can use this research to prevent guns from being used by bad guys or kids who don't know how to use them.
Speaking of kids, we also want to keep guns out of our schools. Current law prohibits firearms on K through 12 campuses, but it does not cover preschools, like my daughter's.
That is why I am introducing the Protect Every Preschooler Act, legislation to extend existing gun safety protections to our youngest learners at preschools and early childhood education campuses.
The time for action is now. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting these bills and renewing our commitment to keeping all of our communities safe from gun violence.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life of Pat Reilly, a proud Virginian and public servant who passed away on June 6th.
Pat started her career teaching English in Liberia as a Peace Corps volunteer. There, she helped design the Liberian Education Assistance Project, which sent U.S. teachers to Liberia every year.
Pat continued her work with the Peace Corps, chairing the board of the National Peace Corps Association. During the Ebola crisis, she helped raise money for communities working on prevention and treatment.
Here at home, Pat worked as a reporter and editor for five U.S. newspapers, including The Washington Post. She later served in public affairs roles in agencies across the Federal Government.
Even in retirement, she tirelessly advocated for the arts, human rights, social justice, and led her local League of Women Voters chapter.
Our community will always remember Pat's commitment to serving others, and she will be missed by her family, friends, and so many of the people whose lives she touched.
May she rest in peace.
Health Insurance Company Stock Buybacks
Pages H4134–H4135 · Official text(Mr. Murphy of North Carolina was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to continue to shed light on the egregious, unethical, and deliberately unscrupulous practices of our health insurance companies that deny patients care and rip off the American taxpayer.
I have spent 35 years taking care of patients. The amount of treachery in the healthcare industry at this point in time continues to boggle my mind.
A few months ago, the House Ways and Means Committee hosted representatives from the Nation's leading insurers. There was bipartisan outrage against what they are doing to the American patient and the American taxpayer.
Healthcare is no longer affordable and, in large part, it is due to the ever-increasing, insurance-company-driven middleman apparatus. These megacorporations are squeezing every last penny out of patients and physicians, all in the name of profit.
Today, I want to discuss an interesting event, how the American taxpayer is subsidizing stock buybacks by the United States' largest health insurers. A buyback is when companies, flush with cash, our cash, are buying back their own stock.
In 2025, the seven largest for-profit health insurance conglomerates took in nearly $1.7 trillion in total in revenues, yielding over $50 billion in profits. The true number was much higher because of the way they hide their finances.
Regardless, that was a great year for these companies, which receive record sums of American taxpayer dollars. In fact, UnitedHealthcare now gets more than three-quarters of its revenues from government programs, even though it covers almost twice as many people in its commercial plans. No wonder they lobbied so hard to keep the ObamaCare subsidies in place. They love that taxpayer Federal dollar.
What is even more sinister is the amount of money that these giants have spent on their own stock buybacks. Instead of using money to lower the cost of care for patients across the country, they pump it in to boost up their own profits.
In 2015, the top seven companies spent more than $137 billion buying back stock shares. United has more than 50 percent of these buybacks, and guess who makes the most profit? United does. They are flush with cash--so flush, they even own a bank.
Why is this important? As they buy back their own stock, it makes their stock more expensive, drives up earnings, and, guess what, makes their executives richer because of their compensation plans. It is all at the expense of patients.
Further, they have become more diversified, vertically integrated conglomerates that have swallowed up nearly every part of our healthcare system. Mark Cuban and I agree completely. The middleman is destroying American medicine.
As it stands, we are now allowing an oligopoly to take nearly $2 trillion from the American people, while making it more expensive and harder to access healthcare.
As I have said before, if it were up to me, I would break up these giants and eliminate for-profit health insurance.
Medically necessarily healthcare cannot be treated the same way as other customer goods and services. I believe that patients must take responsibility for their well-being, but I also think it is a marked way that we incentivize making people healthier. I also understand that people cannot afford healthcare right now.
We are all impacted by emergencies and illnesses at some point in our life, even the most robust and healthy individuals. A visit to the emergency room should not be a life-altering financial event.
Therapy for cancer we know how to treat should not be a death sentence because of the cost of care. Access to a lifesaving medicine that sustains your life should not bankrupt you.
I am an equal opportunity offender. I will go after any entity in the healthcare industry regardless that is causing the cost of healthcare to be so expensive. These greedy and egregious practices of our health insurance companies top the list.
Countless patients are denied medically necessary care every single day because these companies want to save a buck. They want to save a buck to buy back their stock and increase their profits.
Make no mistake, the health insurance industry is the most powerful one in Washington, D.C. But fortunately, the American people are waking up. They are waking up to the nonsense and demanding change.
I have dedicated my entire life to taking care of patients. I am happy to take on this fight. We cannot deal with this anymore. The insurance industry is destroying American healthcare.
I will not rest until this job is finished and we break up these insurance company monopolies.
Congratulating Vicky Torres
Page H4135 · Official text(Mr. Correa of California was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Vicky Torres on receiving her bachelor of science degree in nursing from Cal State Fullerton.
Vicky was born in the city of Orange and raised in Santa Ana, where she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma at the age of 7. For over a decade, she fought through countless rounds of chemotherapy, surgeries, and rehab.
The support and kindness she got from the medical teams inspired Vicky to pursue a degree in nursing. She enrolled at Santa Ana College's associate's degree program in nursing before transferring to Cal State Fullerton.
Navigating college was hard enough, let alone doing it with multiple surgeries. Of course it was very hard, but her determination carried her through.
I ask you today to join me in commending Ms. Torres for her accomplishments and for her degree.
Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Ms. Norma Martinez, superintendent of Centralia Elementary School District where she has been the superintendent since July 1, 2015.
A graduate of my alma mater, Anaheim High School, Superintendent Martinez was named Superintendent of the Year by the 2026 Association of California School Administrators Region 17.
For the past decade, she has led Centralia Elementary School District with strength and commitment to student success.
I thank Superintendent Martinez for her support of her students, for her leadership, and for providing our children with an excellent education.
Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the late Manuel Castruita Licerio, a member of the Greatest Generation, a proud World War II veteran, whose service reflects courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to our Nation.
Manuel served in the U.S. Army during one of the most defining moments in our world history. Through his commitment and leadership, he rose to the rank of staff sergeant, earning the respect of those who served beside him.
For his service, he was awarded the American Defense Service Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Honorable Service Lapel Button.
Today, let's pause to express our deepest gratitude not only for what he did in uniform but for the freedoms his service helped secure for generations to come.
I thank Manuel for his service to our great Nation which will never be forgotten.
Honoring Brevard Public Schools
Pages H4135–H4136 · Official text(Mr. Haridopolos of Florida was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the students, teachers, and the proud parents of Brevard County Public Schools for earning an A grade from the Florida Department of Education.
As a former history teacher myself, I know that success is not measured by a single test or a single classroom. It is the result of years of hard work by students and dedicated teachers who value learning.
This A rating reflects academic performance, student achievement, graduation rates, and college and career readiness for our future.
On Florida's Space Coast, our schools are preparing for the next generation of engineers, teachers, entrepreneurs, servicemembers, and community leaders.
I commend the school board: Megan Wright, Gene Trent, John Thomas, Katye Campbell, and their chairman, Matt Susin, for their incredible work along with our superintendent, Dr. Mark Rendell.
Their leadership and their passion make this A grade possible.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding group of young leaders in our Space Coast.
Recently, I had the privilege of honoring the 2026 Brevard County Medal of Merit recipients, a tradition established by my predecessor, the late Congressman Bill Posey.
Each year, local high schools select one graduating senior who exemplifies academic achievement, character, leadership, and service to others.
These students have distinguished themselves not just in the classroom but by setting an example to others in their school.
As a former history teacher, I have always believed that education not only opens doors but it is the ultimate civil right and opportunity.
These students recognized in this Medal of Merit program represent the best of our public schools, and they are why I am very excited about the future of America. I congratulate this year's recipients and wish them the very best in their future academic endeavors. I know they will serve us well.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a very important man in our community, Dennis Woytowitz of Cocoa, Florida, who is making a real difference on Florida's Space Coast and the health of the Indian River Lagoon.
As the founder of Space Coast Water Sweep, Dennis has dedicated himself to locating and removing derelict crab traps and marine debris that threaten wildlife and the lagoon.
Working under a permit authorized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Dennis and his volunteers help remove these hazards from our waterways. Dennis also created an online tool that allows other citizens to submit photos and solve problems.
I thank Dennis and his volunteers of Space Coast Water Sweep for their commitment to preserving the Indian River Lagoon.
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Highlighting Innovative Solutions for Indian River Lagoon
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight an innovative effort on Florida's Space Coast to improve the health of the Indian River Lagoon.
The city of Titusville has partnered with local organizations and businesses to pilot a new water treatment technology that uses nanobubbles to improve water quality and also reduce harmful nutrients in our lagoon.
The Indian River Lagoon is one of North America's most diverse estuaries. It supports marine wildlife, recreational fishing, tourism, and thousands of local jobs.
This project brings together local government, private industry, and community stakeholders to test new solutions that could help restore and preserve this national treasure.
From launching astronauts into space to developing new technologies here at home, innovation is part of what we are on the Space Coast.
Recess
Page H4136 · Official textThe SPEAKER pro tempore
Pursuant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair declares the House in recess until 2 p.m. today.
Accordingly (at 12 o'clock and 25 minutes p.m.), the House stood in recess.
After Recess
Page H4136 · Official textThe recess having expired, the House was called to order by the Speaker at 2 p.m.
Prayer
Page H4136 · Official textThe Chaplain, the Reverend Margaret Grun Kibben, offered the following prayer: Lord, make our love increase. In the face of the trials and testing which we inevitably encounter, let our faith enable us to stand firm and united, and may the overflow of our mutual love strengthen us to work toward the common good of our communities and our country. Strengthen our hearts that we will withstand all that dares to divide and distract us from working together despite our differences. Rather, may our unique gifts and our varied perspectives be used to build up this body in its service both to this Nation and to You. May we strive for wholeness and holiness, that we may appear blameless in Your presence. In the sure hope of the perfection that is ours when we pray in Your name, we offer ourselves to You this day. Amen.
The Journal
Page H4136 · Official textThe SPEAKER
The Chair has examined the Journal of the last day's proceedings and announces to the House the approval thereof.
Pursuant to clause 1 of rule I, the Journal stands approved.
Pledge of Allegiance
Page H4136 · Official textThe SPEAKER
Will the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Scholten) come forward and lead the House in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Ms. SCHOLTEN led the Pledge of Allegiance as follows:
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I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to North Korea-- Message from the President of the United States (H. Doc. No. 119-165)
Pages H4136–H4137 · Official textCONTINUATION OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY WITH RESPECT TO NORTH KOREA-- MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES (H. DOC. NO. 119-165) The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Newhouse) laid before the House the following message from the President of the United States; which was read and, together with the accompanying papers, referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed: To the Congress of the United States: Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, within 90 days prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date. In accordance with this provision, I have sent to the Federal Register for publication the enclosed notice stating that the national emergency with respect to North Korea that was declared in Executive Order 13466 of June 26, 2008, expanded in scope in Executive Order 13551 of August 30, 2010, addressed further in Executive Order 13570 of April 18, 2011, further expanded in scope in Executive Order 13687 of January 2, 2015, and under which additional steps were taken in Executive Order 13722 of March 15, 2016, and Executive Order 13810 of September 20, 2017, is to continue in effect beyond June 26, 2026. The existence and risk of the proliferation of weapons-usable fissile material on the Korean Peninsula; the actions and policies of the Government of North Korea that destabilize the Korean Peninsula and imperil United States Armed Forces, allies, and trading partners in the region, including its pursuit of nuclear and missile programs; and other provocative, destabilizing, and repressive actions and policies of the Government of North Korea, continue to constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States. Therefore, I have determined that it is necessary to continue the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13466 with respect to North Korea.
Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Western Balkans--Message from the President of the United States (H. Doc. No.
Page H4137 · Official textCONTINUATION OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY WITH RESPECT TO THE WESTERN BALKANS--MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES (H. DOC. NO. 119-166) The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following message from the President of the United States; which was read and, together with the accompanying papers, referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed: To the Congress of the United States: Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, within 90 days prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date. In accordance with this provision, I have sent to the Federal Register for publication the enclosed notice stating that the national emergency with respect to the Western Balkans that was declared in Executive Order 13219 of June 26, 2001, under which additional steps were taken in Executive Order 13304 of May 28, 2003, which was expanded in scope in Executive Order 14033 of June 8, 2021, and under which additional steps were taken in Executive Order 14140 of January 8, 2025, is to continue in effect beyond June 26, 2026. The acts of extremist violence and obstructionist activity, and the situation in the Western Balkans, which stymies progress toward effective and democratic governance and full integration into transatlantic institutions, outlined in these Executive Orders, continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. Therefore, I have determined that it is necessary to continue the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13219 with respect to the Western Balkans. Donald J. Trump. The White House, June 22, 2026.
Recess
Page H4137 · Official textThe SPEAKER pro tempore
Pursuant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair declares the House in recess subject to the call of the Chair.
Accordingly (at 2 o'clock and 8 minutes p.m.), the House stood in recess.
After Recess
Page H4137 · Official textThe recess having expired, the House was called to order by the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. Haridopolos) at 2 o'clock and 32 minutes p.m.
Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore
Page H4137 · Official textThe SPEAKER pro tempore
Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair will postpone further proceedings today on motions to suspend the rules on which a recorded vote or the yeas and nays are ordered, or votes objected to under clause 6 of rule XX.
The House will resume proceedings on postponed questions at a later time.
Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act of 2025
Pages H4137–H4138 · Official textMr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 629) to amend the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 to remove barriers to agricultural producers in accessing funds to carry out emergency measures under the emergency conservation program, and for other purposes.
The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows:
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Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the "Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act of 2025".
SEC. 2. IMPROVING THE EMERGENCY CONSERVATION PROGRAM.
Section 401 of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2201) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by inserting "and Other Emergency Conservation Measures" after "Fencing";
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by inserting "or for other emergency measures to replace or restore farmland or conservation structures requiring an immediate response (as determined by the Secretary)," after "replacement of fencing,"; and
(ii) by striking "option of receiving" and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting the following: "option of receiving, before the agricultural producer carries out the repair, replacement, or restoration--
"(A) with respect to a payment to the agricultural producer for a replacement, 75 percent of the cost of the replacement, as determined by the Secretary; and
"(B) with respect to a payment to the agricultural producer for a repair or restoration, 50 percent of the cost of the repair or restoration, as determined by the Secretary."; and
(C) in paragraph (2), by striking "60-day" and inserting "180-day"; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
"(c) Wildfire Determination.--A wildfire that causes damage eligible for a payment under subsection (a) includes--
"(1) a wildfire that is not caused naturally, if the damage is caused by the spread of the wildfire due to natural causes; and
"(2) a wildfire that is caused by the Federal Government.".
SEC. 3. IMPROVING THE EMERGENCY FOREST RESTORATION PROGRAM.
Section 407 of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2206) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(2), by striking "wildfires," and inserting "wildfires (including a wildfire that is not caused naturally, if the damage is caused by the spread of the wildfire due to natural causes, and a wildfire that is caused by the Federal Government),";
(2) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); and
(3) by inserting after subsection (d) the following:
"(e) Advance Payments.--
"(1) In general.--The Secretary shall give an owner of nonindustrial private forest land the option of receiving, before the owner carries out emergency measures under this section, not more than 75 percent of the cost of the emergency measures, as determined by the Secretary.
"(2) Return of funds.--If the funds provided under paragraph (1) are not expended by the end of the 180-day period beginning on the date on which the owner of nonindustrial private forest land receives those funds, the funds shall be returned within a reasonable timeframe, as determined by the Secretary.".
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Lucas) and the gentlewoman from Hawaii (Ms. Tokuda) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Oklahoma.
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Oklahoma?
There was no objection.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 629, the Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act of 2025, introduced by Senator Fischer of Nebraska.
The Emergency Conservation Program and the Emergency Forest Restoration Program are two critical cost-share programs available to landowners following a natural disaster. Given the natural disasters we have witnessed, including wildfires, hurricanes, and flooding, these programs have remained critically important.
Wildfires continue to present significant challenges, especially in the West, due to their increasing intensity and the extensive number of acres burned each year. Forest managers and wildfire experts have predicted that 2026 will be a particularly challenging fire year. So far this year, we have already witnessed approximately 2.7 million acres burned in over 34,000 fires, and it is only June.
Recently, devastating wildfires have occurred in the plains of Nebraska, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas, instead of just being confined to the forest and mountains of the West. This year, we saw approximately 300,000 acres burn after multiple wildfires ignited in Oklahoma and Kansas this past February.
In addition, due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, we have observed significant needs for emergency assistance resulting from the devastation in southeastern States, including the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Natural disasters have inflicted great damage on private property across the country at no fault of the landowners.
Under ECP, landowners can receive both technical and financial assistance for repairs and restoration of land adversely affected by natural disasters, including floods, hurricanes, wildfires, and droughts. Additionally, EFRP provides financial assistance to nonindustrial private forest landowners to support recovery efforts following similar natural disasters.
While these programs are critical, participants have reported ongoing issues with payment delays and insufficient upfront assistance to cover the costs of urgent conservation needs.
To address this issue, S. 629 allows for advanced payments of up to 75 percent of the total project cost for both programs, clarifies eligibility for cost-share payments, and allows for a longer period for the use of ECP payments.
In addition, since receiving recommendations from both the Government Accountability Office and the USDA Office of Inspector General, USDA has indicated that the Department is taking actions to improve the integrity and the administration of ECP. Given the significant challenges that our producers and forest landowners are facing in the aftermath of recent natural disasters, as well as the increased risk of extreme fire damage this year, it is my hope that we can enhance this program's integrity, while also providing timely assistance to those in great need.
Mr. Speaker, I support this legislation and encourage my colleagues to vote favorably.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 629.
Keeping food affordable starts with keeping farmers in business. As natural disasters become more frequent and more devastating, bipartisan, bicameral legislation like this is exactly what our agricultural producers need.
Hawaii is still recovering from the Kona low storms that tore through our islands this spring, leaving behind damage that communities and producers will be rebuilding from for years to come.
I have walked farms across our State and seen firsthand the waterlogged fields, crops buried in mud, and equipment totally destroyed beyond repair. Our farmers are resilient, but resilience alone cannot pay the bills after disaster strikes.
Hawaii is far from alone. This year, producers across the country have faced devastating freezes, severe winter storms, flooding, drought, and wildfire. These events are no longer isolated incidents. They are becoming the reality of farming in America.
For many producers, the challenge isn't simply recovering from the disaster. It is finding enough cash on hand to begin recovery in the first place.
Today, even after USDA approves assistance, farmers are often forced to pay costs up front and wait for reimbursement. For many family farms, that delay can mean the difference between recovery and closure. That is why this legislation matters.
Cash is king after a disaster, and flexibility is key. By extending advance payments, this bill helps ensure USDA programs can meet farmers and ranchers where they are and provide assistance when it makes the greatest difference, not months later, but when recovery work must begin.
If this authority had been available following the Kona low storms, eligible producers could have started rebuilding immediately instead of scrambling to find the resources needed to bridge the gap. They could have repaired damaged infrastructure, restored farmland, and returned fields to production sooner.
This is a practical, commonsense policy that recognizes a simple reality: When disaster strikes, recovery delayed is often recovery denied.
Passing legislation is only half the job. The disaster after the disaster would be enacting proactive policies like this while lacking the workforce needed to deliver them. USDA programs are only as effective as the workforce responsible for getting that help to farmers on the ground.
Since the start of this administration, the Farm Service Agency workforce has declined by more than 24 percent, while at least 158 county offices are operating without an FSA employee.
We cannot control Mother Nature. We cannot stop the next storm, drought, wildfire, or flood, but we can ensure USDA has the staffing capacity necessary to get assistance out the door quickly and efficiently when producers need it most.
Our farmers and ranchers are not asking for a handout. They are asking for a fighting chance to recover, rebuild, and continue producing the food, fuel, and fiber our country depends on.
Let's give USDA the tools they need to meet this big challenge.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support S. 629. I thank my colleagues for their strong support of this bipartisan, bicameral legislation.
Before we vote, I want to reflect on why this matters. When the Kona low storms swept across Hawaii this spring, they left farms flooded, infrastructure damaged, and producers facing months of costly recovery. Many are still working to restore their operations today.
Even as that work continued, a 6.0 earthquake struck our island chain just last month, less than a month ago, damaging roads and water systems on Hawaii Island, our State's largest agricultural producer.
It is a reminder that disaster doesn't wait for recovery to finish before the next challenge arrives. Whether storms, drought, wildfire, or earthquakes, our producers are increasingly operating in a world where disruption is becoming the norm rather than the exception.
That is why S. 629 is so important. This bill recognizes that timing matters. For farmers and ranchers trying to get back on their feet, access to resources when recovery begins can make all the difference in how quickly they can restore production and keep their operations viable.
While the need is clear, success depends on more than good policy alone. Congress can provide USDA with the right tools, but those tools must be backed by the workforce needed to put them into action. Passing legislation without the capacity to implement helps no one.
We cannot prevent every disaster that comes our way, but we can make sure the Federal response is faster, more flexible, and better equipped to support the people who grow the food we depend on.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to strongly support S. 629, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Frank D. Lucas (R-OK)2:40 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.
Mr. Speaker, I simply want to thank my colleague for her efforts on this piece of legislation and on the floor today.
The challenges that this bill is designed to address are real, and they are not just one particular locality, whether it is Hawaii, various States on the East or West Coasts, or across the country. We need to pass this legislation to make the process work more efficiently.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to vote for this piece of legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore2:40 p.m.
The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Lucas) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, S. 629.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore2:40 p.m.
In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Frank D. Lucas (R-OK)2:40 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore2:40 p.m.
Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this motion will be postponed.
Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act
Pages H4138–H4140 · Official textMr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 7396) to establish an Office of Native American Affairs within the Small Business Administration, and for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows:
Text printed in the Record (4,198 characters)
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the "Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act".
SEC. 2. OFFICE OF NATIVE AMERICAN AFFAIRS.
The Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.) is amended--
(1) by redesignating section 49 (15 U.S.C. 631 note) as section 50; and
(2) by inserting after section 48 (15 U.S.C. 657u) the following:
"SEC. 49. OFFICE OF NATIVE AMERICAN AFFAIRS.
"(a) Definitions.--In this section:
"(1) Assistant administrator.--The term `Assistant Administrator' means the Assistant Administrator for Native American Affairs appointed under subsection (c).
"(2) Indian tribe.--The term `Indian Tribe' has the meaning given the term `Indian tribe' in section 8(a)(13).
"(3) Native hawaiian organization.--The term `Native Hawaiian Organization' has the meaning given the term in section 8(a)(15).
"(4) Office.--The term `Office' means the Office of Native American Affairs described in this section.
"(b) Establishment.--
"(1) In general.--There may be established within the Administration the Office of Native American Affairs, which shall be responsible for establishing a working relationship with Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian Organizations by targeting programs of the Administration relating to entrepreneurial development, contracting, and capital access to--
"(A) establish or expand small business concerns owned and controlled by individuals who are members of Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian Organizations; and
"(B) promote economic development in Indian country (as defined in section 1151 of title 18, United States Code).
"(2) Connection with other programs.--To the extent reasonable, the Office shall educate Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian Organizations about programs administered by other Federal agencies related to the interests described in paragraph (1).
"(c) Assistant Administrator.--The Office shall be headed by an Assistant Administrator for Native American Affairs, who shall--
"(1) be appointed by and report to the Administrator;
"(2) have knowledge of Native American cultures and experience providing culturally tailored small business development assistance to Native Americans;
"(3) provide assistance to Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian Organizations and small business concerns owned and controlled by individuals who are members of Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian Organizations;
"(4) formulate policies, and promote policies and existing programs, to better address the entrepreneurial, capital access, business development, and contracting needs of persons described in paragraph (3);
"(5) collaborate with Associate Administrators within the Administration and officials of other Federal agencies to develop policies and plans to implement programs of the Administration to holistically address the needs described in paragraph (4);
"(6) provide assistance, including grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, or other financial assistance, to Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian Organizations, or to private nonprofit organizations governed by members of Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian Organizations that have the experience and capability to use the assistance to--
"(A) deploy training, counseling, workshops, educational outreach, and supplier events; and
"(B) access the entrepreneurial, capital, and contracting programs of the Administration;
"(7) assist the Administrator in conducting, or conduct, Tribal consultation to solicit input and facilitate discussion of potential modifications to programs and procedures of the Administration; and
"(8) recommend annual budgets for the Office.
"(d) Report to Congress.--On an annual basis until the termination date, the Assistant Administrator shall submit to Congress a report on the effectiveness of the Office of Native American Affairs that includes the number of clients served in Tribal communities, the number of consultations conducted, and the number of trainings held in Tribal country.
"(e) Termination.--The authority under this section shall terminate 7 years after the date of the enactment of this section.".
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Williams) and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Olszewski) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Texas?
There was no objection.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 7396, the Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act, introduced by Representative Davids from the great State of Kansas, Representative Ellzey from the great State of Texas, Representative Morrison from the great State of Minnesota, and Representative Crane from the great State of Arizona.
The bill codifies the Office of Native American Affairs within the Small Business Administration.
The SBA's entrepreneurial development programs help small businesses start, grow, and compete by providing training, counseling, and access to critical resources. For years, the Office of Native American Affairs has played an important role in delivering these services to Native American entrepreneurs and conducting consultations with Tribal communities.
Despite its longstanding work, the office has never been formally authorized by Congress.
In addition to codifying the office, this legislation strengthens oversight by requiring an annual report to Congress. The report will detail the office's activities, including the number of clients served, consultations conducted, and training provided.
The reporting requirement will improve congressional oversight and help ensure resources are being effectively deployed.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support H.R. 7396, the Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act, as amended, which would allow SBA to codify the Office of Native American Affairs.
I commend Ms. Davids, Mr. Ellzey, Ms. Morrison, and Mr. Crane for working on this bipartisan legislation.
We know that small businesses on Tribal reservations face a mix of challenges, ranging from lack of access to capital to inadequate business training. SBA's office has proven to be a valuable resource to Native American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians, supporting approximately 2,000 small businesses every year.
Codifying the office will help make sure that small Tribal businesses have access to SBA's full range of business development tools regardless of the administration.
Moreover, the Assistant Administrator will report directly to the Administrator, making sure that the voices of Tribal communities will be heard throughout the SBA.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support this bipartisan bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, we must pass H.R. 7396 to ensure consistent, long-term support and access to resources for Native American entrepreneurs and Tribal businesses, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Kansas (Ms. Davids), the sponsor of this bill.
Sharice Davids (D-KS)2:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Maryland for yielding.
Mr. Speaker, starting a small business is never easy. Whether it is a family opening a restaurant, a contractor trying to grow their company, or an entrepreneur launching a new product, success takes hard work, access to capital, and the right support.
For many Native entrepreneurs, the barriers can be even higher. A good idea shouldn't have a smaller chance of succeeding simply because it is in Indian Country.
Too often, Native businessowners face challenges that make it harder to get their businesses off the ground--from limited access to financing and investment, to unreliable broadband service, to the long distances many businesses must travel to reach customers, suppliers, and markets.
That means great business ideas that could create jobs and strengthen a community might be less likely to get the support and access to those necessary needs to succeed.
It is not just a loss for Tribal communities. This can be a loss for our entire economy. Native-owned businesses employ more than 300,000 people across the entire country. They create jobs. They drive economic growth, and they help build stronger communities. They deserve the same opportunities to succeed as other small business owners in America.
That is why I introduced the Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act. This bipartisan bill strengthens the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Native American Affairs by establishing it in law and ensuring that Native entrepreneurs have a permanent advocate within the SBA, no matter who controls the White House.
The bill creates an assistant administrator to lead the office, to coordinate resources, and to help make sure that Tribal entrepreneurs can access the lending programs, the business counseling, and the contracting opportunities that already exist within the SBA.
Just as importantly, it creates accountability by requiring regular reports to Congress about how these efforts are working in Indian Country. This is a practical and bipartisan step that is going to help entrepreneurs start businesses, create jobs, and contribute to their local economies.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Representatives Jake Ellzey, Kelly Morrison, and Eli Crane for partnering with me on this legislation. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bill and to support the entrepreneurs, workers, and communities that it is going to benefit.
Roger Williams (R-TX)2:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Johnny Olszewski, Jr. (D-MD)2:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
In closing, Native American-owned businesses are economic engines, generating $86 billion in sales, shipments, and revenues every year, and employing nearly 364,000 people in their communities.
The ONAA serves an important role in aiding Native American communities that lack access to Federal programs. By helping American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians launch, grow, and expand their small businesses, the office strengthens local economies and promotes economic development. This bill will go a long way in empowering Native entrepreneurs and supporting long-term economic growth.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 7936, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Roger Williams (R-TX)2:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 7396 to strengthen economic opportunity in Native American communities and provide certainty that this important SBA office will continue its work.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore2:50 p.m.
The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Williams) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 7396, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
Small Business Lending Fraud Prevention Act
Pages H4140–H4141 · Official textMr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 7401) to require employees of the Small Business Administration to certify that the employee does not have any prohibited conflicts of interest with respect to loans in which the employee is involved, and for other purposes.
The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows:
Text printed in the Record (1,701 characters)
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the "Small Business Lending Fraud Prevention Act".
SEC. 2. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION EMPLOYEE CONFLICT OF
INTEREST CERTIFICATION.
(a) In General.--Beginning on the date that is 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, an employee of the Administration that will personally and substantially participate in the origination, review, or approval of a loan administered by the Administration shall, prior to such participation in such loan, certify to the Administrator in writing that such employee--
(1) to their knowledge, does not have any conflict of interest prohibited under section 208 of title 18, United States Code, or section 2635.502 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, with respect to such participation in such loan;
(2) upon learning of any such conflict of interest after submitting such certification, will immediately disclose such conflict of interest to the supervisor of such employee and recuse themselves from participating in such loan; and
(3) understands the requirements applicable to such employee under Federal law and regulations of the Administration regarding conflicts of interest with respect to such participation in such loan.
(b) Regulations.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment, the Administrator shall issue regulations implementing this Act.
(c) Definitions.--In this Act:
(1) Administration.--The term "Administration" means the Small Business Administration.
(2) Administrator.--The term "Administrator" means the Administrator of the Administration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Williams) and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Olszewski) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Texas?
There was no objection.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 7401, the Small Business Lending Fraud Prevention Act, introduced by the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Meuser) and the gentlewoman from New Hampshire (Ms. Goodlander).
Last year, a former SBA loan officer pled guilty to submitting false statements in order to fraudulently secure over $500,000 in pandemic relief loans for herself and family members. When the SBA initially denied the loans, the SBA employee approved them herself.
The SBA Office of Inspector General identified multiple instances in which SBA employees approved loans to relatives or others who were barred from conflict of interest rules and noted that such cases were rarely prosecuted. We must take serious steps to avoid such cases in the future. It should not be possible for fraud like this to occur.
This bipartisan legislation offers a commonsense solution to add a layer of security to crack down on loan fraud. H.R. 7401 requires SBA employees to certify that they have no conflicts of interest before processing a loan, to disclose any conflicts immediately, and to recuse themselves if a conflict of interest is discovered.
It is our responsibility to ensure taxpayer funds are handled appropriately. This bill will provide a safeguard against improper loan approvals and establish a clear basis for prosecution if an employee knowingly approves loans prohibited by conflict of interest rules.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 7401, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Small Business Lending Fraud Prevention Act.
Let me begin by commending Representatives Meuser and Goodlander for their bipartisan work on this bill, which would enhance SBA's internal processes to further detect fraud.
As the chairman mentioned, recently an SBA loan officer pled guilty to making false statements after approving more than $550,000 in fraudulent COVID-19 pandemic loans for herself and for family members.
The previous administration identified the wrongdoing, terminated the employee, and referred the case to the Office of Inspector General. This proves that the process worked. However, requiring loan officers to attest that they are not violating any conflict of interest laws or regulations every time they originate, review, or approve a loan is a simple step that further reinforces ethical standards and reminds them that misconduct has consequences. Implementing this practice will help to increase accountability, strengthen compliance, and deter fraud.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support this bipartisan bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, we must pass H.R. 7401 to strengthen integrity in SBA lending programs by requiring employees involved in loan decisions to certify they have no prohibited conflicts of interest.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, in closing, this committee has played an integral role in conducting oversight of SBA programs, especially the pandemic relief programs. Approximately $1.2 trillion of economic aid was distributed through SBA's pandemic relief programs over the course of the pandemic, providing economic relief to small businesses all over the country.
Unfortunately, bad actors took advantage of the programs, and it has become clear that we need to work together to recover fraudulent dollars. The previous administration took strong steps to root out fraud and to put internal controls in place to prevent it, and the Inspector General has been working diligently to uncover fraudulent schemes.
The bottom line is that the current process worked. The bad actor at the SBA was identified, investigated, and prosecuted. Moving forward, SBA employees being required to certify there is no conflict of interest before approving a loan provides an extra layer of security which will help deter fraud.
Once again, I applaud Representatives Goodlander and Meuser for working together on this bill that enhances conflict of interest laws at SBA and provides even more accountability.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Roger Williams (R-TX)3:00 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 7401 to support transparency, accountability, and public confidence in the administration of SBA loans, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore3:00 p.m.
The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Williams) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 7401.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore3:00 p.m.
In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Roger Williams (R-TX)3:00 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.
The SPEAKER pro tempore3:00 p.m.
Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question will be postponed.
The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.
Covid Fraud Transparency Act of 2026
Pages H4141–H4142 · Official textMr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 826) to require the Inspector General of the Small Business Administration to submit a quarterly report on fraud relating to certain COVID-19 loans, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows:
Text printed in the Record (1,884 characters)
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the "COVID Fraud Transparency Act of 2026".
SEC. 2. REPORT ON FRAUD RELATING TO CERTAIN COVID-19 LOANS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and every 3 months thereafter, the Inspector General of the Small Business Administration shall submit to the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate a report on the number of borrowers engaged in fraud with respect to a covered loan.
(b) Elements.--The report required under subsection (a) shall include, with respect to the period covered by such report--
(1) the number and total dollar amount of all covered loans made;
(2) the number of new cases of fraud and suspected fraud;
(3) the number of fraud cases resolved; and
(4) the types of fraud cases described in paragraphs (2) and (3).
(c) Covered Loan Defined.--In this section, the term "covered loan" means--
(1) a loan made under paragraph (36) or (37) of section 7(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)); or
(2) a loan made under section 7(b) of such Act (15 U.S.C. 636(b)) in response to COVID-19 during the covered period (as defined in section 1110(a) of the CARES Act (15 U.S.C. 9009)).
(d) Termination.--This Act and the requirements of this Act shall terminate on the date that is two years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 3. COMPLIANCE WITH CUTGO.
No such funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry
out this Act.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Williams) and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Olszewski) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Texas?
There was no objection.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my bill, H.R. 826, the COVID Fraud Transparency Act of 2026.
Earlier this year, I introduced this bill alongside my good friends the gentleman from New York (Mr. Latimer), the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bean), and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Mfume).
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we moved quickly to provide relief to families, workers, and small businesses facing unprecedented hardship. When the government acts at that scale and speed, we also have the responsibility to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent as intended, especially for honest, hardworking Americans. Unfortunately, we fell short in addressing that challenge.
The SBA Office of Inspector General estimates that roughly $200 billion in potentially fraudulent relief funds were disbursed through COVID-19 relief programs. Over 5 years after the pandemic began, the work of accountability is not finished. The American people deserve to know how the fraud occurred and what lessons can be learned to better protect public resources in the future.
On March 16, President Trump announced the White House task force to eliminate fraud, to strengthen interagency coordination, and more to directly confront waste, fraud, and abuse. Since its formation, the task force has helped coordinate interagency efforts to identify improper payments, improve oversight, and advise in investigations into COVID-19-era-related fraud. That is what it means to be accountable to the American people.
By improving reporting requirements and enhancing oversight, we can gain a clearer understanding of the schemes of these bad actors who exploited these relief programs. More importantly, we will be able to identify the weaknesses that made them possible.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 826, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the COVID Fraud Transparency Act of 2026, as amended, and I applaud Chairman Williams and Representative Latimer for their efforts to increase reporting on COVID fraud.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Small Business Administration stepped in and served as a critical lifeline to small businesses. The SBA distributed more than $1.2 trillion of economic aid and executed 14 years' worth of lending in 14 days, keeping millions of businesses afloat.
I had the opportunity to see the impact of that lending firsthand, as I was serving as Baltimore County executive prior to my time joining Congress. However, in an effort to disburse funds quickly, we know the SBA also weakened or eliminated internal controls, which allowed fraudsters to exploit those weaknesses and steal billions of dollars from the American taxpayers.
Better oversight begins with better information, and the legislation we consider here today will provide the committee with the data it needs to conduct better oversight.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 826, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, we must pass H.R. 826 to require the SBA inspector general to provide regular reports on fraud involving COVID-19 relief loans and improve oversight and transparency of pandemic-era programs.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.
Mr. Speaker, I close by underscoring that the single most effective tool for combating fraud is fully funding the SBA Office of Inspector General. I support this bill because it will enhance accountability, but we cannot overlook the fact that it is one part of a broader solution.
We must continue to strengthen oversight, improve data quality, and ensure that the IG has the resources it needs to detect and prevent fraud before it occurs. I look forward to working with my colleagues to do exactly that.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman again for bringing this bill forward. I lend my support to H.R. 826, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 826 because taxpayers deserve accountability, and Congress should have clear, ongoing information about efforts to combat COVID relief fraud.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Williams) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 826, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
Small Business Technological Advancement Act
Pages H4142–H4143 · Official textMr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 915) to authorize small business loans to finance access to modern business software, and for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows:
Text printed in the Record (1,521 characters)
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the "Small Business Technological Advancement Act".
SEC. 2. ADDITIONAL USES FOR SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
BUSINESS LOANS.
(a) In General.--Section 7(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
"(38) Access to modern business software.--The Administration may provide loans under this subsection to finance, in whole or in part, business software or cloud computing services, or any such technology, that facilitates business operations, product or service delivery, the processing, payment, or tracking of payroll expenses, human resources, sales and billing functions, or accounting or tracking of supplies, inventory, records and expenses, including business tools that utilize artificial intelligence.".
(b) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in the amendment made by subsection (a) shall be construed to--
(1) provide that loans made under section 7(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)) before the date of enactment of this Act for the purposes described in paragraph (38) of such section 7(a), as added by subsection (a), were not permissible;
(2) authorize the use of loans made under section 7(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)) for research and development purposes; or
(3) limit the definition of working capital under the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.).
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Williams) and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Olszewski) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Texas?
There was no objection.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 915, the Small Business Technological Advancement Act, introduced by my friends the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Alford) and the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Lee).
Small businesses thrive when they stay ahead of the curve. H.R. 915 provides an important clarification and removes any ambiguity to ensure that small businesses can use SBA 7(a) loans to purchase and upgrade technological systems and business software, including those that utilize artificial intelligence, to support their daily operations.
Technology is deeply ingrained in the day-to-day operations of small businesses. There are countless and valuable applications for technology in a small business, from tracking inventory to payment processing and from human resources to accounting. If an American small business wants to stay competitive in the global economy, it must stay on the cutting edge of technological development and application.
With this clarification, small businesses will be able to continue exploring innovative technologies and tools for the future. This forward-thinking bill will ensure that the SBA 7(a) program will keep American entrepreneurs competitive with their international counterparts.
Once again, I thank Representatives Alford and Lee for introducing this timely legislation, and I urge all of my colleagues to vote in support of H.R. 915.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 915, the Small Business Technological Advancement Act of 2025.
Small businesses are increasingly using digital tools to support their day-to-day work. The use of these tools has only accelerated since the COVID-19 pandemic and has produced many positive outcomes. Digital tools have been shown to improve small business job creation, revenue growth, and forecasting certainty.
Small businesses have reported that the largest barrier to these innovative tools is the cost. It is important that the SBA support businesses in addressing this challenge so that they can continue adopting the digital tools that they need to work efficiently, support commerce, and create jobs in communities across the country.
The SBA's flagship 7(a) loan program provides small businesses with working capital that can be used to finance the purchase of digital tools. Last June, the SBA further clarified that 7(a) loans could be used to finance business software or cloud computing services. However, some businesses have still reported uncertainty about using 7(a) loans for these purposes.
This bill eliminates that confusion and ensures consistency across administrations by confirming in statute that 7(a) loans can be used to finance digital tools. Hopefully, codifying this provision will lead to clarity and an increased uptake of digital tools in small businesses.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Representatives Alford, Lee, and McGarvey for their collaboration on this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support the bill.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Alford).
Mark Alford (R-MO)3:10 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Williams for his stalwart leadership on this committee for bills that we are very passionate about for Main Street America. I thank my good friend Representative Olszewski for his support of this bill, as well.
I rise today in support of passing the Small Business Technological Advancement Act through the House.
Small businesses are the backbone of America. They are the backbone of our economy. They create jobs. They strengthen communities, and they drive innovation across our great country.
But in today's economy, Mr. Speaker, no small business can compete effectively without access to modern technology.
Cloud-based accounting systems, payroll platforms, cybersecurity tools, inventory management software, and emerging artificial intelligence applications are not optional any longer if you are going to succeed in small business. They are essential for operating and growing a business.
Yet, under the SBA's 7(a) loan program, there has been unnecessary uncertainty about whether these investments qualify as eligible business expenses.
That confusion has slowed access to capital and really made it tougher for our entrepreneurs to operate and to modernize.
This bill resolves that uncertainty. It ensures that those loans can be used for technology small businesses rely on today, including software, cloud computing services, and other digital tools that improve efficiency and competitiveness.
Mr. Speaker, I don't know about you, but I am into commonsense solutions for America, and this is one of those. This is a simple, commonsense fix. It doesn't create any new programs. It doesn't expand the scope of Federal lending. It simply provides clarity so that lenders and small business owners can move forward with confidence.
If we want Main Street to compete in a modern digital economy, our laws must reflect that reality, and that is why I urge my colleagues to vote "yes" for the Small Business Technological Advancement Act.
Johnny Olszewski, Jr. (D-MD)3:10 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield myself the balance of my time for the purpose of closing.
Mr. Speaker, last year, the 7(a) program provided more than 78,000 loans to small businesses worth more than $37.2 billion. Thus far, in 2026, the program has originated more than 38,000 loans worth more than $20.3 billion with an average loan size of approximately $533,000.
As I mentioned earlier, small businesses have been able to utilize 7(a) loans to finance digital tools, including software and cloud computing services. The SBA further clarified that position last June, yet some businesses have still reported uncertainty about using 7(a) loans for these purposes.
I support this legislation, as it will codify that clarification and end any confusion once and for all by making clear that these loans can indeed be used to finance digital tools.
I, again, thank Representatives Alford and McGarvey for leading on this bipartisan effort, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Roger Williams (R-TX)3:10 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 915 because access to technologies increases efficiency and productivity, and will help small businesses remain competitive in an increasingly digital marketplace.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore3:10 p.m.
The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Williams) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 915, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore3:10 p.m.
In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Roger Williams (R-TX)3:10 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.
The SPEAKER pro tempore3:10 p.m.
Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question will be postponed.
The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.
Disaster Loan Accountability and Reform Act
Pages H4143–H4145 · Official textMr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4238) to improve accountability in the disaster loan program of the Small Business Administration, and for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows:
Text printed in the Record (9,798 characters)
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the "Disaster Loan Accountability and Reform Act" or the "DLARA".
SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.
The table of contents for this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title. Sec. 2. Table of contents. Sec. 3. Definitions. Sec. 4. Monthly disaster loan reports. Sec. 5. Budget request relating to disaster loans. Sec. 6. Limitations on disaster loans. Sec. 7. GAO report on SBA disaster loan account. Sec. 8. GAO report on disaster loan changes. Sec. 9. Budget and forecasting report regarding the cost of direct disaster loans.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act--
(1) the terms "Administration" and "Administrator" mean the Small Business Administration and the Administrator thereof, respectively;
(2) the term "appropriate committees of Congress" means the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on Small Business and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives; and
(3) the term "SBA disaster loan" means a direct loan authorized by section 7(b) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(b)), other than a loan that was authorized under section 1110 of the CARES Act (15 U.S.C. 9009).
SEC. 4. MONTHLY DISASTER LOAN REPORTS.
Section 12091(a) of the Small Business Disaster Response and Loan Improvements Act of 2008 (15 U.S.C. 636k(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking "during the applicable period for a major disaster"; and
(B) by striking "for that major disaster";
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (E), by striking "how long the available funding for such loans will last" and inserting "the date at which available funding for such loans will reach 10 percent of the most recent appropriation and the date at which the funds will be depleted";
(B) in subparagraph (H), by striking "and" at the end;
(C) in subparagraph (I), by striking the period at the end and inserting "; and"; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
"(J) a summary detailing any changes to estimates or assumptions on obligations and expenditures, including data supporting these changes."; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
"(3) Prohibition on official travel.--If the Administrator does not submit a report required to be submitted under paragraph (1) by the required date, no funds are authorized to be appropriated for official travel by the Administrator until the Administrator submits the report.".
SEC. 5. BUDGET REQUEST RELATING TO DISASTER LOANS.
Section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following:
"(39) separate statements of--
"(A) the amount of appropriations requested for the fiscal year for which the budget is submitted for the cost of SBA disaster loans, the 10-year average of the cost of SBA disaster loans, and an explanation for any difference between the amount requested and the 10-year average cost; and
"(B) the amount of appropriations requested for the fiscal year for which the budget is submitted for the cost of COVID-EIDL loans, the 10-year average of the cost of COVID-EIDL loans, and an explanation for any difference between the amount requested and the 10-year average cost.
"(40) separate statements of--
"(A) the amount of appropriations requested for the fiscal year for which the budget is submitted for administrative costs relating to SBA disaster loans, the 10-year average of such administrative costs, and an explanation for any difference between the amount requested and the 10-year average costs; and
"(B) the amount of appropriations requested for the fiscal year for which the budget is submitted for administrative costs relating to COVID-EIDL loans, the 10-year average of such administrative costs, and an explanation for any difference between the amount requested and the 10-year average costs."; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
"(j) In paragraphs (39) and (40) of subsection (a)--
"(1) the term `COVID-EIDL loan' means a direct loan under section 7(b) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(b)) that was authorized under section 1110 of the CARES Act (15 U.S.C. 9009); and
"(2) the term `SBA disaster loan' means a direct loan authorized by section 7(b) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(b)), other than a loan that was authorized under section 1110 of the CARES Act (15 U.S.C. 9009).".
SEC. 6. LIMITATIONS ON DISASTER LOANS.
Section 7(b) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(b)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating the second paragraph designated as paragraph (16), relating to statute of limitations, as added by the COVID-19 EIDL Fraud Statute of Limitations Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-165; 136 Stat. 1363), as paragraph (18); and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (16), relating to disaster declarations in rural areas, as added by the Disaster Assistance for Rural Communities Act (Public Law 117-249; 136 Stat. 2350), the following:
"(17) Requirements when funding is low.--Not later than 24 hours after the balance of funds authorized to be appropriated for the cost of direct loans authorized by this subsection is less than 10 percent of the 10-year average annual cost provided in the most recent Presidential budget request required under section 1105(a)(39)(A) of title 31, United States Code, or, if unavailable, the 10-year average annual cost for the immediately preceding 10-year period of SBA disaster loans (as defined in section 1105(j) of such title), the Administrator shall notify the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate and the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives.".
SEC. 7. GAO REPORT ON SBA DISASTER LOAN ACCOUNT.
(a) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Administrator and the appropriate committees of Congress a report on--
(1) the average weekly rate at which the Administration obligates the unobligated balance of amounts available for the cost of SBA disaster loans;
(2) the average amount, during the periods beginning on October 1, 2015, and ending on July 31, 2023, and beginning on July 31, 2023, and ending on the date of enactment of this Act, respectively, disbursed to a borrower each week, during the initial 12-week period in which a borrower receives amounts from an SBA disaster loan, beginning the day after the borrower accepts their loan, separated by home SBA disaster loan borrowers, business SBA disaster loan borrowers, and economic injury disaster loan borrowers; and
(3) the average amount of fully disbursed SBA disaster loans, originated during the period beginning on July 31, 2023, and ending on the date of enactment of this Act, with separate averages for SBA disaster loans delineated by home, business, and economic injury disaster loans.
(b) Response.--Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Comptroller General of the United States submits the report under subsection (a), the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a response to the report, including an implementation plan for any recommendations in the report.
SEC. 8. GAO REPORT ON DISASTER LOAN CHANGES.
(a) Definition.--In this section, the term "covered final rule" means--
(1) the final rule entitled "Disaster Assistance Loan Program Changes to Maximum Loan Amounts and Miscellaneous Updates" (88 Fed. Reg. 39335 (June 16, 2023); RIN 3245-AH91); or
(2) the final rule entitled "Disaster Assistance Loan Program Changes to Unsecured Loan Amounts and Credit Elsewhere Criteria" (89 Fed. Reg. 59826 (July 24, 2024); RIN 3245-AI08).
(b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on--
(1) the cost (as defined in section 502 of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (2 U.S.C. 661a)) of the increase in the home loan lending limits for, the extension of the deferment period for, the expansion of mitigation options for, the modifications to the criteria for determining whether applicants can obtain credit elsewhere with respect to, the changes to collateral requirements for, and other changes to the terms and conditions of loans under section 7(b)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(b)(1)) made by the covered final rules; and
(2) the effect on the subsidy for such loans of the changes contained in the covered final rules.
SEC. 9. BUDGET AND FORECASTING REPORT REGARDING THE COST OF
DIRECT DISASTER LOANS.
(a) Budget Formulation and Forecasting.--Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report detailing corrections the Administration will make to improve forecasting, data quality, and budget assumptions relating to budget submissions relating to amounts made available for the cost of SBA disaster loans.
(b) Updates.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 90 days thereafter until the date that is 90 days after the date on which all the corrections described in subsection (a) have been implemented, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report--
(1) detailing the actions the Administration has taken to implement the corrections described in subsection (a); and
(2) explaining how each action detailed under paragraph (1) is directly related to implementing 1 or more corrections described in subsection (a).
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Williams) and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Olszewski) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Texas?
There was no objection.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4238, the Disaster Loan Accountability and Reform Act introduced by Representative Moore from the great State of North Carolina.
Disaster survivors should not have to wonder whether relief will arrive in time. Instead, they should be able to trust that the programs designed to help them recover are prepared to meet the moment.
The SBA's disaster loan program serves as a critical lifeline for families, homeowners, and small businesses recovering from natural disasters. Communities hit by hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and other emergencies use these loans to rebuild their homes, restore their livelihoods, and get themselves back on their feet.
That is why it was so concerning that during the 2024 hurricane season, the SBA disaster loan program exhausted its funding and was forced to pause new loan disbursements while communities were actively recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
The disruption highlighted serious concerns about the program's budgeting, oversight, and communication processes.
It is a sobering thought to know that at a time when thousands of vulnerable Americans were seeking assistance, the program was unable to provide the support they needed. Americans who have already survived a disaster should not face additional uncertainty because of preventable administrative failures.
This legislation will ensure that the SBA disaster relief programs will be backed by strong oversight, transparent budgeting, and timely communication with Congress.
I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 4238. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, SBA loans provide long-term, low-interest capital to homeowners, renters, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits after declared disasters, playing a critical role in Federal disaster response and recovery.
In 2024, several major hurricanes made landfall in the U.S., crippling not only our communities but SBA's disaster loan fund, as well.
On October 15, 2024, the agency announced its disaster loan funds had been exhausted, and it couldn't approve or disburse new loans until Congress appropriated extra money delaying much-needed relief to the affected areas.
Ultimately, this failure was caused by a lack of communication from the SBA to Congress. They failed to submit required reports on the disaster program, and they didn't give Congress enough notice to replenish the funds. That is why the Disaster Loan Accountability Reform Act, or DLARA, is necessary.
This bill would expand SBA disaster loan notice and reporting requirements, create specific budget line items for disaster loans, and direct the U.S. Government Accountability Office to study how previous rulemaking has impacted the speed of disaster loan disbursement.
I commend Representatives Davis and Moore of North Carolina, as well as Ms. Goodlander, Ms. King-Hinds, and Mr. Meuser for working together on this critical issues.
Mr. Speaker, I urge members to support this bill, as amended, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. WILLIAMS OF Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Moore).
Mr. Speaker, I will first start off with thanking my colleague on the other side of the aisle for his support on this. It is great when we can do bipartisan things, particularly on such subject matter.
I rise today in support of my bill, the Disaster Loan Accountability and Reform Act. When Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina and so many other States, small businesses were on the front lines of recovery.
They stepped up to serve their communities and support their neighbors. They led, in a lot of ways, the response when it was needed most.
When disaster hits, speed matters.
Delays can determine whether businesses reopen or whether homes are repaired. The longer it takes for a community to rebuild, the greater the strain on the local economy.
That is why the Small Business Administration's Disaster Loan Program is so important.
It provides low-interest, long-term loans that help homeowners and businesses recover, rebuild, and get back on their feet.
Unfortunately, a few years ago, the SBA failed to notify Congress that the disaster loan account was running dangerously low on funds.
So what happened?
As a result, the program experienced a 66-day funding shortfall. What that did, Mr. Speaker, was leave homeowners and small businesses unable to access critical disaster assistance when they needed it most.
Hurricane Helene exposed serious weaknesses in the oversight and management of this account. We should learn from these failures rather than allowing them to be repeated.
That is why I introduced this bill. It strengthens oversight, increases transparency, and also puts in place even better financial safeguards within the Small Business Administration's disaster loan program.
These reforms are going to help ensure that Congress receives timely information, that resources are managed responsibly, and that disaster assistance remains available when Americans need it, not after it is too late.
Homeowners and small businesses cannot afford delays after a disaster. This ensures that the Federal Government is better prepared to respond quickly, effectively, and responsibly when disaster strikes.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
Johnny Olszewski, Jr. (D-MD)3:20 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.
Mr. Speaker, DLARA would make numerous bipartisan reforms to the SBA disaster loan program, like expanded notice and reporting requirements, separate budget line items, and professional evaluations of the program's administration in light of recent rule changes.
This bill will go a long way to ensure that the disaster loan account does not run out of funds again and that disaster victims receive assistance in a timely manner.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Roger Williams (R-TX)3:20 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.
Mr. Speaker, we must pass H.R. 4238 to strengthen oversight of the SBA disaster loan program. I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore3:20 p.m.
The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Williams) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4238, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
Oversight and Transparency for Small Business Certifications Act of 2026
Pages H4145–H4146 · Official textOVERSIGHT AND TRANSPARENCY FOR SMALL BUSINESS CERTIFICATIONS ACT OF 2026
Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 8879) to amend the Small Business Act to require a report on small business concern participation in a covered contracting programs, and for other purposes.
The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows:
Text printed in the Record (6,287 characters)
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the "Oversight and Transparency for Small Business Certifications Act of 2026".
SEC. 2. REPORT ON SMALL BUSINESS CONCERN PARTICIPATION IN A
COVERED CONTRACTING PROGRAMS.
Section 10(c) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 639(c)) is amended to read as follows:
"(c) Certification Reports.--
"(1) In general.--Along with the submission to Congress of the budget of the President for each fiscal year pursuant to section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, the Administrator shall submit a report on small business concern participation in a covered contracting program during the year covered by the report that includes the following:
"(A) The total number of unique small business concerns certified for participation in a covered contracting program.
"(B) With respect to applications of small business concerns for participation in a covered contracting program--
"(i) the total number of applications for participation that have sufficient information for the Administrator to issue a certification determination, disaggregated by--
"(I) the number of applications certified for each covered contracting program; and
"(II) the number of applications for which a determination has not been made for any covered contracting program;
"(ii) the number of applications for certification for two or more covered contracting programs and the percentage of total applicants that received two or more certifications;
"(iii) the number of applications received through the single, unified platform established by the Administrator for receipt of certification applications; and
"(iv) the number of small business concerns certified for participation in a covered contracting program for which such certification documentation is contain in a system other than the platform described in clause (iii), disaggregated by covered contracting program.
"(C) With respect to applications of small business concerns for certification as a small business concern owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans that have sufficient information for the Administrator to issue a certification determination--
"(i) the number of applications certified;
"(ii) the number of applications denied; and
"(iii) the number of applications for which a determination has not been made.
"(D) With respect to each application of a small business concern for certification as a small business concern owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans, the timeframe between the date of submission of a completed application and the issuance of a certification or recertification determination, disaggregated by--
"(i) the number, expressed as a percentage, of certification determinations made within the timeframe established by the Administration;
"(ii) the average time for a first-time applicant to receive a certification determination; and
"(iii) the average time for an applicant that is a small business concern owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans to receive a recertification determination.
"(E) With respect to applications of small business concerns for certification as a small business concern owned and controlled by women that have sufficient information for the Administrator to issue a certification determination--
"(i) the number of applications certified;
"(ii) of the applications described in clause (i), the number certified that are eligible for award of a sole source contract under section 8(m)(7);
"(iii) the number of applications certified that were processed by a national certifying entity described in section 8(m)(2)(E);
"(iv) the number of applications denied; and
"(v) the number of applications for which a determination has not been made.
"(F) Of the applications described in subparagraph (E)(ii), the number of such applications that initially did not include sufficient information for the Administrator to issue a certification determination.
"(G) With respect to each application of a small business concern for certification as a small business concern owned and controlled by women, the timeframe between the date of submission of a completed application and the issuance of a certification or recertification determination, disaggregated by--
"(i) the number, expressed as a percentage, of certification determinations made within
the timeframe established by the Administration;
"(ii) the average time for a first-time applicant to receive a certification determination;
"(iii) the average time for an applicant that is a small business concern owned and controlled by women to receive a recertification determination; and
"(iv) the average time for an applicant certified by a national certifying entity to receive a determination from the Administrator, disaggregated by initial certification applications and recertification applications.
"(H) With respect to applications of small business concerns for certification as a qualified HUBZone small business concern that have sufficient information for the Administrator to issue a certification determination--
"(i) the number of applications certified;
"(ii) the number of applications denied; and
"(iii) the number of applications for which a determination has not been made.
"(I) With respect to each application of a small business concern for certification as a qualified HUBZone small business concern, the timeframe between the date of submission of a completed application and the issuance of a certification or recertification determination, disaggregated by--
"(i) the number, expressed as a percentage, of certification determinations made within the timeframe established by the Administration;
"(ii) the average time for a first-time applicant to receive a certification determination; and
"(iii) the average time for an applicant that is a qualified HUBZone small business concern to receive a recertification determination.
"(2) Covered contracting program defined.--In this subsection, the term `covered contracting program' means contracting assistance provided by the Administrator under following:
"(A) Section 8(a).
"(B) Section 8(m).
"(C) Section 31.
"(D) Section 36.".
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Williams) and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Olszewski) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Texas?
There was no objection.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 8879, the Oversight and Transparency for Small Business Certifications Act of 2026, introduced by the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Olszewski) and the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Wied).
As the Trump administration continues its focus on government efficiency and eliminating fraud within Federal programs, Congress needs the information necessary to determine where these programs are succeeding and where they need improvement.
SBA's small business contracting programs help connect eligible small businesses with Federal contracting opportunities. Programs such as the women-owned small business certification, the HUBZone program, and the service-disabled veteran-owned small business program help ensure that small businesses can compete for Federal contracts and grow their businesses.
To effectively oversee these programs, Congress must have access to reliable data on how the certification process is performing. H.R. 8879 requires the SBA to submit annual reports to Congress on certification activities across the agency's small business contracting programs.
The bill requires reporting on certifications granted and denied, application processing times, participation rates, recertification timelines, and the use of the SBA's certification platform.
This information will provide greater transparency into program operations, strengthen congressional oversight, and help ensure that these programs continue to serve eligible small businesses efficiently and effectively.
By improving accountability and providing Congress with better information, this legislation will help protect taxpayer resources while supporting small businesses seeking to compete in the Federal marketplace.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 8879, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, Congress' ability to conduct effective oversight depends on regular access to information on the programs and authorities that SBA uses to assist small businesses.
The committee has repeatedly experienced issues with SBA responses and reporting on the small business procurement programs, including the WOSB certifications, the 8(a) Business Development program, and the Unified Certification Platform.
Currently, the SBA is not providing needed information, including regular reports and basic data on contracting certifications that have been routinely provided in the past.
This bill would help to ensure that we have consistent information and a more complete picture on one of the SBA's core missions, certifying small business Federal contractors. Small business government contractors already face barriers to entering and competing in the Federal market. An SBA certification should not be an additional burden.
I thank the chairman for his support, and I thank Representative Wied for his co-leading on this bill. I urge all Members to support my bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, we must pass H.R. 8879 to increase transparency in Federal small business contracting programs by requiring SBA to report on participation in its certification programs so Congress can better evaluate their effectiveness.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.
Mr. Speaker, small businesses are critical partners with the Federal Government. They provide goods and services to support agency mission needs, and they make up critical links throughout the supply chain.
Passing this legislation will ensure the committee has timely information on the applications, certifications, and platforms that allow small firms to enter and have success in the Federal market. I urge all Members to vote "yes" on my bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 8879 to ensure small business contracting programs are working as they are intended. I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Williams) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 8879.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
Small Business Cybersecurity Assistance Evaluation Act of 2026
Pages H4146–H4148 · Official textMr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 8880) to require the Comptroller General to evaluate Federal cybersecurity assistance to small business concerns, and for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows:
Text printed in the Record (2,873 characters)
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the "Small Business Cybersecurity Assistance Evaluation Act of 2026".
SEC. 2. GAO STUDY ON SMALL BUSINESS CYBERSECURITY ASSISTANCE.
(a) Study.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study of current Federal cybersecurity initiatives, programs, resources, tools, and services intended to assist owners of small business concerns (as defined under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632)) with--
(1) identifying cyber risks, cyber threats, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities relating to such concerns;
(2) assessing the preparedness of such concerns for such risks, threats, and vulnerabilities;
(3) planning for, mitigating, and recovering from cyberattacks and incidents of social engineering, scams, and fraud (including developing, adopting, and implementing cybersecurity measures, training, protocols, tools, and infrastructure); and
(4) identifying sources of capital, or obtaining capital, to carry out the activities specified in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3).
(b) Required Content.--The study required by subsection (a) shall include--
(1) information on the most common cyberattacks affecting small business concerns;
(2) an identification and description of the Federal cybersecurity initiatives, programs, resources, tools, and services included in the study described in subsection (a);
(3) an assessment of the awareness and use of such Federal cybersecurity initiatives, programs, resources, tools, and services by small business concerns and reasons for differences in levels of such awareness and use;
(4) an assessment of the coordination and integration among such Federal cybersecurity initiatives, programs, resources, tools, and services;
(5) an assessment of the effectiveness of such Federal cybersecurity initiatives, programs, resources, tools, and services in assisting small business concerns with the activities listed in paragraphs (1) through (4) of subsection (a);
(6) an identification of any foundational cybersecurity concepts absent from such Federal cybersecurity initiatives, programs, resources, tools, and services; and
(7) recommendations on how to improve the effectiveness, awareness, and coordination of such Federal cybersecurity initiatives, programs, resources, tools, and services for small business concerns.
(c) Report.--The Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate a report containing all findings and determinations made in carrying out the study required under subsection (a).
SEC. 3. COMPLIANCE WITH CUTGO.
No such funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Williams) and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Olszewski) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Texas?
There was no objection.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 8880, the Small Business Cybersecurity Assistance Evaluation Act of 2026, introduced by the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Simon) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Bresnahan), my friends.
Small businesses are facing a growing wave of cybersecurity threats from ransomware attacks, phishing scams, and fraud schemes. Unfortunately, many small businesses lack the financial resources and technological expertise necessary to defend themselves against increasingly sophisticated crimes.
Data indicates that small businesses are 210 percent more likely to experience a cyber incident than larger companies. At the same time, 51 percent of small businesses reported having no cybersecurity measures in place, leaving them particularly vulnerable to malicious cyber activity.
As artificial intelligence becomes more and more prevalent, threat actors are increasingly using AI-generated content and impersonation schemes to target small business owners and their employees. These developments raise questions about the extent to which existing cybersecurity resources and Federal support adequately address the risks small businesses face.
While the Federal Government currently offers a variety of cybersecurity programs, tools, resources, and even services to assist small business, it is often unclear whether businessowners are aware of the resources available, whether they are utilizing them, and whether gaps exist in current Federal efforts.
H.R. 8880 takes a practical approach. This bill directs GAO to evaluate how Federal agencies help small businesses identify cybersecurity risks and vulnerabilities, assess preparedness for small businesses to have a plan for and recover from cyberattacks, and access resources needed to strengthen their cybersecurity infrastructure.
This legislation also directs the GAO to assess the awareness, coordination, accessibility, and effectiveness of existing Federal cybersecurity assistance programs and identify opportunities for improvement. By examining what works and what needs additional attention, Congress can better ensure that resources reach the small businesses it serves.
As cyber threats continue to evolve, small businesses need access to effective tools, training, and resources to protect their operations, employees, and customers. This legislation will provide Congress with valuable information to strengthen cybersecurity assistance and help ensure Main Street businesses are better prepared for the challenges of the digital age.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 8880, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Johnny Olszewski, Jr. (D-MD)3:30 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support H.R. 8880, the Small Business Cybersecurity Assistance Evaluation Act of 2026, as amended.
Since the COVID pandemic, firms of all sizes have increasingly adopted technology. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 99 percent of small businesses use at least one tech platform, with 58 percent using at least four, but only one-quarter use cybersecurity tools.
This gap creates glaring weaknesses in Main Street America's cyber posture, weaknesses that cybercriminals are all too willing to exploit to steal funds, proprietary information, and other critical assets. While various Federal agencies provide cyber resources, their collective impact needs improvement.
The SBA is uniquely equipped with the small business outreach experience and network to help entrepreneurs with these technical matters, leveraging other agencies' expertise.
H.R. 8880 will direct the U.S. Government Accountability Office to report on the state of Federal small business cybersecurity resources and make recommendations to optimize their impact and use by small businesses.
I thank my colleagues Ms. Simon, Mr. Bresnahan, and Ranking Member Velazquez for bringing this bill to the floor today, and I urge Members to support this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Simon), who is the sponsor of the bill.
Lateefah Simon (D-CA)3:30 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding the time.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bipartisan legislation, the Small Business Cybersecurity Assistance Evaluation Act.
Much has been said, but this bill would direct the Government Accountability Office to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the cybersecurity threats facing our small businesses. It would ensure that Congress has the best data available to protect our small businesses from cyberattacks.
Now, we know that small businesses in this country drive innovation, create jobs, and support our communities in every single corner of all 50 States.
In my district alone, there are 16,000 small businesses, and we know, as it was said earlier, that approximately 99 percent of small businesses use at least one technology platform. At the same time, cyber threats are becoming more and more sophisticated by the day.
Many small business owners do not have dedicated cybersecurity staff or the resources to protect themselves. A single cybersecurity attack could mean the difference between survival and failure for our mom-and-pop businesses residing on our Main Streets.
I am very grateful to Congressman Bresnahan for partnering with me to introduce this very important legislation. I thank Chairman Williams and Ranking Member Velazquez for their continued leadership on behalf of America's small businesses.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support this very important legislation.
Roger Williams (R-TX)3:30 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, we must pass H.R. 8880 to help identify gaps, improve coordination, and ensure those resources effectively address cyber threats facing small businesses.
Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Bresnahan).
Robert P. Bresnahan, Jr. (R-PA)3:30 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Small Business Cybersecurity Assistance Evaluation Act which I was proud to introduce with Representative Simon.
This bipartisan bill makes sure that the Federal resources designed to help small businesses bolster their cybersecurity defenses are working as intended and are identifying where they are falling short.
Small businesses are 210 percent more likely to experience cyber incidents compared to larger companies, yet many lack the resources and the expertise necessary to defend against these threats.
As cyber incidents become more common, it is very clear: Congress can no longer afford to overlook this growing issue. By finding the gaps in current programs, this bill will help ensure our small businesses have better access to the tools, training, and resources they need to strengthen their defenses against cyberattacks.
As these threats continue to evolve, our support systems for America's small businesses must evolve as well.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important, bipartisan legislation.
Johnny Olszewski, Jr. (D-MD)3:30 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 8880 puts us on a path to meaningful reforms in Federal small business cybersecurity assistance. I commend Ms. Simon and Mr. Bresnahan for their dedication to Main Street's cybersecurity.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Roger Williams (R-TX)3:30 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 8880 to help strengthen cybersecurity, support small businesses, and ensure Federal resources are being used effectively to protect from growing cyber risks, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Simpson)3:30 p.m.
The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Williams) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 8880, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
Sba Artificial Intelligence Utilization Act of 2026
Pages H4148–H4149 · Official textMr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 8881) to amend the Small Business Act to require the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to report on the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning by the Administration, and for other purposes.
The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows:
Text printed in the Record (2,590 characters)
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the "SBA Artificial Intelligence Utilization Act of 2026".
SEC. 2. REPORTS REGARDING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND MACHINE
LEARNING USE BY THE SMALL BUSINESS
ADMINISTRATION.
Section 10(c) of the Small Business Act is amended to read as follows:
"(c) Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Use Reports.--
"(1) Reports required.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this subsection, and annually thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate a report on--
"(A) the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning by the Administration;
"(B) the benefits and risks posed by the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the work of the Administration, including in impeding the operations of the Administration; and
"(C) measures that the Administrator can take to effectively identify, evaluate, and manage such benefits and risks, including explanations of how the Administrator can--
"(i) retain human involvement in important decisions informed by recommendations made by artificial intelligence or machine learning;
"(ii) identify tasks and functions that artificial intelligence or machine learning can and cannot reliably and effectively perform, including whether artificial intelligence and machine learning can improve operations, productivity, or customer service;
"(iii) determine which specific artificial intelligence or machine learning tools are appropriate for a particular task or function, if such task or function is determined to have the potential to be reliably and effectively performed by artificial intelligence or machine learning; and
"(iv) determine whether an artificial intelligence or machine learning tool adequately fills a need of the Administration and is worth adopting to fulfill such need.
"(2) Briefing required.--Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Administrator submits each report required under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall provide to the committees described in such paragraph a briefing on such report.
"(3) Definitions.--In this subsection, the terms `artificial intelligence' and `machine learning' have the meanings given, respectively, in section 5002 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (15 U.S.C. 9401).".
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Williams) and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Olszewski) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Texas?
There was no objection.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 8881, the SBA Artificial Intelligence Utilization Act of 2026, introduced by Representative Finstad from the great State of Minnesota and Representative Latimer from the great State of New York.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how businesses operate. Across this great country, companies are using AI and machine learning technologies to improve customer service, detect fraud, streamline operations, and process information more effectively. As these technologies continue to develop, Federal agencies should evaluate how to responsibly leverage them to better serve the American people.
The Small Business Administration plays a critical role in supporting entrepreneurs and job creators across this Nation. As the agency works to improve service delivery, strengthen program integrity, and modernize its operations, Congress should have visibility into how emerging technologies are being used.
H.R. 8881 requires the SBA to submit annual reports to Congress regarding the agency's use of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies. The bill requires the SBA to evaluate both the benefits and risks associated with these technologies, identify appropriate uses for AI tools, and explain how the agency maintains human involvement and oversight in its decisions assisted by AI.
As the Federal Government works to prevent fraud and protect taxpayer dollars, AI tools can help the SBA better identify suspicious activity, detect improper payments, improve customer service, and strengthen oversight of agency programs. At the same time, Congress must ensure that these technologies are deployed responsibly and transparently.
By providing regular information to the SBA's use of artificial intelligence, this legislation will help promote a more efficient and accountable government while ensuring that innovation is paired with appropriate oversight and human judgment.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 8881, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Johnny Olszewski, Jr. (D-MD)3:40 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, the prospect of AI in government brings forth a deluge of feelings for many policymakers, myself being no exception. On the one hand, AI can be exciting because it can revolutionize the way we do business. On the other hand, AI can be frightening because of the ways in which it can harm everyday Americans.
In 2023, the city of New York launched a first-of-its-kind AI chatbot for small businesses, meant to answer questions about running small firms, city small business services, and regulatory compliance.
In response, the committee sent a letter to the White House Office of Budget and Management urging them to incorporate various commonsense guardrails if and when AI for small business services came into use at the Federal level.
As it turns out, our concerns about the city's chatbot were well founded. A news expose found that the chatbot was consistently urging users to break the law. The mayor later closed it as part of a broader cost-cutting effort, calling it "unusable."
That is why our committee is hard at work holding the SBA to account for the ways in which it is and isn't using AI, no matter who is in the White House.
H.R. 8881 will direct the SBA to report annually on its AI use, the benefits and risks of AI to its work, and effective AI risk management measures.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Finstad and Mr. Latimer for their leadership in this area, and I urge all Members to support this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Roger Williams (R-TX)3:40 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Finstad), my friend.
Brad Finstad (R-MN)3:40 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Williams for yielding.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 8881, the SBA Artificial Intelligence Utilization Act.
In a time when artificial intelligence and machine learning continue to become more accessible and revolutionize the way businesses operate, it is important to ensure our Federal agencies adopt AI responsibly, especially in the SBA.
This legislation requires the Small Business Administration to report its use of AI and machine learning within their operations, while also assessing the advantages and risks.
This legislation also gives SBA the opportunity to assess the appropriateness, effectiveness, and value of using these technologies.
AI can be a useful tool for the SBA to process information and ease its implementation, but it also raises questions about transparency, oversight, and risks.
This does not mandate the use of AI or prohibit innovation in our Small Business Administration, but instead ensures commonsense congressional oversight into how these tools are being used.
Congress has the responsibility to ensure Federal agencies are using this ever-changing technology transparently, responsibly, and effectively, and my bill ensures just that.
Mr. Speaker, I urge a "yes" vote.
Johnny Olszewski, Jr. (D-MD)3:40 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 8881 is a commonsense measure promoting transparency in the SBA's use of AI, an emerging tech with far-reaching ramifications. I commend Mr. Finstad and Mr. Latimer for working together to move this bill forward, and I urge my colleagues to support it.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Roger Williams (R-TX)3:40 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 8881 to help modernize the SBA and ensure the agency can better serve America's small business.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore3:40 p.m.
The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Williams) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 8881.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
Main Street Competes Act
Pages H4149–H4151 · Official textMr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 8882) to amend the Small Business Economic Policy Act of 1980 to examine how the competitiveness of small businesses is affected by the enforcement of Federal antitrust laws, and for other purposes.
The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows:
Text printed in the Record (4,729 characters)
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the "Main Street Competes Act".
SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL DECLARATION OF SMALL BUSINESS ECONOMIC
POLICY.
Section 302(a) of the Small Business Economic Policy Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 631a(a)) is amended--
(1) by striking "and provide" and inserting "provide"; and
(2) by striking the period at the end and inserting "; and promote competitive markets, consumer choice, and business ownership through enforcement of Federal antitrust laws in the case of anticompetitive conduct and illegal mergers that harms small businesses and the growth of small businesses.".
SEC. 3. STATE OF SMALL BUSINESSES.
(a) In General.--Section 303 of the Small Business Economic Policy Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 631b) is amended to read as follows:
"SEC. 303. REPORT ON THE STATE OF SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS.
"(a) Specified Entity Report.--Not later than 180 days after the end of the fiscal year in which the Main Street Competes Act is enacted, and every two fiscal years thereafter, the head of each specified entity shall submit to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Office of Advocacy of the Small Business Administration a report including--
"(1) an analysis of how enforcement by the specified entity of Federal antitrust laws promoted competition during the preceding fiscal year by deterring and remedying anticompetitive conduct, including illegal mergers, that harms small businesses and the growth of small businesses;
"(2) the number of complaints of alleged antitrust violations filed by self-identified small businesses with the specified entity during such fiscal year, disaggregated by type of offense and the specific Federal antitrust laws allegedly violated;
"(3) the number of inquiries, investigations, and enforcement actions undertaken by the specified entity in response to complaints filed by small businesses with the specified entity during such fiscal year; and
"(4) the number of inquiries, investigations, and enforcement actions undertaken by the specified entity during such fiscal year pursuant to an alleged antitrust violation, opened for a reason other than a complaint filed by a small business as described in paragraph (3), to deter and remedy anticompetitive conduct that harms small businesses and the growth of small businesses.
"(b) Office of Advocacy Report.--Not later than 180 days after receipt of the report required by subsection (a), the Chief Counsel for Advocacy shall submit to the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of Senate a report that includes--
"(1) a summary of the report submitted under subsection (a);
"(2) an analysis of the data in such report, disaggregated by industry category;
"(3) an evaluation of the issues identified in such report relating to--
"(A) anticompetitive conduct, including illegal mergers, that harmed small businesses and the growth of small businesses; and
"(B) administrative actions that promoted competition and growth of small businesses;
"(4) as appropriate, recommendations for administrative actions that could--
"(A) promote competition;
"(B) deter anticompetitive conduct, including illegal mergers, that harmed small business and the growth of small businesses; and
"(C) remedy such anticompetitive conduct; and
"(5) as appropriate, recommendations for legislative actions that could--
"(A) promote competition;
"(B) deter anticompetitive conduct, including illegal mergers, that harmed small business and the growth of small businesses; and
"(C) remedy such anticompetitive conduct.".
(b) Definitions.--The Small Business Economic Policy Act of 1980 (Public Law 96-302; 94 Stat. 848; 15 U.S.C. 631a et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
"SEC. 304. DEFINITIONS.
"In this title:
"(1) Antitrust violation.--The term `antitrust violation' means any violation of Federal antitrust laws.
"(2) Federal antitrust laws.--The term `Federal antitrust laws' has the meaning given the term `antitrust laws' in subsection (a) of the first section of the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. 12(a)), except that such term shall also include section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 45) to the extent that such section 5 applies to unfair methods of competition.
"(3) Small business.--The term `small business' has the meaning given the term
`small business concern' under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632).
"(4) Specified entity.--The term `specified entity' means--
"(A) the Department of Justice; and
"(B) the Federal Trade Commission.".
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Williams) and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Olszewski) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Texas?
There was no objection.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 8882, the Main Street Competes Act, introduced by my good friend Representative Scholten from the great State of Michigan and Representative Schmidt from the great State of Kansas.
Competition is fundamental in the free market and especially in this economy. Without robust competition, businesses have little incentive to innovate, weakening the U.S. economy. If competition is weak, innovation and the U.S. economy suffer.
H.R. 8882, the Main Street Competes Act, reinforces the SBA's mission to preserve free and fair competition and strengthen the American economy. This bill requires the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission to share data with SBA Office of Advocacy regarding antitrust complaints, investigations, and enforcement actions involving small businesses.
The bill further directs the Office of Advocacy to analyze these trends and provide recommendations to Congress on how to improve competition and address harmful anticompetitive conduct impacting small businesses.
This is a targeted, data-driven approach to better understand competitive pressures in the marketplace and to assess whether existing antitrust enforcement is effectively protecting small businesses.
Importantly, this legislation does not create new regulatory burdens or expand Federal authority. By improving transparency and strengthening oversight, this bill ensures policymakers have the information needed to support a competitive marketplace here where Main Street businesses can grow, compete, and succeed.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 8882, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, Main Street America is a critical part of our economy and its success hinges on a competitive marketplace.
Unfortunately, the competitive landscape that small firms rely on has been eroded for decades as large companies have absorbed significant market share across many industries. Seventy-five percent of industries have seen increasing concentrations since the mid-1990s, and today, the average firm is roughly three times larger than it was 20 years ago.
That is why we have Federal antitrust laws to prevent monopolies and corporate collusion and to protect small businesses' ability to compete. However, in recent decades, their enforcement has been limited, contributing to the continued consolidation in our economy.
Luckily, small businesses have a voice in the Federal Government: the SBA's independent Office of Advocacy. Its primary function by law includes "recommending specific measures for creating an environment in which all businesses will have the opportunity to compete effectively and expand to their full potential."
Advocacy is uniquely situated to work with antitrust enforcement entities like the Federal Trade Commission and the Justice Department. That is why the Main Street Competes Act was introduced. It directs Advocacy to assess the FTC and DOJ's antitrust work and produce an annual report on the competitive landscape for small businesses.
Mr. Speaker, I thank and commend my colleagues Ms. Scholten, Mr. Schmidt, Ranking Member Velazquez, and Chairman Williams for working on this bill and making sure that we take action on market consolidation.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Schmidt), my good friend.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for bringing this bill forward and for his leadership. I also thank my colleague from Michigan (Ms. Scholten). It has been a pleasure to work with her on this bipartisan, commonsense piece of legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I add my voice to those advocating in support of the Main Street Competes Act. Our bill addresses the concerns that small businesses have limited visibility into how Federal antitrust enforcement efforts may affect their ability to compete.
While large mergers and anticompetitive practices can disadvantage small firms, there is currently no consistent governmentwide assessment of how enforcement actions by the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission may affect small business competitiveness or how such agencies respond to small business complaints.
To address this gap, the Main Street Competes Act requires regular reporting and analysis of antitrust enforcement related to small businesses. It directs the two enforcement agencies to submit those biennial reports to the SBA Office of Advocacy, detailing their antitrust work.
That office, in turn, is positioned to take that information and data and report and recommend to Congress steps that may be prudent for our consideration in increasing the competitiveness of small businesses in the marketplace.
By better understanding how antitrust enforcement affects small businesses, Congress can make more informed policy decisions to promote competition, prevent harmful market consolidation, and ensure small businesses have a fair opportunity to grow.
Mr. Speaker, at the end of the day, a free-market economy requires that players compete in good faith and have an opportunity to be at the table when the competition occurs. Small businesses are where ideas come from. They are the lifeblood of our communities.
This bill makes sure that policymakers and antitrust enforcers are taking those facts into consideration.
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the work to make this happen, and I encourage my colleagues to vote for this bill.
Johnny Olszewski, Jr. (D-MD)3:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Scholten), the sponsor of this bill.
Hillary J. Scholten (D-MI)3:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend, Chairman Williams, for his assistance in getting this bill to the floor. It means so much to me.
As an attorney, I have to say this might be one of the easiest debates I have ever participated in. I think we are all in agreement that this is an essential bill for this moment in America.
Small businesses are the foundation of our economy, but too often they are left to compete against a handful of large corporations, a real David and Goliath situation. Our Nation's antitrust laws exist for the purpose of helping to level the playing field, not giving anyone a special step up, but leveling the playing field for entrepreneurs.
As costs continue to rise and practices, like predatory pricing, threaten businesses across industries, it is clear that we have to do more to keep markets fair and competitive.
When industry consolidation goes too far, innovation is stifled and small businesses struggle to compete. The truth is that we all end up paying the price for unfair, monopolistic conduct. It is time for Congress to act. This is the job that the people have entrusted us with.
My bill would direct the Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy to work with the FTC and DOJ to examine the gaps in our antitrust laws. We can't fix a problem that we don't understand. This bill will help us ensure that we have the information we need to boost competition in every industry.
I include in the Record a letter of support.
Text printed in the Record (1,434 characters)
June 23, 2026.
Members of Congress: On behalf of thousands of Main Street businesses and agricultural producers across the United States, the Main Street Competition Coalition writes to express our support for the Main Street Competes Act.
This bipartisan legislation, introduced by Reps. Derek Schmidt (KS-02) and Hillary Scholten (MI-03), would refocus the Small Business Administration on promoting competitive markets, enhancing consumer choice, and encouraging business ownership.
The Main Street Competition Coalition represents a diverse group of Main Street businesses and agricultural producers dedicated to revitalizing and reforming the antitrust laws. We support antitrust policies that establish a level playing held for businesses and consumers alike. Our primary objective is to promote competition so consumers have real choices.
Rigorous enforcement of U.S. antitrust laws is critical to preserving competitive markets empowering small businesses to compete, and preventing dominant players from undermining competition and free enterprise.
The Main Street Competes Act would empower the Small Business Administration to evaluate the effectiveness of antitrust law enforcement in maintaining a competitive landscape for small businesses. We respectfully request that members of the House of Representatives vote YES on the legislation when it comes to a vote.
Sincerely,
The Main Street
Competition Coalition.
Hillary J. Scholten (D-MI)3:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, as the voice for Main Street in our Federal Government, the Office of Advocacy is uniquely equipped to bring small businesses to the forefront of antitrust issues.
My bill will ensure that the Office of Advocacy is in lockstep with our Nation's top antitrust enforcement agencies, enhancing collaboration and bringing a unified response to monopolistic practices. It will also require the Office of Advocacy to submit a report to Congress, detailing antitrust violations reported by small businesses, so the people, through their Representatives, can have ready access to this information, as well.
If we want to build an economy that creates opportunity for everyone, we need Main Street at the table. My bill will do just that.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Kansas, Mr. Schmidt, again, for working with me on this legislation. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
Roger Williams (R-TX)3:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, we must pass H.R. 8882 to help ensure small businesses remain competitive. This legislation will help us identify barriers to growth and ways to improve access. I reserve the balance of my time.
Johnny Olszewski, Jr. (D-MD)3:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from New Jersey (Ms. Mejia).
Analilia Mejia (D-NJ)3:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 8882, the Main Street Competes Act.
New Jersey's 11th Congressional District is a vibrant community in great part because of our thriving Main Streets. As I engage my constituents across New Jersey's 11th, I spend a lot of time talking to entrepreneurs, family-owned businesses, and local employers.
Whether it is a manufacturer in Fairfield, a restaurant owner in Morristown, or a retailer trying to keep their doors open on Main Street, I hear the same thing over and over again: They don't want special treatment. They just want a fair shot.
Unfortunately, that is not always the reality. Too often, small businesses find themselves competing against companies with enormous market power and deep pockets. When anticompetitive behavior goes unchecked, it is the mom-and-pop businesses that pay the price. Small businesses face higher costs, fewer opportunities, and an increasingly uneven playing field.
That is why this bill matters. The Main Street Competes Act strengthens coordination between the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Justice, and the Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy to ensure small business concerns don't get lost in the shuffle.
This legislation gives Congress a clearer picture of how anticompetitive practices are affecting small businesses and helps make sure that the voices of entrepreneurs are actually being heard.
Frankly, this is long overdue. Small businesses are responsible for nearly half of the private-sector jobs in this country, yet often our policy discussions are dominated by the biggest players.
At a time when businessowners are already navigating rising costs, workforce shortages, and economic uncertainty, the last thing they need is a marketplace rigged against them.
This act is a practical, bipartisan bill that makes our government work better for the people who take the risk of opening a business, hiring workers, and investing in their communities, like the incredible businesses in New Jersey's 11th Congressional District.
Mr. Speaker, I speak on behalf of small business owners across New Jersey and across my district, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 8882.
Johnny Olszewski, Jr. (D-MD)3:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time for closing.
Mr. Speaker, the Main Street Competes Act would direct the SBA's Office of Advocacy to evaluate the Federal Trade Commission's and Justice Department's efforts to protect small businesses from unfair, anticompetitive practices and to report annually on the state of the competitive landscape.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support this bill, and I strongly urge my colleagues to vote "yes."
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Roger Williams (R-TX)3:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 8882 because it promotes a stronger, more competitive environment for the Main Street of America and businesses to succeed and create jobs. I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore3:50 p.m.
The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Williams) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 8882.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
Recess
Page H4151 · Official textThe SPEAKER pro tempore
Pursuant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair declares the House in recess subject to the call of the Chair.
Accordingly (at 3 o'clock and 58 minutes p.m.), the House stood in recess.
After Recess
Page H4151 · Official textThe recess having expired, the House was called to order by the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. Yakym) at 5 o'clock and 18 minutes p.m.
Housing for the 21st Century Act
Pages H4151–H4192 · Official textMr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 6644) a bill to increase the supply of housing in America, and for other purposes.
The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment is as follows: Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the following:
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the "21st Century ROAD to Housing Act".
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 101. Reforms to housing counseling and financial literacy programs. Sec. 102. Federal guidelines for point-access block buildings. Sec. 103. Exemption on construction or modification of residential housing located on an infill site. Sec. 104. Database of publicly owned land. Sec. 105. FHA Small-Dollar Mortgages. Sec. 106. Temperature Sensor Pilot Program. Sec. 107. Housing supply frameworks.
Sec. 201. Increasing housing in opportunity zones. Sec. 202. Whole-Home Repairs Act. Sec. 203. Community Investment and Prosperity Act.
Sec. 204. Addition of affordable housing construction as an eligible activity. Sec. 205. Better Use of Intergovernmental and Local Development (BUILD) Housing Act. Sec. 206. Unlocking Housing Supply Through Streamlined and Modernized Reviews Act. Sec. 207. Grants for planning and implementation associated with affordable housing. Sec. 208. Innovation Fund. Sec. 209. Accelerating Home Building Act. Sec. 210. Revitalizing Empty Structures Into Desirable Environments (RESIDE) Act. Sec. 211. Housing Affordability Act. Sec. 212. Rental Assistance Demonstration Program. Sec. 213. Build Now Act.
Sec. 301. Housing Supply Expansion Act. Sec. 302. Modular Housing Production Act. Sec. 303. Property Improvement and Manufactured Housing Loan Modernization Act. Sec. 304. PRICE Act.
Sec. 401. Creating incentives for small-dollar loan originators. Sec. 402. Small-dollar mortgage points and fees. Sec. 403. Appraisal Industry Improvement Act. Sec. 404. Helping More Families Save Act. Sec. 405. Choice in Affordable Housing Act.
Sec. 501. HOME Investment Partnerships Reauthorization and Reform Act. Sec. 502. Rural Housing Service Reform Act. Sec. 503. Incentivizing local solutions to homelessness. Sec. 504. Reforming Disaster Recovery Act. Sec. 505. New Moving to Work cohort.
Sec. 601. Military Service Question. Sec. 602. Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act. Sec. 603. Veterans Affairs Loan Informed Disclosure (VALID) Act.
Sec. 701. Requiring annual testimony and oversight from housing regulators. Sec. 702. FHA reporting requirements on safety and soundness. Sec. 703. United States Interagency Council on Homelessness oversight. Sec. 704. Appraisal Modernization Act.
TITLE VIII--ACCOUNTABILITY, COORDINATION, STUDIES, AND REPORTING
Sec. 801. HUD-USDA-VA Interagency Coordination Act. Sec. 802. Streamlining Rural Housing Act. Sec. 803. Improving self-sufficiency of families in HUD-subsidized housing. Sec. 804. GAO studies. Sec. 805. Improving public housing agency accountability.
TITLE IX--STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY BANKS' ROLE IN HOUSING
Sec. 901. Community bank deposit access. Sec. 902. Keeping deposits local. Sec. 903. Tailored regulatory updates for supervisory testing. Sec. 904. Credit union board modernization. Sec. 905. Systemic risk authority transparency. Sec. 906. Advancing the mentor-protege program for small financial institutions. Sec. 907. American access to banking. Sec. 908. Promoting new bank formation. Sec. 909. Rural depositories revitalization study.
Sec. 1001. Homes are for people, not corporations.
Sec. 1101. Central bank digital currency.
Sec. 1201. Severability. Sec. 1202. No additional funds authorized.
SEC. 101. REFORMS TO HOUSING COUNSELING AND FINANCIAL
LITERACY PROGRAMS.
Section 106 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701x) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(4)(C), by striking "adequate distribution" and all that follows through "foreclosure rates" and inserting "that the recipients are geographically diverse and include organizations that serve urban or rural areas";
(2) in subsection (e), by adding at the end the following:
"(6) Reviews.--The Secretary--
"(A) may conduct periodic reviews; and
"(B) shall conduct performance reviews of all organizations receiving assistance under this section that--
"(i) consist of a review of the organization's compliance with all program requirements; and
"(ii) may take into account the organization's aggregate counselor performance under paragraph (7)(B).
"(7) Considerations.--
"(A) Covered mortgage loan defined.--In this paragraph, the term `covered mortgage loan' means any loan which is secured by a first or subordinate lien on residential real property (including individual units of condominiums and housing cooperatives) designed principally for the occupancy of between 1 and 4 families that is--
"(i) insured by the Federal Housing Administration under title II of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1707 et seq.); or
"(ii) guaranteed under section 184 or 184A of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (12 U.S.C. 1715z-13a, 1715z-13b).
"(B) Comparison.--For each counselor employed by an organization receiving assistance under this section for prepurchase housing counseling, the Secretary may consider the performance of the counselor compared to the default rate of all counseled borrowers of a covered mortgage loan in comparable markets and such other factors as the Secretary determines appropriate to further the purposes of this section.
"(8) Certification.--If, based on the comparison required under paragraph (7)(B), the Secretary determines that a counselor lacks competence to provide counseling in the areas described in subsection (e)(2) and such action will not create a significant loss of capacity for housing counseling services in the service area, the Secretary may--
"(A) require continued education coupled with successful completion of a probationary period;
"(B) require retesting if the counselor continues to demonstrate a lack of competence under paragraph (7)(B); and
"(C) suspend an individual certification if a counselor fails to demonstrate competence after not fewer than 2 retesting opportunities under subparagraph (B).";
(3) in subsection (i)--
(A) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and
(B) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
"(3) Termination of assistance.--
"(A) In general.--The Secretary may deny renewal of covered assistance to an organization or entity receiving covered assistance if the Secretary determines that the organization or entity, or the individual through which the organization or entity provides counseling, is not in compliance with program requirements--
"(i) based on the performance review described in subsection (e)(6); and
"(ii) in accordance with regulations issued by the Secretary.
"(B) Notice.--The Secretary shall give an organization or entity receiving covered assistance not less than 60 days prior written notice of any denial of renewal under this paragraph, and the determination of renewal shall not be finalized until the end of that notice period.
"(C) Informal conference.--If requested in writing by the organization or entity within the notice period described in subparagraph (B), the organization or entity shall be entitled to an informal conference with the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Housing Counseling on behalf of the Secretary at which the organization or entity may present for consideration specific factors that the organization or entity believes were beyond the control of the organization or entity and that caused the failure to comply with program requirements, such as a lack of lender or servicer coordination or communication with housing counseling agencies and individual counselors."; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
"(j) Offering Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling.--
"(1) Covered mortgage loan defined.--In this subsection, the term `covered mortgage loan' means any loan which is secured by a first or subordinate lien on residential real property (including individual units of condominiums and housing cooperatives) or stock or membership in a cooperative ownership housing corporation designed principally for the occupancy of between 1 and 4 families that is--
"(A) insured by the Federal Housing Administration under title II of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1707 et seq.);
"(B) guaranteed under section 184 or 184A of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (12 U.S.C. 1715z-13a, 1715z-13b);
"(C) made, guaranteed, or insured by the Department of Veterans Affairs; or
"(D) made, guaranteed, or insured by the Department of Agriculture.
"(2) Opportunity for borrowers.--A borrower with respect to a covered mortgage loan who is 30 days or more delinquent on payments for the covered mortgage loan shall be given an opportunity to participate in available housing counseling.
"(3) Cost.--If the requirements of sections 202(a)(3) and 205(f) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1708(a)(3), 1711(f)) are met, the fair market rate cost of counseling for delinquent borrowers described in paragraph (2) with respect to a covered mortgage loan described in paragraph (1)(A) shall be paid for by the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund, as authorized under section 203(r)(4) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1709(r)(4)).".
SEC. 102. FEDERAL GUIDELINES FOR POINT-ACCESS BLOCK
BUILDINGS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall issue guidelines to provide States, territories, Tribes, and localities with model code language, best practices, and technical guidance that could be used to facilitate the permitting of point-access block residential buildings.
(b) Contents.--When developing the guidelines under subsection (a), the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall consider--
(1) fire safety considerations, including sprinkler coverage, smoke detection, ventilation, and building egress performance;
(2) construction costs and potential impacts on housing affordability, including the potential for increasing housing supply in high-cost jurisdictions;
(3) flexibility for diverse consumer needs, including family sizes, unit configurations, and accessibility;
(4) examples of single-stair codes adopted or considered by States and cities in the United States;
(5) examples of single-stair codes used in relevant international standards;
(6) research and model language relating to single-stair codes produced by organizations that focus on point-access block building design and building-code reform;
(7) consulting with experts, including developers, architects, fire marshals, researchers, economists, housing authorities, and officials in States that have enacted or piloted single-stair codes; and
(8) alternative methods of safety compliance, including options that utilize additional passive or active safety features.
(c) Coordination With the International Code Council.--The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall coordinate with the International Code Council to encourage the International Code Council to incorporate provisions about point-access block buildings into the International Building Code.
(d) Grants.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development may establish a program to award competitive grants to eligible entities to implement pilot projects that evaluate, demonstrate, or validate the safety, feasibility, or cost-effectiveness of point-access block residential buildings.
(2) Sunset.--The program established under paragraph (1) shall terminate on the date that is 7 years after the date of enactment of this subsection.
(e) Treatment of Projects.--Projects assisted under this section shall be treated as projects assisted under the Community Development Block Grant program under title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C.
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5301 et seq.).
(f) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section may be construed to preempt a State or local building code.
(g) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Eligible entity.--The term "eligible entity" means a State, unit of local government, Tribal Government, public housing agency, nonprofit housing organization, community development organization, private developer, construction firm, qualified design firm, engineering firm, academic institution, research institution, or any partnership or consortium comprised of 2 or more such types of entities.
(2) Point-access block building.--The term "point-access block building" means a Group R-2 occupancy residential structure, as such term is defined by the International Building Code, in which a single internal stairway provides access and egress for all dwelling units in a building that is not greater than 6 stories in height.
SEC. 103. EXEMPTION ON CONSTRUCTION OR MODIFICATION OF
RESIDENTIAL HOUSING LOCATED ON AN INFILL SITE.
(a) Exemption.--In providing assistance under section 501, 502, 504, 515, 533, or 538 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1471, 1472, 1474, 1485, 1490m, or 1490p-2) for the construction or modification of residential housing located on an infill site, the Secretary of Agriculture shall not be required to carry out any study or report on the environmental effects of such assistance.
(b) Report.--Not later than the date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary of Agriculture shall submit, to the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate, a report that--
(1) determines whether the implementation of this section--
(A) reduced the amount of time it takes to review an application for assistance under the sections of the Housing Act of 1949 identified in subsection (a); and
(B) reduced the administrative cost of providing such assistance;
(2) describes how the implementation of this section affects the affordable housing sector in rural America; and
(3) includes any legislative recommendations from the Secretary of Agriculture.
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Greenfield.--The term "greenfield" means a site that has not been developed, including a woodland, farmland, and an open field.
(2) Infill site.--The term "infill site"--
(A) means a site that is served by existing infrastructure, including water lines, sewer lines, and roads; and
(B) does not include--
(i) a site that is served by existing infrastructure that only consists of a road;
(ii) a site within a census tract designated as very high or relatively high risk for wildfire, coastal flooding, and riverine flooding under the National Risk Index of the Federal Emergency Management Agency pursuant to section 206 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5136); and
(iii) a greenfield.
SEC. 104. DATABASE OF PUBLICLY OWNED LAND.
(a) In General.--Section 104(b) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5304(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (5), by striking "and" at the end;
(2) in paragraph (6), by striking the period at the end and inserting "; and"; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
"(7) the grantee maintains, on a publicly accessible website, a searchable database that identifies all parcels of undeveloped land owned by the grantee.".
(b) Eligible Activity.--Section 105(a) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5305(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (25), by striking "and" at the end;
(2) in paragraph (26), by striking the period at the end and inserting "; and"; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
"(27) the creation and maintenance of a database of land as required under section 104(b)(7).".
(c) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this subsection shall take effect on October 1, 2026.
SEC. 105. FHA SMALL-DOLLAR MORTGAGES.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, acting through the Federal Housing Commissioner, may establish a pilot program to increase access to small-dollar mortgages for mortgagors, which may include--
(1) authorizing direct payments to mortgagees to incentivize the origination of small-dollar mortgages;
(2) adjusting terms and costs imposed by the Federal Housing Administration with respect to small-dollar mortgages;
(3) providing direct grants for mortgagors who obtain small-dollar mortgages to cover costs associated with--
(A) down payments;
(B) closing costs;
(C) appraisals; and
(D) title insurance;
(4) conducting outreach to potential mortgagors about the availability of small-dollar mortgages; and
(5) providing technical assistance for mortgagees that originate small-dollar mortgages.
(b) Report.--Beginning not later than 1 year after the establishment of the pilot program under subsection (a) and ending 1 year after the sunset of the pilot program, the Federal Housing Commissioner shall submit to Congress an annual report that--
(1) tracks and evaluates the outcomes of small-dollar mortgages originated by mortgagees as a result of support provided under subsection (a);
(2) analyzes risks of the pilot program to the solvency of the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund;
(3) includes data with respect to--
(A) the number of small-dollar mortgages originated in the 10-year period preceding the date of enactment of this section, including small-dollar mortgages insured or guaranteed by the Federal Government and small-dollar mortgages not insured by the Federal Government;
(B) the original principal balance of each small-dollar mortgage identified under subparagraph (A);
(C) demographic information about the mortgagors associated with each such small-dollar mortgages; and
(D) the number and type of mortgagees that offer small-dollar mortgages;
(4) provides a description of the fixed costs that are associated with mortgages and the impact of such costs on the ability of lenders to earn a market rate return on small-dollar mortgages; and
(5) includes analysis, by regions of the United States, including rural regions, that identifies regions with the greatest need for, and the highest likelihood of, the origination of small-dollar mortgages and regions that could benefit the most from increased availability of small-dollar mortgages.
(c) Sunset.--The pilot program established under subsection (a) shall terminate on the date that is 4 years after the date on which the pilot program is established under subsection (a).
(d) Expiration of Authority.--After the expiration of the 3-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this section, neither the Federal Housing Commissioner nor the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development may newly establish a pilot program to increase access to small-dollar mortgages for mortgagors.
(e) Small-dollar Mortgage Defined.--The term "small-dollar mortgage" means a mortgage that--
(1) has an original principal balance of $100,000 or less; and
(2) is secured by a 1- to 4-unit property that is the principal residence of the mortgagor.
SEC. 106.
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TEMPERATURE SENSOR PILOT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall establish a temperature sensor pilot program to provide grants to public housing agencies and owners of covered federally assisted rental dwelling units to acquire, install, and test the efficacy of approved temperature sensors in residential dwelling units to ensure such units remain in compliance with temperature requirements.
(b) Eligibility.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall, not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, establish eligibility criteria for public housing agencies and owners of covered federally assisted rental dwelling units to participate in the pilot program established pursuant to subsection (a).
(2) Criteria.--In establishing the eligibility criteria described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall ensure--
(A) the pilot program includes a diverse range of participants that represent different geographic regions, climate regions, unit sizes, and types of housing; and
(B) that the functionality of an approved temperature sensor will be installed and tested using amounts awarded under this section, including internet connectivity requirements.
(c) Installation.--Each public housing agency or owner of a covered federally assisted rental dwelling unit that acquires 1 or more approved temperature sensors under this section shall, after receiving written permission from
the resident of a dwelling unit, install such temperature sensor and monitor the data from such temperature sensor.
(d) Collection of Complaint Records.--
(1) In general.--Each public housing agency or owner of a covered federally assisted rental dwelling unit that installs 1 or more approved temperature sensors under this section shall collect and retain information about temperature-related complaints and temperature-related violations.
(2) Definitions.--The Secretary shall, not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, define the terms "temperature-related complaints" and "temperature-related violations" for the purposes of this subsection.
(e) Data Collection.--
(1) In general.--Data collected from temperature sensors acquired and installed by public housing agencies and owners of covered federally assisted rental dwelling units under this section shall be retained until the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development notifies the public housing agency or owner that the pilot program and the evaluation of the pilot program are complete.
(2) Personally identifiable information.--The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall, not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, establish standards for the protection of personally identifiably information collected during the pilot program by public housing agencies, owners of federally assisted rental dwelling units, and the Secretary.
(f) Pilot Program Evaluation.--
(1) Interim evaluation.--Not later than 12 months after the establishment of the pilot program under this section, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall publicly publish and submit to Congress a report that--
(A) examines the number of temperature-related complaints and temperature-related violations in federally assisted rental dwelling units with temperature sensors, disaggregated by temperature sensor technology and climate region--
(i) that occurred before the installation of such sensor, if known; and
(ii) that occurred after the installation of such sensor; and
(B) identifies any barriers to full utility of temperature sensor capabilities, including broadband internet access and tenant participation.
(2) Final evaluation.--Not later than 36 months after the conclusion of the pilot program established by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under this section, the Secretary shall publicly publish and submit to Congress a report that--
(A) examines the number of temperature-related complaints and temperature-related violations in federally assisted rental dwelling units with temperature sensors, disaggregated by temperature sensor technology and climate region--
(i) that occurred before the installation of such sensor; and
(ii) that occurred after the installation of such sensor;
(B) identifies any barriers to full utility of temperature sensor capabilities, including broadband internet access and tenant participation; and
(C) compares the utility of various temperature sensor technologies based on--
(i) climate zones;
(ii) cost;
(iii) features; and
(iv) any other factors identified by the Secretary.
(g) Treatment of Projects.--Projects assisted under this section shall be treated as projects assisted under the Community Development Block Grant program under title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.).
(h) Sunset.--The pilot program established under this section shall terminate on the date that is 3 years after the date of enactment of this section.
(i) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Approved temperature sensor.--The term "approved temperature sensor" means an internet capable temperature reporting device able to measure ambient air temperature to the tenth degree Fahrenheit and Celsius selected from a list of such devices approved in advance by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
(2) Assistance.--The term "assistance"--
(A) means any grant, loan, subsidy, contract, cooperative agreement, or other form of financial assistance; and
(B) does not include the insurance or guarantee of a loan, mortgage, or pool of loans or mortgages.
(3) Covered federally assisted rental dwelling unit.--The term "covered federally assisted rental dwelling unit" means a residential dwelling unit that is made available for rental and for which assistance is provided, or that is part of a housing project for which assistance is provided, under--
(A) the program for project-based rental assistance under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f);
(B) the public housing program under the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437 et seq.);
(C) the program for supportive housing for the elderly under section 202 of the Housing Act of 1959 (12 U.S.C. 1701q); or
(D) the program for supportive housing for persons with disabilities under section 811 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 8013).
(4) Owner.--The term "owner" means--
(A) with respect to the program for project-based rental assistance under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f), any private person or entity, including a cooperative, an agency of the Federal Government, or a public housing agency, having the legal right to lease or sublease dwelling units;
(B) with respect to the public housing program under the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. et seq.), a public housing agency or an owner entity, as those terms are defined in section 905.108 of title 24, Code of Federal Regulations, of public housing units;
(C) with respect to the program for supportive housing for the elderly under section 202 of the Housing Act of 1959 (12 U.S.C. 1701q), a private nonprofit organization, as defined under subsection (k)(4) of that section; and
(D) with respect to the program for supportive housing for persons with disabilities under section 811 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 8013), a private nonprofit organization, as defined under subsection (k)(6) of that section.
SEC. 107.
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HOUSING SUPPLY FRAMEWORKS.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Affordable housing.--The term "affordable housing" means housing for which the monthly payment is not more than 30 percent of the monthly income of the household.
(2) Assistant secretary.--The term "Assistant Secretary" means the Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
(3) Local zoning framework.--The term "local zoning framework" means the local zoning codes and other ordinances, procedures, and policies governing zoning and land-use at the local level.
(4) Secretary.--The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
(5) State zoning framework.--The term "State zoning framework" means the State legislation or State agency and department procedures, or such legislation or procedures in an insular area of the United States, enabling local planning and zoning authorities and establishing and guiding related policies and programs.
(b) Guidelines on State and Local Zoning Frameworks.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary shall publish documents outlining guidelines and best practices to support production of adequate housing to meet the needs of communities and provide housing opportunities for individuals at every income level across communities with respect to--
(A) State zoning frameworks; and
(B) local zoning frameworks.
(2) Consultation; public comment.--During the 2-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, in developing the guidelines and best practices required under paragraph (1), the Assistant Secretary shall--
(A) publish draft guidelines and best practices in the Federal Register for public comment; and
(B) establish a task force for the purpose of providing consultation to draft the guidelines and best practices published under subparagraph (A), the members of which shall include--
(i) urban planners and architects;
(ii) housing developers, including affordable and market-rate housing developers, manufactured housing developers, cooperative housing developers, and other business interests;
(iii) community engagement experts and community members impacted by zoning decisions;
(iv) public housing agencies and transit authorities;
(v) members of local zoning and planning boards and local and regional transportation planning organizations;
(vi) State officials responsible for housing or land use, including members of State zoning boards of appeals;
(vii) academic researchers; and
(viii) home builders.
(3) Contents.--The guidelines and best practices required under paragraph (1) shall--
(A) with respect to State zoning frameworks, outline potential models for updated State enabling legislation or State agency and department procedures;
(B) include recommendations regarding--
(i) the reduction or elimination of parking minimums;
(ii) the increase in maximum floor area ratio requirements and maximum building heights and the reduction in minimum lot sizes and set-back requirements;
(iii) the elimination of restrictions against accessory dwelling units;
(iv) increasing by-right uses, including duplex, triplex, or quadplex buildings, across cities or metropolitan areas;
(v) mechanisms, including proximity to transit, to determine the appropriate scope for rezoning and ensure development that does not disproportionately burden residents of economically distressed areas;
(vi) provisions regarding review of by-right development proposals to streamline review and reduce uncertainty, including--
(I) nondiscretionary, ministerial review; and (II) entitlement and design review processes;
(vii) the reduction of obstacles, regulatory or otherwise, to a range of housing types at all levels of affordability, including manufactured and modular housing;
(viii) State model zoning regulations for directing local reforms, including mechanisms to encourage adoption;
(ix) provisions to encourage transit-oriented development, including increased permissible units per structure and reduced minimum lot sizes near existing or planned public transit stations;
(x) potential reforms to strengthen the public engagement process;
(xi) reforms to protest petition statutes;
(xii) the standardization, reduction, or elimination of impact fees;
(xiii) cost-effective and appropriate building codes;
(xiv) models for community benefit agreements;
(xv) mechanisms to preserve affordability, limit disruption of low-income communities, and prevent displacement of existing residents;
(xvi) with respect to State zoning frameworks--
(I) State model codes for directing local reforms, including mechanisms to encourage adoption;
(II) a model for a State zoning appeals process, which would--
(aa) create a process for developers or builders requesting a variance, conditional use, special permit, zoning district change, similar discretionary permit, or otherwise petitioning a local zoning or planning board for a project, including a State-defined amount of affordable housing to appeal a rejection to a State body or regional body empowered by the State; and
(bb) establish qualifications for communities to be exempted from the appeals process based on their available stock of affordable housing; and
(III) streamlining of State environmental review policies;
(xvii) with respect to local zoning frameworks--
(I) the simplification and standardization of existing zoning codes;
(II) maximum review timelines;
(III) best practices for the disposition of land owned by local governments for affordable housing development;
(IV) differentiations between best practices for rural, suburban, and urban communities, and communities with different levels of density or population distribution; and
(V) streamlining of local environmental review policies; and
(xviii) other land use measures that promote access to new housing opportunities identified by the Secretary; and
(C) consider--
(i) the effects of adopting any recommendation on eligibility for Federal discretionary grants and tax credits for the purpose of housing or community development;
(ii) coordination between infrastructure investments and housing planning;
(iii) local housing needs, including ways to set and measure housing goals and targets;
(iv) a range of affordability for rental units, with a prioritization of units attainable to extremely low-, low-, and moderate-income residents;
(v) a range of affordability for homeownership;
(vi) accountability measures;
(vii) the long-term cost to residents and businesses if more housing is not constructed;
(viii) barriers to individuals seeking to access affordable housing in growing communities and communities with economic opportunity;
(ix) with respect to State zoning frameworks--
(I) distinctions between States providing constitutional or statutory home rule authority to municipalities and States operating under the Dillon Rule, as articulated in Hunter v. Pittsburgh, 207 U.S. 161 (1907); and
(II) Statewide mechanisms to preserve existing affordability over the long term, including support for land banks and community land trusts;
(x) public comments elicited under paragraph (2)(A); and
(xi) other considerations, as identified by the Assistant Secretary.
(c) Abolishment of the Regulatory Barriers Clearinghouse.--
(1) In general.--The Regulatory Barriers Clearinghouse established pursuant to section 1205 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 12705d) is abolished.
(2) Repeal.--Section 1205 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 12705d) is repealed.
(d) Reporting.--Not later than 5 years after the date on which the Assistant Secretary publishes the final guidelines and best practices for State and local zoning frameworks under this section, the Assistant Secretary shall submit to Congress a report describing--
(1) the States that have adopted recommendations from the guidelines and best practices, pursuant to subsection (b);
(2) a summary of the localities that have adopted recommendations from the guidelines and best practices, pursuant to subsection (b);
(3) a list of States that adopted a State zoning framework;
(4) a summary of the modifications that each State has made in their State zoning framework;
(5) a general summary of the types of updates localities have made to their local zoning framework;
(6) with respect to the States that have adopted a State zoning framework or recommendations from the guidelines and best practices, the effect of such adoptions; and
(7) a summary of any recommendations that were routinely not adopted by States or by localities.
(e) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section may be construed to permit the Department of Housing and Urban Development to take an adverse action against or fail to provide otherwise offered actions or services for any State or locality if the State or locality declines to adopt a guideline or best practice under subsection (b).
SEC. 201. INCREASING HOUSING IN OPPORTUNITY ZONES.
(a) Covered Grant Defined.--In this section, the term "covered grant" means any competitive grant relating to the construction, modification, rehabilitation, or preservation of housing, as determined by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
(b) Priority.--When awarding a covered grant, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development may give additional weight to applicants with proposed activities or projects that are located in or substantially and directly benefit a community designated as a qualified opportunity zone under section 1400Z-1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
SEC. 202.
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WHOLE-HOME REPAIRS ACT.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Affordable unit.--The term "affordable unit" means a unit for which the monthly rental payment is not more than 30 percent of the gross income of an individual earning at or below 80 percent of the area median income, as defined by the Secretary.
(2) Assisted unit.--The term "assisted unit" means a unit that undergoes repair or rehabilitation work through a whole-home repairs program administered by an implementing organization under this section.
(3) Eligible home-owner.--The term "eligible home-owner" means a home-owner--
(A) with a household income that--
(i) is not more than 80 percent of the area median income; or
(ii) meets the income eligibility requirements for receiving assistance or benefits under a specified program, as defined in paragraph (11); and
(B) who is--
(i) an owner of record as evidenced by a publicly recorded deed, or other document recorded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and occupies the home on which repairs are to be conducted as their principal residence;
(ii) an owner-occupant of the manufactured home on which repairs are to be conducted;
(iii) an owner-occupant of the cooperative housing unit on which repairs are to be conducted; or
(iv) an owner who can demonstrate an ownership interest in the property, or trust land leasehold, on which repairs are to be conducted, including a person who has inherited an interest in that property.
(4) Eligible landlord.--The term "eligible landlord" means an individual--
(A) who owns, as determined by the relevant implementing organization, fewer than 10 eligible rental properties, with a majority of affordable units and not more than 25 total units, operated as primary residences in which a majority ownership interest is held by the individual, the spouse of the individual, or the dependent children of the individual, or any closely held legal entity controlled by the individual, the spouse of the individual, or the dependent children of the individual, either individually or collectively; and
(B) who agrees to the provisions described in subsection (b)(3).
(5) Eligible rental property.--The term "eligible rental property" means a residential property that--
(A) is leased, or offered exclusively for lease, as a primary residence by an eligible landlord; and
(B) includes affordable units.
(6) Forgivable loan.--The term "forgivable loan" means a loan--
(A) made to an eligible landlord;
(B) that is secured by a lien recorded against a residential property; and
(C) that may be forgiven by the implementing organization not later than the date that is 3 years after the completion of the repairs if the eligible landlord has maintained compliance with the loan agreement described in subsection (b)(3).
(7) Implementing organization.--The term "implementing organization"--
(A) means a unit of general local government or a State that--
(i) will administer a whole-home repairs program through an agency, department, or other entity; or
(ii) enters into agreements with 1 or more local governments, Indian tribes, municipal authorities, other governmental authorities, including a tribally designated housing entity, or qualified nonprofit organizations, to administer a whole-home repairs program as a subrecipient; and
(B) does not include a redundant entity in a jurisdiction already served by a grantee under subsection (b).
(8) Indian tribe.--The term "Indian tribe" has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4103).
(9) Qualified nonprofit.--The term "qualified nonprofit" means a nonprofit organization that--
(A) has received funding, as a recipient or subrecipient, through--
(i) the Community Development Block Grant program under title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.);
(ii) the HOME Investment Partnerships program under subtitle A of title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12741 et seq.);
(iii) the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction grant program under section 1011 of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 4852), a grant under the Healthy Homes Initiative administered by the Secretary pursuant to sections 501 and 502 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1970 (12 U.S.C. 1701z-1, 1701z-2), or a grant under the Older Adult Home Modification Grants Program authorized under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (Public Law 118-42), or any successor Act, to make safety and functional home modification repairs and renovations to meet the needs of low-income seniors to enable them to remain in their primary residence;
(iv) the Self-Help and Assisted Homeownership Opportunity program authorized under section 11 of the Housing Opportunity Program Extension Act of 1996 (42 U.S.C. 12805 note);
(v) a rural housing program under title V of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1471 et seq.); or
(vi) the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation established under the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation Act (42 U.S.C. 8101 et seq.);
(B) has coordinated, performed, or otherwise been engaged in weatherization, lead remediation, or home-repair work for not less than 2 years;
(C) has been certified by the Environmental Protection Agency, or by a State authorized by the Environmental Protection Agency to administer a certification program, as--
(i) eligible to carry out activities under the lead renovation, repair, and painting program under section 402(c) or 404 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C. 2682(c), 2684); or
(ii) a Home Certification Organization under the Energy Star program established by section 324A of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6294a) or the WaterSense program under section 324B of that Act (42 U.S.C. 6294b), or recognized or otherwise approved by the Environmental Protection Agency as a Home Certification Organization under either of those programs; or
(D) is a community development financial institution, as defined in section 103 of the Community Development Banking and Financial Institutions Act of 1994 (12 U.S.C. 4702).
(10) Secretary.--The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
(11) Specified program.--For purposes of paragraph (3)(A)(ii), the term "specified program" means any of the following:
(A) The Medicaid program established under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.).
(B) The State Children's Health Insurance Program established under title XXI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397aa et seq.).
(C) The supplemental security income benefits program established under title XVI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.).
(D) The supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.).
(E) The temporary assistance for needy families program established under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.).
(12) State.--The term "State" means--
(A) each State of the United States;
(B) the District of Columbia;
(C) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;
(D) any territory or possession of the United States; and
(E) an Indian tribe.
(13) Tribally designated housing entity.--The term "tribally designated housing entity" has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4103).
(14) Whole-home repairs.--The term "whole-home repairs" means modifications, repairs, or updates to home-owner or renter-occupied units to address--
(A) physical and sensory accessibility for individuals with disabilities and older adults, such as bathroom and kitchen modifications, installation of grab bars and handrails, guards and guardrails, lifting devices, ramp additions or repairs, sidewalk addition or repair, or doorway or hallway widening;
(B) habitability and safety concerns, such as repairs needed to ensure residential units are fit for human habitation and free from defective conditions or health and safety hazards; or
(C) energy and water efficiency, resilience, and weatherization.
(b) Pilot Program.--
(1) Establishment.--There is authorized a pilot program to provide grants to implementing organizations to administer a whole-home repairs program for eligible home-owners and eligible landlords.
(2) Use of funds.--An implementing organization that receives a grant from appropriated funds made available for this subsection--
(A) shall provide grants to eligible home-owners to implement whole-home repairs not covered by other Federal home repair programs up to a maximum amount per unit, which maximum amount should--
(i) reflect local construction costs and the level of repairs needed in each unit; and
(ii) be calculated and approved by the Secretary;
(B) shall provide loans, which may be forgivable, to eligible landlords to implement whole-home repairs not covered by other Federal home repair programs for individual affordable units, public and common use areas within the property, and common structural elements up to a maximum amount per unit, area, or element, as applicable, which maximum amount should--
(i) reflect local construction costs; and
(ii) be calculated and approved by the Secretary;
(C) shall evaluate, or provide assistance to eligible home-owners and eligible landlords to evaluate, whole-home repair program funds provided under this subsection with Federal, State, Tribal, and local home repair programs to provide the greatest benefit to the greatest number of eligible landlords and eligible home-owners and avoid duplication of benefits and redundancies for the same home repairs;
(D) shall require that--
(i) all repairs funded or facilitated through an award under this subsection have been completed;
(ii) if repairs are not completed and the plan for whole-home repairs is not updated to reflect the new scope of work, that the loan or grant is repaid on a prorated basis based on completed work; and
(iii) any unused grant or loan balance is returned to the implementing organization, and is reused by the implementing organization for a new whole-home repair grant or loan under this subsection;
(E) may use not more than 5 percent of the awarded funds to carry out related functions, including workforce training for home repair professions, which shall be related to efforts to increase the number of home repairs performed and approved by the Secretary;
(F) may use not more than 10 percent of the awarded funds for administrative expenses;
(G) shall comply with Federal accessibility requirements and standards under applicable Federal fair housing and civil rights laws and regulations, including section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794); and
(H) shall ensure that rental properties assisted under subparagraph (B) shall be treated as projects assisted under title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.).
(3) Loan agreement.--In a loan agreement with an eligible landlord under this subsection, an implementing organization shall include provisions establishing that the eligible landlord shall, for each eligible rental property for which a loan is used to fund repairs under this subsection--
(A) comply with Federal accessibility requirements and standards under applicable Federal fair housing and civil rights laws and regulations, including section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794); and
(B)(i) if the landlord is renting the assisted units available in the eligible rental property to tenants receiving tenant-based rental assistance under section 8(o) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C.
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1437f(o)), under another tenant-based rental assistance program administered by the Secretary or the Secretary of Agriculture, or under a tenant-based rental subsidy provided by a State or local government, comply with the program requirements under the relevant tenant-based rental assistance program; or
(ii) if the eligible landlord is not renting to tenants receiving rental-based assistance as described in clause (i)--
(I)(aa) offer to extend the lease of current tenants on current terms, other than the terms described in subclause (iv) for not less than 3 years beginning after the completion of the repairs, unless the lease is terminated due to failure to pay rent, performance of an illegal act within the rental unit, or a violation of an obligation of tenancy that the tenants failed to correct after notice; and
(bb) if the tenant of an assisted unit moves out of the assisted unit at any point in the 3-year period following the loan agreement, maintain the unit as an affordable unit for the remainder of the 3-year period;
(II) provide documentation verifying that the property, upon completion of approved renovations, has met all applicable State and local housing and building codes;
(III) attest that the landlord has no known serious violations of renter protections that have resulted in fines, penalties, or judgments during the preceding 10 years; and
(IV) cap annual rent increases for each assisted unit at 5 percent of base rent or at the rate of inflation, whichever is lower, for not less than 3 years beginning after the completion of the repairs.
(4) Application.--
(A) In general.--An implementing organization desiring an award under this subsection shall submit to the Secretary an application that includes--
(i) the geographic scope of the whole-home repairs program to be administered by the implementing organization, including the plan to address need in any rural, Tribal, suburban, or urban area within a jurisdiction;
(ii) a plan for selecting subrecipients, if applicable;
(iii) a description of how the implementing organization plans to execute the coordination of Federal, State, Tribal, and local home repair programs, including programs administered by the Department of Energy, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Veteran Affairs, or the Department of Agriculture, to increase efficiency and reduce redundancy;
(iv) available data on the need for affordable and quality housing within the geographic scope of the whole-home repairs program, and any plans to preserve affordability through the term of the award;
(v) a description of how the implementing organization plans to process and verify applications for grants from eligible home-owners and applications for loans from eligible landlords; and
(vi) such other information as the Secretary requires to determine the ability of an applicant to carry out a program under this subsection.
(B) Considerations.--In making awards under this subsection, the Secretary shall--
(i) with respect to applications submitted by States other than the District of Columbia and the territories of the United States, prioritize those applications with a demonstrated plan to--
(I) make a good-faith effort to implement the pilot program in every jurisdiction; and
(II) provide nonmetropolitan areas, or subrecipients serving non-metropolitan areas if applicable, with a share of total funds commensurate with their population;
(ii) aim to select applicants so that the awardees collectively span diverse geographies, with an intent to understand the impact of the pilot program under this subsection in urban, suburban, rural, and Tribal settings; and
(iii) not disqualify implementing organizations that were awarded grants under the pilot program in prior application cycles.
(5) Program information.--The Secretary shall make available to grant recipients under this subsection information regarding existing Federal programs for which grant recipients may coordinate or provide assistance in coordinating applications for those programs in accordance with paragraph (2)(C).
(6) Grant number.--In each year in which an award is made under this subsection, the Secretary shall award assistance to--
(A) not less than 2, and not more than 10, implementing organizations, as application numbers and funding permit; and
(B) not more than 1 implementing organization in any State.
(7) Loans that are not forgiven.--If a loan made by an implementing organization under paragraph (2)(B) is not forgiven, the loan repayment funds shall be reused by the implementing organization for a new whole-home repair grant or loan under this subsection, which shall remain subject to the original terms of the assistance awarded under this subsection.
(8) Supplement, not supplant.--Amounts awarded under this subsection to implementing organizations shall supplement, not supplant, other Federal, State, Tribal, and local funds made available to those entities.
(9) Streamlining program delivery and ensuring efficiency.--To the extent possible, in carrying out the pilot program under this subsection, the Secretary shall--
(A) endeavor to improve efficiency of service delivery, as well as the experience of and impact on the taxpayer, by encouraging programmatic collaboration and information sharing across Federal, State, Tribal, and local programs for home repair or improvement, including programs administered by the Department of Agriculture, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Veterans Affairs, or the Department of Energy; and
(B) enhance collaboration and cross-agency streamlining efforts that reduce the burden of multiple income verification processes and applications on the eligible home-owner, the eligible landlord, the implementing organization, and the Federal Government, including by establishing assistance application procedures for income eligibility under this subsection that recognize income eligibility determinations for assistance using any of the criteria under subsection (a)(3)(A) that have been used for assistance applications during the 1-year period preceding the date on which an eligible home-owner or eligible landlord applies for assistance under this subsection.
(10) Reporting requirements.--
(A) Annual report.--An implementing organization that receives a grant under this subsection shall submit to the Secretary an annual report on initial funding that includes--
(i) the number of units served, including reporting on both home-ownership and rental units, as well as accessible units;
(ii) the average cost per unit for modifications or repairs and the nature of those modifications or repairs, including reporting on accessibility in both home-ownership and rental units;
(iii) the number of applications received, served, denied, or not completed, disaggregated by geographic area;
(iv) the aggregated demographic data of grant recipients, which may include data on income range, urban, suburban, and rural residency, age, and racial and ethnic identity;
(v) the aggregated demographic data of loan recipients, which may include data on income range, urban, suburban, and rural residency, age, and racial and ethnic identity;
(vi) an affirmation that the implementation organization has complied with the applicable regulations, including compliance with Federal accessibility requirements;
(vii) in the first year of receiving a grant, and as certified in subsequent reports, a comprehensive plan to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse in the administration of the pilot program, which shall include, at a minimum--
(I) a policy enacted and enforced by the implementing organization to monitor ongoing expenditures under this subsection and ensure compliance with applicable regulations;
(II) a policy enacted and enforced by the implementing organization to detect and deter fraudulent activity, including fraud occurring in individual projects and patterns of fraud by parties involved in the expenditure of funds under this subsection;
(III) a statement setting forth any violations detected by the implementing organization during the previous calendar year, including details about steps taken to achieve compliance and any remedial measures; and
(IV) a certification by the chief executive or most senior compliance officer of the organization that the organization maintains sufficient staff and resources to effectively carry out the above-mentioned policies; and
(viii) such other information as the Secretary may require.
(B) Reporting requirement alignment.--To limit the costs of implementing the pilot program under this subsection, the Secretary shall endeavor, to the extent possible, to structure reporting requirements such that they align with the data reporting requirements in place for funding streams that implementing organizations are likely to use together with funding from this subsection, including the reporting requirements under--
(i) the Community Development Block Grant program under title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.);
(ii) the HOME Investment Partnerships program under subtitle A of title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12741 et seq.);
(iii) the Weatherization Assistance Program for low-income persons established under part A of title IV of the Energy Conservation and Production Act (42 U.S.C. 6861 et seq.); and
(iv) the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4101 et seq.).
(C) Pilot program period reports.--Not less frequently than twice during the period in which the pilot program established under this subsection operates, the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Housing and Urban Development shall complete an assessment of the implementation of measures to ensure the fair and legitimate use of the pilot program.
(D) Summary to congress.--The Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives an annual report providing a summary of the data provided under subparagraphs (A) and (C) during the 1-year period preceding the report and all data previously provided under those subparagraphs.
(11) Environmental review.--A grant under this subsection shall be--
(A) treated as assistance for a special project for purposes of section 305(c) of the Multifamily Housing Property Disposition Reform Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 3547); and
(B) subject to the regulations promulgated by the Secretary to implement such section.
(12) Termination.--The pilot program established under this subsection shall terminate on October 1, 2031.
SEC. 203. COMMUNITY INVESTMENT AND PROSPERITY ACT.
(a) Revised Statutes.--The paragraph designated as the "Eleventh" of section 5136 of the Revised Statutes of the United States (12 U.S.C. 24) is amended, in the fifth sentence, by striking "15" each place the term appears and inserting "20".
(b) Federal Reserve Act.--Section 9(23) of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 338a) is amended, in the fifth sentence, by striking "15" each place the term appears and inserting "20".
(c) Study.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this section, and every 2 years thereafter, the Comptroller of the Currency and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System shall each submit to the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate, a report, after consulting with the other agency in the development of such report, about public welfare investments that were made by associations under section 5136 of the Revised Statutes of the United States (12 U.S.C. 24) and State member banks under section 9(23) of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C.
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338a) in the 2 previous calendar years, that--
(1) identifies the number of such investments, broken down by--
(A) purpose;
(B) type;
(C) amount of assets of the association or State member bank that made the investment, using not fewer than 4 categories to describe the amount of assets of the associations and banks; and
(D) State or other location;
(2) identifies the dollar amounts of such investments, broken down by--
(A) purpose;
(B) type;
(C) amount of assets of the association or State member bank that made the investment, using not fewer than 4 categories to describe the amount of assets of the associations and banks; and
(D) State or other location; and
(3) for each type of public welfare investment identified under paragraphs (1) and (2), a description of the substantive and procedural requirements that apply to each type of investment made under--
(A) in the case of a report by the Comptroller of the Currency, section 5136 of the Revised Statutes of the United States (12 U.S.C. 24); or
(B) in the case of a report by the Board of Governors, section 9(23) of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 338a).
SEC. 204. ADDITION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING CONSTRUCTION AS AN
ELIGIBLE ACTIVITY.
(a) Eligible Activity.--Section 105(a) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5305(a)), as amended by section 104 of this Act, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (26), by striking "and" at the end;
(2) in paragraph (27), by striking the period at the end and inserting "; and"; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
"(28) the new construction of affordable housing, within the meaning given such term under section 215 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12745), and which shall not exceed 20 percent of the amounts allocated to the recipient.".
(b) Low- and Moderate-income Requirement.--Section 105(c)(3) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5305(c)(3)) is amended by striking "or rehabilitation" and inserting ", rehabilitation, or new construction".
(c) Applicability.--The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect only to amounts appropriated after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 205. BETTER USE OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL AND LOCAL
DEVELOPMENT (BUILD) HOUSING ACT.
(a) Designation of Environmental Review Procedure.--The Department of Housing and Urban Development Act (42 U.S.C. 3531 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 12 (42 U.S.C. 3537a) the following:
"SEC. 13. DESIGNATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PROCEDURE.
"(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary may, for purposes of environmental review, decision making, and action pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), and other provisions of law that further the purposes of such Act, designate the treatment of assistance administered by the Secretary as funds for a special project for purposes of section 305(c) of the Multifamily Housing Property Disposition Reform Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 3547).
"(b) Exception.--The designation described in subsection (a) shall not apply to assistance for which a procedure for carrying out the responsibilities of the Secretary under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), and other provisions of law that further the purposes of such Act, is otherwise specified in law.".
(b) Tribal Assumption of Environmental Review Obligations.--Section 305(c) of the Multifamily Housing Property Disposition Reform Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 3547) is amended--
(1) by striking "State or unit of general local government" each place it appears and inserting "State, Indian Tribe, or unit of general local government";
(2) in paragraph (1)(C), in the heading, by striking "State or unit of general local government" and inserting "State, indian tribe, or unit of general local government"; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
"(5) Definition of indian tribe.--For purposes of this subsection, the term `Indian Tribe' means a federally recognized tribe, as defined in section 4(13)(B) of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4103(13)(B)).".
(c) Implementation.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), a designation of assistance under section 13 of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act, as added by subsection (a), shall only apply with respect to funds appropriated after the date of enactment of this Act.
(2) Exception.--If a grantee of assistance administered by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development combines funds appropriated before and after the date of enactment of this Act to carry out a project, section 13 of the Department of and Urban Development Act, as added by subsection (a), shall not apply to that assistance.
SEC. 206. UNLOCKING HOUSING SUPPLY THROUGH STREAMLINED AND
MODERNIZED REVIEWS ACT.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Infill project.--The term "infill project" means a project that--
(A) occurs within the geographic limits of a municipality;
(B) is adequately served by existing utilities and public services as required under applicable law;
(C) is located on a site of previously disturbed land of not more than 5 acres and substantially surrounded by residential or commercial development;
(D) will repurpose a vacant or underutilized parcel of land, or a dilapidated or abandoned structure; and
(E) will serve a residential or commercial purpose.
(2) Secretary.--The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
(b) NEPA Streamlining for HUD Housing-related Activities.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall, in accordance with section 553 of title 5, United States Code, and section 103 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4333), expand and reclassify housing-related activities under the necessary administrative regulations as follows:
(A) The following housing-related activities shall be subject to regulations equivalent or substantially similar to the regulations entitled "exempt activities" as set forth in section 58.34 of title 24, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on January 1, 2025:
(i) Tenant-based rental assistance.
(ii) Supportive services, including health care, housing services, permanent housing placement, day care, nutritional services, short-term payments for rent, mortgage, or utility costs, and assistance in gaining access to Federal Government and State and local government benefits and services.
(iii) Operating costs, including maintenance, security, operation, utilities, furnishings, equipment, supplies, staff training, and recruitment and other incidental costs.
(iv) Economic development activities, including equipment purchases, inventory financing, interest subsidies, operating expenses, and similar costs not associated with construction or expansion of existing operations.
(v) Activities to assist home-buyers in the purchase of existing dwelling units or dwelling units under construction, including closing costs and down payment assistance, interest rate buydowns, and similar activities that result in the transfer of title.
(vi) Affordable housing predevelopment costs related to obtaining site options, project financing, administrative costs and fees for loan commitment, zoning approvals, and other related activities that do not have a physical impact.
(vii) Approval of supplemental assistance, including insurance or guarantee, to a project previously approved by the Secretary.
(viii) Emergency home-owner or renter assistance for the repair or replacement of HVAC, hot water heaters, and other necessary existing utilities required under applicable law.
(B) The following housing-related activities shall be subject to regulations equivalent or substantially similar to the regulations entitled, (i) "categorical exclusions not subject to section 58.5" and (ii) "categorical exclusions not subject to the Federal laws and authorities cited in section 50.4" in section 58.35(b) and section 50.19, respectively of title 24, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on January 1, 2025, if such activities do not materially alter environmental conditions and do not materially exceed the original scope of the project:
(i) Acquisition, repair, improvement, reconstruction, or rehabilitation of public facilities and improvements (other than buildings) if the facilities and improvements are in place and will be retained in the same use without change in size or capacity of more than 20 percent, including replacement of water or sewer lines, reconstruction of curbs and sidewalks, and repaving of streets.
(ii) Rehabilitation of 1-to-4 unit residential buildings, and existing housing-related infrastructure, such as repairs or rehabilitation of existing wells, septics, or utility lines that connect to that housing.
(iii) New construction, development, demolition, acquisition, or disposition of up to 4 scattered site existing dwelling units where there is a maximum of 4 units on any 1 site.
(iv) Acquisitions (including leasing) of, disposition of, or equity loans on an existing structure, or acquisition (including leasing) of vacant land if the structure or land acquired, financed, or disposed of will be retained for the same use.
(C) The following housing-related activities shall be subject to regulations equivalent or substantially similar to the regulations entitled, (i) "categorical exclusions subject to section 58.5" and (ii) "categorical exclusions subject to the Federal laws and authorities cited in section 50.4" in section 58.35(a) and section 50.20, respectively, of title 24, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on January 1, 2025, if such activities do not materially alter environmental conditions and do not materially exceed the original scope of the project:
(i) Acquisitions of open space or residential property, where such property will be retained for the same use or will be converted to open space to help residents relocate out of an area designated as a high-risk area by the Secretary.
(ii) Conversion of existing office buildings into residential development, subject to--
(I) a maximum number of units to be determined by the Secretary; and
(II) a limitation on the change in building size of not more than 20 percent.
(iii) New construction, development, demolition, acquisition, or disposition of 5 to 15 dwelling units where there is a maximum of 15 units on any 1 site.
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The units can be 15 1-unit buildings or 1 15-unit building, or any combination in between.
(iv) New construction, development, demolition, acquisition, or disposition of 15 or more housing units developed on scattered sites when there are not more than 15 housing units on any 1 site, and the sites are more than a set number of feet apart as determined by the Secretary.
(v) Rehabilitation of buildings and improvements in the case of a building for residential use with 5 to 15 units, if the density is not increased beyond 15 units and the land use is not changed.
(vi) Infill projects consisting of new construction, rehabilitation, or development of residential housing units.
(vii) The voluntary acquisition of properties--
(I) located in--
(aa) a floodway; (bb) a floodplain; or (cc) any other area, clearly delineated by the grantee; and
(II) that have been impacted by a predictable environmental threat to the safety and well-being of program beneficiaries caused or exacerbated by a federally declared disaster.
(c) Implementation.--For purposes of implementing the streamlining of environmental review for housing-related activities under subsection (b), the agency actions carried out under that subsection--
(1) shall only apply with respect to funds appropriated after the effective date of those actions; and
(2) shall not apply with respect to a grantee that combines funds appropriated before and after the effective date of those actions to carry out a project.
(d) Report.--The Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives an annual report during the 5-year period beginning on the date that is 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act that provides a summary of findings of reductions in review times and administrative cost reduction, with a particular focus on the affordable housing sector, as a result of the actions set forth in this section, and any recommendations of the Secretary for future congressional action with respect to revising categorical exclusions or exemptions under title 24, Code of Federal Regulations.
SEC. 207. GRANTS FOR PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION ASSOCIATED
WITH AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Eligible entity.--The term "eligible entity" means--
(A) a State, insular area, metropolitan city, or urban county, as those terms are defined in section 102 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5302); or
(B) a regional planning agency or consortia of regional planning agencies.
(2) Housing plan.--The term "housing plan" means a plan to, with respect to an area within the jurisdiction of an eligible entity--
(A) increase the amount of available housing to meet the demand for such housing and any projected increase in the demand for such housing;
(B) increase the affordability of housing;
(C) increase the accessibility of housing for people with disabilities, including location-efficient housing;
(D) preserve or improve the quality of housing;
(E) reduce barriers to housing development; and
(F) coordinate with transportation-related agencies.
(3) Housing strategy.--The term "housing strategy" means a housing strategy required under section 105 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12705).
(4) Secretary.--The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
(b) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a program to award grants on a competitive basis to eligible entities to assist planning and implementation activities associated with affordable housing, except that such grant awards may not be used for construction, alteration, or repair work.
(c) Use of Amounts.--
(1) By regional planning agencies.--If an eligible entity that receives amounts under this section is an eligible entity described in subsection (a)(1)(B), the eligible entity shall use those amounts to assist planning activities with respect to affordable housing, including--
(A) the development of housing plans;
(B) the substantial improvement of State or local housing strategies;
(C) the development of new regulatory requirements and processes;
(D) updating zoning codes;
(E) increasing the capacity to conduct housing inspections;
(F) increasing the capacity to reduce barriers to housing supply elasticity and housing affordability;
(G) the development of local or regional plans for community development; and
(H) the substantial improvement of community development strategies, including strategies designed to--
(i) increase the availability of affordable housing and access to affordable housing;
(ii) increase access to public transportation; and
(iii) advance sustainable or location-efficient community development goals.
(2) By states, insular areas, metropolitan cities, and urban counties.--If an eligible entity that receives amounts under this section is an eligible entity described in subsection (a)(1)(A), the eligible entity shall use those amounts to--
(A) implement and administer housing strategies and housing plans;
(B) implement and administer any plans to increase housing choice, address disparities in housing needs, and provide greater access to opportunity;
(C) fund any community investments that support goals identified in a housing strategy or housing plan;
(D) implement and administer regulatory requirements and processes with respect to reformed zoning codes;
(E) increase the capacity to conduct housing inspections;
(F) increase the capacity to reduce barriers to housing supply elasticity and housing affordability;
(G) implement and administer local or regional plans for community development; and
(H) fund any planning to increase--
(i) the availability of affordable housing and access to affordable housing;
(ii) access to public transportation; and
(iii) any location-efficient community development goals.
(3) Use for administrative costs.--A eligible entity that receives amounts under this section may not use more than 10 percent of those amounts for administrative costs.
(d) Coordination.--To the extent practicable, the Secretary shall coordinate with the Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration in carrying out this section.
(e) Expiration of Authority.--After the expiration of the 5-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary may not newly establish a program as described in this section.
(f) Sunset.--The program established under this section shall terminate on the date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 208. INNOVATION FUND.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Attainable housing.--The term "attainable housing" means housing that serves households earning not more than 120 percent of the area median income, if the majority of the housing units are affordable to households earning not more than 60 percent of the area median income.
(2) Eligible entity.--The term "eligible entity" means--
(A) a metropolitan city or urban county, as those terms are defined in section 102 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5302), that has demonstrated an objective improvement in housing supply growth, as determined by the Secretary, whose methodology for determining such growth is published in the Federal Register to allow for public comment not less than 90 days before the date on which the notice of funding opportunity is made available; or
(B) a unit of general local government or an Indian tribe, as those terms are defined in section 102 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5302), that has demonstrated an objective improvement in housing supply growth, as determined by the Secretary, whose methodology for determining such improvement is published in the Federal Register to allow for public comment not less than 90 days before the date on which the notice of funding opportunity is made available.
(3) Secretary.--The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
(b) Establishment of a Grant Program.--
(1) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a program to award grants on a competitive basis to eligible entities that have increased their local housing supply.
(2) List of eligible entities.--The Secretary shall make a list of eligible entities publicly available on the website of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
(3) Eligible purposes.--An eligible entity receiving a grant under this section may use funds to--
(A) carry out any of the activities described in section 105 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C.
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5305);
(B) carry out any of the activities permitted under the Local and Regional Project Assistance Program established under section 6702 of title 49, United States Code; and
(C) carry out initiatives of the eligible entity that facilitate the expansion of the supply of attainable housing and that supplement initiatives the eligible entity has carried out, or is in the process of carrying out, as specified in the application submitted under paragraph (4).
(4) Application.--
(A) In general.--An eligible entity seeking a grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary an application that provides--
(i) a description of each purpose for which the eligible entity will use the grant, and an attestation that the grant will be used only for 1 or more eligible purposes described in paragraph (3);
(ii) data on characteristics of increased housing supply during the 3-year period ending on the date on which the application is submitted, which may include whether such housing--
(I) serves households at a range of income levels; and
(II) has improved the quality and affordability of housing in the jurisdiction of the eligible entity;
(iii) a description of how each eligible purpose described in clause (i) may address a community need or advance an objective, or an aspect of an objective, included in the comprehensive housing affordability strategy and community development plan of the eligible entity under part 91 of title 24, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation (commonly referred to as a "consolidated plan"); and
(iv) a description of how the eligible entity has carried out, or is in the process of carrying out, initiatives that facilitate the expansion of the supply of housing.
(B) Initiatives.--Initiatives that meet the criteria described in paragraph (3)(C) include, but shall not be limited to--
(i) increasing by-right uses, including duplex, triplex, quadplex, and multifamily buildings, in areas of opportunity;
(ii) revising or eliminating off-street parking requirements to reduce the cost of housing production;
(iii) revising minimum lot size requirements, floor area ratio requirements, set-back requirements, building heights, and bans or limits on construction that allow for denser and more affordable development;
(iv) instituting incentives to promote dense development for communities where increased density is needed;
(v) passing zoning overlays or other ordinances that enable the development of mixed-income housing;
(vi) streamlining regulatory requirements and shortening processes, increasing code enforcement and permitting capacity, reforming zoning codes, or other initiatives that reduce barriers to increasing housing supply and affordability;
(vii) eliminating restrictions against accessory dwelling units and expanding their by-right use;
(viii) using local tax incentives or public financing to promote development of attainable housing;
(ix) streamlining environmental regulations;
(x) eliminating unnecessary manufactured-housing or cooperative housing regulations and restrictions;
(xi) minimizing the impact of overburdensome energy and water efficiency standards on housing costs; and
(xii) other activities that reduce the cost of construction, as determined by the Secretary.
(5) Grants.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall make not fewer than 25 grants on an annual basis (unless amounts appropriated to provide grant amounts consistent with subsection (b) are insufficient, in which case fewer grants may be awarded), with strong consideration of different geographical areas and a relatively even spread of rural, suburban, and urban communities.
(B) Limitations on awards.--No grant awarded under this paragraph may be--
(i) more than $10,000,000; or
(ii) less than $250,000.
(C) Priority.--When awarding grants under this paragraph, the Secretary shall give priority to an eligible entity that has--
(i) demonstrated the use of innovative policies, interventions, or programs for increasing housing supply; and
(ii) demonstrated a marked improvement in housing supply growth, as needed.
(D) Grant administration and terms.--Projects assisted under this section for activities described in sector 23 of the North American Industry Classification System shall be treated as projects assisted under the Community Development Block Grant program under title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.).
(c) Rules of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed--
(1) to authorize the Secretary to mandate, supersede, or preempt any local zoning or land use policy; or
(2) to affect the requirements of section 105(c)(1) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12705(c)(1)).
(d) Sunset.--The program established under this section shall terminate on the date that is 7 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
(2) Adjustment.--The amount authorized to be appropriated under paragraph (1) shall be adjusted for inflation based on the Consumer
Price Index for all Urban Customers published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor.
SEC. 209. ACCELERATING HOME BUILDING ACT.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Affordable housing.--The term "affordable housing" means housing for which the total monthly housing cost payment is not more than 30 percent of the monthly household income for a household earning not more than 80 percent of the area median income.
(2) Covered structure.--The term "covered structure" means--
(A) a low-rise or mid-rise structure with not more than 25 dwelling units; and
(B) includes--
(i) an accessory dwelling unit;
(ii) infill development;
(iii) a duplex;
(iv) a triplex;
(v) a fourplex;
(vi) a cottage court;
(vii) a courtyard building;
(viii) a townhouse;
(ix) a multiplex; and
(x) any other structure with not less than 2 dwelling units that the Secretary considers appropriate.
(3) Eligible entity.--The term "eligible entity" means--
(A) a unit of general local government, as defined in section 102(a) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5302(a));
(B) a municipal membership organization; and
(C) an Indian tribe, as defined in section 102(a) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5302(a)).
(4) High opportunity area.--The term "high opportunity area" has the meaning given the term in section 1282.1 of title 12, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation.
(5) Infill development.--The term "infill development" means residential development on small parcels in previously established areas for replacement with new or refurbished housing that utilizes existing utilities and infrastructure.
(6) Mixed-income housing.--The term "mixed-income housing" means a housing development that is comprised of housing units that promote differing levels of affordability in the community.
(7) Prereviewed designs.--The term "prereviewed designs", also known as pattern books, means sets of construction plans that are assessed and approved by localities for compliance with local building and permitting standards to streamline and expedite approval pathways for housing construction.
(8) Rural area.--The term "rural area" means any area other than a city or town that has a population of less than 50,000 inhabitants.
(9) Secretary.--The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
(b) Authority.--The Secretary is authorized to award grants to eligible entities utilizing funds appropriated for such purpose to select prereviewed designs of covered structures of mixed-income housing for use in the jurisdiction of the eligible entity, except that such grant awards may not be used for construction, alteration, or repair work.
(c) Considerations.--In reviewing applications submitted by eligible entities for a grant under this section, the Secretary shall consider--
(1) the need for affordable housing in the service area of the eligible entity;
(2) the presence of high opportunity areas in the jurisdiction of the eligible entity;
(3) coordination between the eligible entity and a State agency; and
(4) coordination between the eligible entity and State, local, and regional transportation planning authorities.
(d) Set-aside for Rural Areas.--Of the amount made available in each fiscal year for grants under this section, the Secretary shall ensure that not less than 10 percent shall be used for grants to eligible entities that are located in rural areas.
(e) Reports.--The Secretary shall require eligible entities receiving grants under this section to report on--
(1) the impacts of the activities carried out using the grant amounts in improving the production and supply of affordable housing;
(2) the prereviewed designs selected using the grant amounts in their communities;
(3) the number of permits issued for housing development utilizing prereviewed designs; and
(4) the number of housing units produced in developments utilizing the prereviewed designs.
(f) Availability of Information.--The Secretary shall--
(1) to the extent possible, encourage localities to make publicly available through a website information on the prereviewed designs selected and submitted to the Secretary by eligible entities receiving grants under this section, including information on the benefits of use of those designs; and
(2) collect, identify, and disseminate best practices regarding such designs and make such information publicly available on the website of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
(g) Design Adoption and Repayment.--The Secretary may require an eligible entity to return to the Secretary any grant funds received under this section if the selected prereviewed designs submitted under this section have not been adopted during the 5-year period following receipt of the grant, unless that period is extended by the Secretary.
(h) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary may set aside not more than 5 percent of amounts appropriated in a fiscal year to provide technical assistance to grant recipients under this section and pregrant technical assistance to prospective applicants.
SEC. 210. REVITALIZING EMPTY STRUCTURES INTO DESIRABLE
ENVIRONMENTS (RESIDE) ACT.
(a) In General.--Subtitle A of title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12741 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
"SEC. 227.
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REVITALIZING EMPTY STRUCTURES INTO DESIRABLE
ENVIRONMENTS.
"(a) Definitions.--In this section:
"(1) Attainable housing.--The term `attainable housing' means housing that serves households earning not more than 120 percent of the area median income, if the majority of the housing units are affordable to households earning not more than 60 percent of the area median income.
"(2) Converted housing unit.--The term `converted housing unit' means a housing unit that is created using a covered grant.
"(3) Covered grant.--The term `covered grant' means a grant awarded under the Pilot Program.
"(4) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means a participating jurisdiction.
"(5) Pilot program.--The term `Pilot Program' means the pilot program established under subsection (b).
"(6) Vacant and abandoned building.--The term `vacant and abandoned building' means a property--
"(A) that was constructed for use as a warehouse, factory, mall, strip mall, or hotel, or for another industrial or commercial use; and
"(B)(i) with respect to which--
"(I) a code enforcement inspection has determined that the property is not safe; and
"(II) not less than 90 days have elapsed since the owner was notified of the deficiencies in the property and the owner has taken no corrective action; or
"(ii) that is subject to a court-ordered receivership or nuisance abatement related to abandonment pursuant to State or local law or otherwise meets the definition of an abandoned property under State law.
"(b) Purpose of Grant Program.--Subject to the availability of funds appropriated for this subsection, the Secretary is authorized to establish a pilot program, spanning from fiscal years 2027 through 2031, which shall have the purpose of awarding grants on a competitive basis to eligible entities to convert vacant and abandoned buildings into attainable housing.
"(c) Amount of Grant.--
"(1) In general.--For any fiscal year for which not less than $100,000,000 is made available to carry out the Pilot Program, the amount of a covered grant shall be not less than $1,000,000 and not more than $10,000,000.
"(2) Fiscal years with lower funding.--For any fiscal year for which less than $100,000,000 is made available to carry out the Pilot Program pursuant to subsection (b), the Secretary shall seek to maximize the number of covered grants awarded.
"(d) Relation to Formula Allocation.--A covered grant awarded to an eligible entity shall be in addition to, and shall not affect, the formula allocation for the eligible entity under section 217.
"(e) Priority.--In awarding covered grants, the Secretary shall give priority to an eligible entity that--
"(1) will use the covered grant in a community that is experiencing economic distress;
"(2) will use the covered grant in a qualified opportunity zone (as defined in section 1400Z-1(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986);
"(3) will use the covered grant to construct housing that will serve a need identified in the comprehensive housing affordability strategy and community development plan of the eligible entity under part 91 of title 24, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation (commonly referred to as a `consolidated plan'); or
"(4) has enacted ordinances to reduce regulatory barriers to conversion of vacant and abandoned buildings to housing, which shall not include any alteration of an ordinance that governs safety and habitability.
"(f) Use of Funds.--An eligible entity may use a covered grant for--
"(1) property acquisition;
"(2) demolition;
"(3) health hazard remediation;
"(4) site preparation;
"(5) construction, renovation, or rehabilitation; or
"(6) the establishment, maintenance, or expansion of community land trusts or housing cooperatives.
"(g) Waiver Authority.--In administering covered grants, the Secretary may waive, or specify alternative requirements for, any statute or regulation that the Secretary administers in connection with the obligation by the Secretary or the use by eligible entities of covered grant funds (except for requirements related to fair housing, nondiscrimination, labor standards, or the environment) if the Secretary makes a public finding that good cause exists for the waiver or alternative requirement.
"(h) Study; Report.--Not later than 180 days after the termination of the Pilot Program, the Secretary shall study and submit to Congress a report on the impact of the Pilot Program on--
"(1) improving the tax base of local communities;
"(2) increasing access to affordable housing, especially for elderly individuals, disabled individuals, and veterans;
"(3) increasing home-ownership; and
"(4) removing blight.".
(b) Technical and Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (Public Law 101-625; 104 Stat. 4079) is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 226 the following:
"Sec. 227. Revitalizing empty structures into desirable environments.".
SEC. 211. HOUSING AFFORDABILITY ACT.
(a) In General.--Title II of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1707 et seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 206A (12 U.S.C. 1712a)--
(A) in subsection (a), in the matter following paragraph (7), by striking "(commencing in 2004" and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting the following: ", commencing on July 1, 2025. The adjustment of the Dollar Amounts shall be calculated by the Secretary using the percentage change in the Price Deflator Index of Multifamily Residential Units Under Construction released by the Bureau of the Census from March of the previous year to March of the year in which the adjustment is made, or by the Secretary using an alternative indicator after publishing information about such alternative indicator in the Federal Register for public comment if the Price Deflator Index of Multifamily Residential Units Under Construction is not available or published."; and
(B) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
"(b) Publication.--
"(1) In general.--The Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register any adjustments made to the Dollar Amounts.
"(2) Rounding.--The dollar amount of any adjustment described in paragraph (1) shall be rounded to the next lower dollar.";
(2) in section 207(c)(3)(A) (12 U.S.C. 1713(c)(3)(A))--
(A) by striking "$38,025" and inserting "$167,310";
(B) by striking "$42,120" and inserting "$185,328";
(C) by striking "$50,310" and inserting "$221,364";
(D) by striking "$62,010" and inserting "$272,844";
(E) by striking "$70,200" and inserting "$308,880";
(F) by striking ", or not to exceed $17,460 per space";
(G) by striking "$43,875" and inserting "$193,050";
(H) by striking "$49,140" and inserting "$216,216";
(I) by striking "$60,255" and inserting "$265,122";
(J) by striking "$75,465" and inserting "$332,046"; and
(K) by striking "$85,328" and inserting "$375,443";
(3) in section 213(b)(2) (12 U.S.C. 1715e(b)(2))--
(A) by striking "$41,207" and inserting "$181,311";
(B) by striking "$47,511" and inserting "$209,048";
(C) by striking "$57,300" and inserting "$252,120";
(D) by striking "$73,343" and inserting "$322,709";
(E) by striking "$81,708" and inserting "$359,515";
(F) by striking "$43,875" and inserting "$193,050";
(G) by striking "$49,710" and inserting "$218,724";
(H) by striking "$60,446" and inserting "$265,962";
(I) by striking "$78,197" and inserting "$344,067"; and
(J) by striking "$85,836" and inserting "$377,678";
(4) in section 220(d)(3)(B)(iii)(I) (12 U.S.C. 1715k(d)(3)(B)(iii)(I))--
(A) by striking "$38,025" and inserting "$167,310";
(B) by striking "$42,120" and inserting "$185,328";
(C) by striking "$50,310" and inserting "$221,364";
(D) by striking "$62,010" and inserting "$272,844";
(E) by striking "$70,200" and inserting "$308,880";
(F) by striking "$43,875" and inserting "$193,050";
(G) by striking "$49,140" and inserting "$216,216";
(H) by striking "$60,255" and inserting "$265,122";
(I) by striking "$75,465" and inserting "$332,046"; and
(J) by striking "$85,328" and inserting "$375,443";
(5) in section 221(d)(4)(ii)(I) (12 U.S.C. 1715l(d)(4)(ii)(I))--
(A) by striking "$37,843" and inserting "$166,509";
(B) by striking "$42,954" and inserting "$188,997";
(C) by striking "$51,920" and inserting "$228,448";
(D) by striking "$65,169" and inserting "$286,744";
(E) by striking "$73,846" and inserting "$324,922";
(F) by striking "$40,876" and inserting "$179,854";
(G) by striking "$46,859" and inserting "$206,180";
(H) by striking "$56,979" and inserting "$250,708";
(I) by striking "$73,710" and inserting "$324,324"; and
(J) by striking "$80,913" and inserting "$356,017";
(6) in section 231(c)(2)(A) (12 U.S.C. 1715v(c)(2)(A))--
(A) by striking "$35,978" and inserting "$166,509";
(B) by striking "$40,220" and inserting "$188,997";
(C) by striking "$48,029" and inserting "$228,448";
(D) by striking "$57,798" and inserting "$286,744";
(E) by striking "$67,950" and inserting "$324,922";
(F) by striking "$40,876" and inserting "$179,854";
(G) by striking "$46,859" and inserting "$206,180";
(H) by striking "$56,979" and inserting "$250,708";
(I) by striking "$73,710" and inserting "$324,324"; and
(J) by striking "$80,913" and inserting "$356,017"; and
(7) in section 234(e)(3)(A) (12 U.S.C. 1715y(e)(3)(A))--
(A) by striking "$42,048" and inserting "$185,011";
(B) by striking "$48,481" and inserting "$213,316";
(C) by striking "$58,469" and inserting "$257,263";
(D) by striking "$74,840" and inserting "$329,296";
(E) by striking "$83,375" and inserting "$366,850";
(F) by striking "$44,250" and inserting "$194,700";
(G) by striking "$50,724" and inserting "$223,186";
(H) by striking "$61,680" and inserting "$271,392";
(I) by striking "$79,793" and inserting "$351,089"; and
(J) by striking "$87,588" and inserting "$385,387".
(b) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section or the amendments made by this section may be construed to limit the authority of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to revise the statutory exceptions for high-cost percentage and high-cost areas annual indexing.
(c) Multifamily Loan Limit Study.--The Commissioner of the Federal Housing Administration, in consultation with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, shall conduct a study to assess the following in comparison to the loan limits prior to the amendments made under this section:
(1) Whether the Commissioner has sufficient authority to increase loan limits for each multifamily mortgage insurance program at appropriate amounts, including to meet market demand.
(2) The impacts that multifamily loan limit increases have had, if any, on--
(A) the General Insurance and Special Risk Insurance Fund;
(B) the change in volume of multifamily purchase and construction lending that is insured by the Federal Housing Administration; and
(C) subject to the availability of data, the year-over-year change over the last 6 years in--
(i) median and average lending costs as well as rent and house prices within the multifamily housing market; and
(ii) multifamily housing supply, including the number of building permits issued as well as housing unit starts and completions.
(d) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commissioner of the Federal Housing Administration shall submit to Congress a report summarizing the findings of the Commissioner for the study conducted under subsection (b).
SEC. 212. RENTAL ASSISTANCE DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM.
The language under the heading "Rental Assistance Demonstration" in the Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2012 (Public Law 112-55; 125 Stat.
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673) is amended--
(1) in the second proviso, by striking "until September 30, 2029" and inserting "for fiscal year 2012 and each fiscal year thereafter";
(2) in the fourth proviso, by striking "455,000" and inserting "555,000";
(3) in the twentieth proviso, as so designated before the date of enactment of this Act, by striking "or other means:" and inserting "or other means, including the adoption of a mandatory tenant lease and management plan addendum for a property with assistance converted, if not otherwise covered by another program, under this demonstration:"; and
(4) by striking "vouchers to project-based vouchers." and inserting "vouchers to project-based vouchers: Provided further, That the Secretary shall annually assess and publish findings regarding the impact of the conversion of assistance under the First Component of the demonstration with respect to the preservation and improvement of public housing, the amount of private sector leveraging resulting from such conversion transactions, the prevalence of pre-conversion residents remaining in or returning to the property following conversion, and the effect of such conversion on tenants, including the impact of such conversion on the rights maintained by tenants as enumerated in regulations and other documents conferring rights upon tenants as developed by the Secretary, and other matters the Secretary may determine appropriate: Provided further, That the Secretary may take remediative action or impose civil money penalties or other administrative sanctions for material violations of a requirement under the First and Second Components of this demonstration: Provided further, That nothing in the matter under this heading shall be construed to diminish, impair, or otherwise negatively affect the Rental Assistance Demonstration property rights of owners or rights of tenants, which shall remain enforceable by tenants, as enumerated in current law, regulations, and other agency guidance or notices as it relates to properties converted under the First and Second Components of the Rental Assistance Demonstration Program; Provided further, That any property owned by the public housing agency shall be used to replace, create, preserve, improve, or expand affordable housing supply, including as part of mixed use developments, and no conversion under the Rental Assistance Demonstration shall be used for sporting, private, or for-profit purposes, excluding those which maintain or expand housing supply which may use
an affordable housing tax credit or other housing affordability program.".
SEC. 213. BUILD NOW ACT.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Covered recipient.--The term "covered recipient" means a metropolitan city or urban county, as those terms are defined in section 102 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5302), that receives funds under section 106.
(2) Current annual growth rate.--The term "current annual growth rate", with respect to an eligible recipient and a fiscal year, means the average annual percentage increase in the number of housing units in the jurisdiction of the eligible recipient, as calculated by the Secretary, during the period--
(A) beginning with the third quarter of the sixth preceding fiscal year; and
(B) ending with the third quarter of the preceding fiscal year.
(3) Eligible recipient.--The term "eligible recipient" means any covered recipient unless--
(A)(i) the median Small Area Fair Market Rent in the jurisdiction of the covered recipient is at or below the 60th percentile of median Small Area Fair Market Rents in the jurisdictions of all covered recipients; and
(ii) the median home value in the jurisdiction of the covered recipient is below the median home value for the United States;
(B) the annual rental vacancy rate in the jurisdiction of the covered recipient is greater than the national annual rental vacancy rate for the most recent year available, as published by the Bureau of the Census;
(C) during the 3-year period preceding the date on which the Secretary allocates funds under section 106, the jurisdiction of the covered recipient has been the subject of a major disaster or emergency declaration under section 401 or 501, respectively, of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170, 5191); or
(D) the covered recipient lacks the legal authority to enact or update zoning and permitting ordinances.
(4) Extremely high-growth recipient.--The term "extremely high-growth recipient" means an eligible recipient for which the current annual growth rate is at or above 4 percent.
(5) Housing growth improvement rate.--The term "housing growth improvement rate", with respect to an eligible recipient and a fiscal year, means the quotient of--
(A)(i) the current annual growth rate of the eligible recipient, minus
(ii) the prior annual growth rate of the eligible recipient; and
(B) the sum obtained by adding the absolute values of the current annual growth rate and the prior annual growth rate of the eligible recipient.
(6) Prior annual growth rate.--The term "prior annual growth rate", with respect to an eligible recipient and a fiscal year, means the average annual percentage increase in the number of housing units in the jurisdiction of the eligible recipient, as calculated by the Secretary, during the period--
(A) beginning with the third quarter of the 11th preceding fiscal year; and
(B) ending with the third quarter of the sixth preceding fiscal year.
(7) Secretary.--The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
(8) Section 106.--The term "section 106" means section 106 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5306).
(b) Adjustments to Community Development Block Grant Allocations.--
(1) In general.--In allocating amounts to an eligible recipient under section 106 for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall adjust the allocation based on the housing growth improvement rate of the eligible recipient, in accordance with paragraph (2) of this subsection.
(2) Adjustments.--
(A) Housing growth improvement rate at or above median; extremely high-growth recipients.--
(i) In general.--If, with respect to a fiscal year for which the allocation under section 106 is being determined, the housing growth improvement rate for an eligible recipient is at or above the median housing growth improvement rate for all eligible recipients other than extremely high-growth recipients, or if an eligible recipient is an extremely high-growth recipient, the Secretary shall allocate to the eligible recipient for that fiscal year, in addition to the amount that would otherwise be allocated to the eligible recipient under section 106, a bonus amount, as determined under clause (ii) of this subparagraph.
(ii) Bonus amount.--For purposes of clause (i), the bonus amount for an eligible recipient for a fiscal year shall be equal to the product of--
(I) the aggregate amount by which allocations to eligible recipients are decreased under subparagraph (B) for that fiscal year; and
(II) the quotient of--
(aa) the difference in the number of housing units, between the third quarter of the second preceding fiscal year and the third quarter of the preceding fiscal year, in the jurisdiction of the eligible recipient, as calculated by the Secretary; and
(bb) the difference in the number of housing units, between the third quarter of the second preceding fiscal year and the third quarter of the preceding fiscal year, in the jurisdictions of all eligible recipients that receive a bonus amount under this paragraph, as calculated by the Secretary.
(B) Housing growth improvement rate below median.--If, with respect to a fiscal year for which the allocation under section 106 is being determined, the housing growth improvement rate for an eligible recipient is below the median housing growth improvement rate for all eligible recipients other than high-growth outliers, the Secretary shall decrease the amount that would otherwise be allocated to the eligible recipient under section 106 for that fiscal year by 10 percent.
(c) Calculation of Housing Units.--
(1) Housing and urban development requirements.--In calculating the number of housing units in the jurisdiction of an eligible recipient under any provision of this section, the Secretary shall--
(A) use the Current Address Count Listing Files and other data products, as needed, of the Bureau of the Census tabulated from the Master Address File; and
(B) make calculations at the block level, using boundaries that reflect the most current boundaries.
(2) Census bureau and postal service requirements.--The Bureau of the Census and the United States Postal Service shall provide any relevant data to the Secretary upon request to assist the Secretary in making a calculation described in paragraph (1).
(3) Adjustment of calculation periods.--The Secretary may adjust the calculation periods under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (a)(2), subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (a)(6), and items (aa) and (bb) of subsection (b)(2)(A)(ii)(II) by not more than 2 months to achieve alignment with the data provided by the Bureau of the Census.
(d) Annual Report on Housing Growth Improvement Rate.--Before allocating funds under section 106 for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall publish a report that--
(1) includes the housing growth improvement rate for each eligible recipient; and
(2) lists, for the most recent fiscal year for which allocations were made under section 106--
(A) the eligible recipients that received a bonus amount under subsection (b)(2)(A); and
(B) the eligible recipients for which the allocation under section 106 was decreased under subsection (b)(2)(B) of this section.
(e) Notification; Implementation Dates.--
(1) Notification.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall notify each eligible recipient of the recipient's housing growth improvement rate and whether that housing growth improvement rate is above, at, or below the median housing growth improvement rate for all eligible recipients other than extremely high-growth recipients.
(B) Guidance.--As part of the notification under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall share guidance, including resources developed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, on best practices and recommendations for policies to reduce regulatory barriers to housing and increase housing supply.
(2) Implementation dates.--Subsection (b) shall take effect beginning with the third full fiscal year after the date of enactment of this Act and remain in effect through fiscal year 2043.
(3) No effect on previous appropriations.--This section shall not apply to amounts appropriated before the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 301. HOUSING SUPPLY EXPANSION ACT.
(a) In General.--Section 603(6) of the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5402(6)) is amended by striking "on a permanent chassis" and inserting "with or without a permanent chassis".
(b) Standards for Manufactured Homes Built Without a Permanent Chassis.--Section 604(a) of the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C.
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5403(a)) is amended by adding the following:
"(7) Standards for manufactured homes built without a permanent chassis.--
"(A) In general.--The Secretary, in consultation with the consensus committee, shall issue revised standards for manufactured homes built without a permanent chassis using the process described in paragraph (4).
"(B) Creating final standards.--The Secretary shall, after consulting and conferring with the consensus committee, establish standards to ensure that manufactured homes without a permanent chassis have--
"(i) a distinct label, with revenue generated to be deposited into the Manufactured Housing Fees Trust Fund established under section 620(e)(1), to be issued by the Secretary distinguishing manufactured home built without a permanent chassis from manufactured homes built on a permanent chassis;
"(ii) a data plate, as described in section 3280.5 of title 24, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation), distinguishing manufactured homes built without a permanent chassis from manufactured homes built on a permanent chassis; and
"(iii) a notation on any invoice produced by the manufacturer of a manufactured home that is distinguishable from the invoice for a manufactured home constructed with a permanent chassis.".
(c) Manufactured Home Certifications.--Section 604 of the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5403) is amended by adding at the end the following:
"(i) Manufactured Home Certifications.--
"(1) In general.--
"(A) Initial certification.--Subject to subparagraph (B), not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a State shall submit to the Secretary an initial certification that the laws and regulations of the State--
"(i) treat any manufactured home in parity with a manufactured home (as defined and regulated by the State); and
"(ii) subject a manufactured home without a permanent chassis to the same laws and regulations of the State as a manufactured home built on a permanent chassis, including with respect to financing, title, insurance, manufacture, sale, taxes, transportation, installation, and other areas as the Secretary determines, after consultation with and approval by the consensus committee, are necessary to give effect to the purpose of this section.
"(B) State plan submission.--Any State plan submitted under section 623(b) shall contain the required State certification under subparagraph (A) and, if contained therein, no additional or State certification under subparagraph (A) or paragraph (3).
"(C) Extended deadline.--With respect to a State with a legislature that meets biennially, the deadline for the submission of the initial certification required under subparagraph (A) shall be 2 years after the date of enactment of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.
"(D) Late certification.--
"(i) No waiver.--The Secretary may not waive the prohibition described in paragraph (5)(B) with respect to a certification submitted after the deadline under subparagraph (A) or paragraph (3) unless the Secretary approves the late certification.
"(ii) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prevent a State from submitting the initial certification required under subparagraph (A) after the required deadline under that subparagraph.
"(2) Form of state certification not presented in a state plan.--The initial certification required under paragraph (1)(A), if not submitted with a State plan under paragraph (1)(B), shall contain, in a form prescribed by the Secretary, an attestation by an official that the State has taken the steps necessary to ensure the veracity of the certification required under paragraph (1)(A), including, as necessary, by--
"(A) amending the definition of `manufactured home' in the laws and regulations of the State; and
"(B) directing State agencies to amend the definition of `manufactured home' in regulations.
"(3) Annual recertification.--Not later than a date to be determined by the Secretary each year, a State shall submit to the Secretary an additional certification that--
"(A) confirms the accuracy of the initial certification submitted under subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1); and
"(B) certifies that any new laws or regulations enacted or adopted by the State since the date of the previous certification do not change the veracity of the initial certification submitted under paragraph (1)(A).
"(4) List.--The Secretary shall publish and maintain in the Federal Register and on the website of the Department of Housing and Urban Development a list of States that are up to date with the submission of initial and subsequent certifications required under this subsection.
"(5) Prohibition.--
"(A) Definition.--In this paragraph, the term `covered manufactured home' means a home that is--
"(i) not considered a manufactured home under the laws and regulations of a State because the home is constructed without a permanent chassis;
"(ii) considered a manufactured home under the definition of the term in section 603; and
"(iii) constructed after the date of enactment of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.
"(B) Building, installation, and sale.--If a State does not submit a certification under paragraph (1)(A) or (3) by the date on which those certifications are required to be submitted--
"(i) with respect to a State in which the State administers the installation of manufactured homes, the State shall prohibit the manufacture, installation, or sale of a covered manufactured home within the State; and
"(ii) with respect to a State in which the Secretary administers the installation of manufactured homes, the State and the Secretary shall prohibit the manufacture, installation, or sale of a covered manufactured home within the State.".
(d) Other Federal Laws Regulating Manufactured Homes.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development may coordinate with the heads of other Federal agencies to ensure that Federal agencies treat a manufactured home (as defined in Federal laws and regulations other than section 603 of the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5402)) in the same manner as a manufactured home (as defined in section 603 of the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5402), as amended by this Act).
(2) Energy efficiency standards.--
(A) Manufactured home defined.--In this paragraph, the term "manufactured home" has the meaning given the term in section 603 of the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5402), as amended by this Act.
(B) Process.--No energy efficiency standards for manufactured homes developed by any Federal agency shall have legal effect unless and until adopted by the Department of Housing and Urban Development pursuant to the consensus standards and regulatory development process described in section 604(a)(2) of the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5403(a)(2)).
(C) Minimum standards.--The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall--
(i) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, adopt minimum energy efficiency standards for manufactured homes; and
(ii) not less frequently than once every 3 years after adopting the standards under clause (i), update those standards.
(e) Assistance to States.--Section 609 of the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5408) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking "and" at the end;
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting "; and"; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
"(3) model guidance to support the submission of the certification required under section 604(i).".
(f) Preemption.--Nothing in this section or the amendments made by this section may be construed as limiting the scope of Federal preemption under section 604(d) of the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5403(d)).
SEC. 302. MODULAR HOUSING PRODUCTION ACT.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Manufactured home.--The term "manufactured home" has the meaning given the term in section 603 of the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5402).
(2) Modular home.--The term "modular home" means a home that is constructed in a factory in 1 or more modules, each of which meets applicable State and local building codes of the area in which the home will be located, and that are transported to the home building site, installed on foundations, and completed.
(3) Secretary.--The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
(b) FHA Construction Financing Programs.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct a review of Federal Housing Administration construction financing programs to identify barriers to the use of modular home methods.
(2) Requirements.--In conducting the review under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall--
(A) identify and evaluate regulatory and programmatic features that restrict participation in construction financing programs by modular home developers, including construction draw schedules; and
(B) identify administrative measures authorized under section 525 of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1735f-3) to facilitate program utilization by modular home developers.
(3) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall publish a report that describes the results of the review conducted under paragraph (1), which shall include a description of programmatic and policy changes that the Secretary recommends to reduce or eliminate identified barriers to the use of modular home methods in Federal Housing Administration construction financing programs.
(4) Rulemaking.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 120 days after the date on which the Secretary publishes the report under paragraph (3), the Secretary shall initiate a rulemaking to examine an alternative draw schedule for construction financing loans provided to modular and manufactured home developers, which shall include the ability for interested stakeholders to provide robust public comment.
(B) Determination.--Following the period for public comment under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall--
(i) issue a final rule regarding an alternative draw schedule described in subparagraph (A); or
(ii) provide an explanation as to why the rule shall not become final.
(c) Standardized Uniform Commercial Code for Modular Homes.--The Secretary may award a grant to study the design and feasibility of a standardized uniform commercial code for modular homes, which shall evaluate--
(1) the utility of a standardized coding system for serializing and securing modules, streamlining design and construction, and improving modular home innovation; and
(2) a means to coordinate a standardized code with financing incentives.
SEC. 303. PROPERTY IMPROVEMENT AND MANUFACTURED HOUSING LOAN
MODERNIZATION ACT.
(a) National Housing Act Amendments.--
(1) In general.--Section 2 of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C.
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1703) is amended--
(A) in subsection (a), by inserting "construction of additional or accessory dwelling units, as defined by the Secretary," after "energy conserving improvements,"; and
(B) in subsection (b)--
(i) in paragraph (1)--
(I) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following:
"(A) $75,000 if made for the purpose of financing alterations, repairs, and improvements upon or in connection with an existing single-family structure, including a manufactured home;";
(II) in subparagraph (B)--
(aa) by striking "$60,000" and inserting "$150,000"; (bb) by striking "$12,000" and inserting "$37,500"; and (cc) by striking "an apartment house or";
(III) by striking subparagraphs (C) and (D) and inserting the following:
"(C)(i) $106,405 if made for the purpose of financing the purchase of a single-section manufactured home; and
"(ii) $195,322 if made for the purpose of financing the purchase of a multi-section manufactured home;
"(D)(i) $149,782 if made for the purpose of financing the purchase of a single-section manufactured home and a suitably developed lot on which to place the home; and
"(ii) $238,699 if made for the purpose of financing the purchase of a multi-section manufactured home and a suitably developed lot on which to place the home;";
(IV) in subparagraph (E)--
(aa) by striking "$23,226" and inserting "$43,377"; and
(bb) by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon;
(V) in subparagraph (F), by striking "and" at the end;
(VI) in subparagraph (G), by striking the period at the end and inserting "; and"; and
(VII) by inserting after subparagraph (G) the following:
"(H) such principal amount as the Secretary may prescribe if made for the purpose of financing the construction of an accessory dwelling unit.";
(ii) in the matter immediately preceding paragraph (2)--
(I) by striking "regulation" and inserting "notice";
(II) by striking "increase" and inserting "set";
(III) by striking "(A)(ii), (C), (D), and (E)" and inserting "(A) through (H)";
(IV) by inserting ", or as necessary to achieve the goals of the Federal Housing Administration, periodically reset the dollar amount limitations in subparagraphs (A) through (H) based on justification and methodology set forth in advance by regulation" before the period at the end; and
(V) by adjusting the margins appropriately;
(iii) in paragraph (3), by striking "exceeds--" and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting "exceeds such period of time as determined by the Secretary, not to exceed 30 years.";
(iv) by striking paragraph (9) and inserting the following:
"(9) Annual indexing of certain dollar amount limitations.--The Secretary shall develop or choose 1 or more methods of indexing in order to annually set the loan limits established in paragraph (1), based on data the Secretary determines is appropriate for purposes of this section."; and
(v) in paragraph (11), by striking "lease--" and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting "lease meets the terms and conditions established by the Secretary".
(2) Deadline for development or choice of new index; interim index.--
(A) Deadline for development or choice of new index.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall develop or choose 1 or more methods of indexing as required under section 2(b)(9) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1703(b)(9)), as amended by paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(B) Interim index.--During the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on the date on which the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development develops or chooses 1 or more methods of indexing as required under section 2(b)(9) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1703(b)(9)), as amended by paragraph (1) of this subsection, the method of indexing established by the Secretary under such section 2(b)(9) before the date of enactment of this Act shall apply.
(b) HUD Study of Offsite Construction.--
(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
(A) Offsite construction housing.--The term "offsite construction housing" includes manufactured homes and modular homes.
(B) Manufactured home.--The term "manufactured home" means any home constructed in accordance with the construction and safety standards established under the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5401 et seq.).
(C) Modular home.--The term "modular home" means a home that is constructed in a factory in 1 or more modules, each of which meets applicable State and local building codes of the area in which the home will be located, and that are transported to the home building site, installed on foundations, and completed.
(2) Study.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall conduct a study and submit to Congress a report on the cost effectiveness of offsite construction housing that includes--
(A) an analysis of the advantages and the impact of centralization in a factory and transportation to a construction site on cost, precision, and materials waste;
(B) the extent to which offsite construction housing meets housing quality standards under the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate, or other standards as the Secretary may prescribe, compared to the extent for site-built homes, for such standards;
(C) the expected replacement and maintenance costs over the first 40 years of life of offsite construction homes compared to those costs for site-built homes; and
(D) opportunities for use beyond single-family housing, such as applications in accessory dwelling units, two- to four-unit housing, and large multifamily housing.
SEC. 304. PRICE ACT.
(a) In General.--Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 105(a) (42 U.S.C. 5305(a)), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking "Activities" and inserting "Unless otherwise authorized under section 123, activities"; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
"SEC. 123. PRESERVATION AND REINVESTMENT FOR COMMUNITY
ENHANCEMENT.
"(a) Definitions.--In this section:
"(1) Community development financial institution.--The term `community development financial institution' means an institution that has been certified as a community development financial institution (as defined in section 103 of the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994 (12 U.S.C. 4702)) by the Secretary of the Treasury.
"(2) Eligible manufactured housing community.--The term `eligible manufactured housing community' means a manufactured housing community that--
"(A) is affordable to low- and moderate-income persons, as determined by the Secretary, but not more than 120 percent of the area median income; and
"(B)(i) is owned by the residents of the manufactured housing community through a resident-controlled entity such as a resident-owned cooperative; or
"(ii) will be maintained as such a community, and remain affordable for low- and moderate-income persons, to the maximum extent practicable and for the longest period feasible.
"(3) Eligible recipient.--The term `eligible recipient' means--
"(A) an eligible manufactured housing community;
"(B) a unit of general local government;
"(C) a housing authority;
"(D) a resident-owned community;
"(E) a resident-owned cooperative;
"(F) a nonprofit entity with housing expertise or a consortium of such entities;
"(G) a community development financial institution;
"(H) an Indian tribe;
"(I) a tribally designated housing entity;
"(J) the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands;
"(K) a State; or
"(L) any other entity that is--
"(i) an owner-operator of an eligible manufactured housing community; and
"(ii) working with an eligible manufactured housing community.
"(4) Indian tribe.--The term `Indian tribe' has the meaning given the term `Indian tribe' in section 4 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4103).
"(5) Manufactured housing community.--The term `manufactured housing community' means--
"(A) any community, court, park, or other land under unified ownership developed and accommodating, or equipped to accommodate, the placement of manufactured homes, where--
"(i) spaces within such community are or will be primarily used for residential occupancy;
"(ii) all homes within the community are used for permanent occupancy; and
"(iii) a majority of such occupied spaces within the community are occupied by manufactured homes, which may include homes constructed prior to enactment of the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards; or
"(B) any community that meets the definition of manufactured housing community used for programs similar to the program under this section.
"(6) Resident health, safety, and accessibility activities.--The term `resident health, safety, and accessibility activities' means the reconstruction, repair, or replacement of manufactured housing and manufactured housing communities to--
"(A) protect the health and safety of residents;
"(B) address weatherization and reduce utility costs; or
"(C) address accessibility needs for residents with disabilities.
"(7) Tribally designated housing entity.--The term `tribally designated housing entity' has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C.
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4103).
"(b) Establishment.--There is authorized a competitive grant program that the Secretary shall, by notice, carry out to make awards utilizing funds appropriated for such purpose to eligible recipients to carry out eligible projects for development of or improvements to eligible manufactured housing communities.
"(c) Eligible Projects.--
"(1) In general.--Amounts from grants under this section may be used for--
"(A) community infrastructure, facilities, utilities, and other land improvements in or serving an eligible manufactured housing community;
"(B) reconstruction or repair of existing housing within an eligible manufactured housing community;
"(C) replacement of homes within an eligible manufactured housing community;
"(D) planning;
"(E) resident health, safety, and accessibility activities in homes in an eligible manufactured housing community;
"(F) land and site acquisition and infrastructure for expansion or construction of an eligible manufactured housing community;
"(G) resident and community services, including relocation assistance, eviction prevention, and down payment assistance; and
"(H) any other activity that--
"(i) is approved by the Secretary consistent with the requirements under this section;
"(ii) improves the overall living conditions of an eligible manufactured housing community, which may include the addition or enhancement of shared spaces such as community centers, recreational areas, or other facilities that support resident well-being and community engagement; and
"(iii) is necessary to protect the health and safety of the residents of the eligible manufactured housing community and the long-term affordability and sustainability of the community.
"(2) Replacement.--For purposes of subparagraphs (B) and (C) of paragraph (1), grants under this section--
"(A) may not be used for rehabilitation or modernization of units that were built before June 15, 1976; and
"(B) may only be used for disposition and replacement of units described in subparagraph (A), provided that any replacement housing
complies with the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards or is another allowed type of home, as determined by the Secretary.
"(d) Priority.--In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall prioritize applicants that will carry out activities that primarily benefit low- and moderate-income residents and preserve long-term housing affordability for residents of eligible manufactured housing communities.
"(e) Waivers.--The Secretary may waive or specify alternative requirements for any provision of law or regulation that the Secretary administers in connection with use of amounts made available under this section other than requirements related to fair housing, nondiscrimination, labor standards, and the environment, upon a finding that the waiver or alternative requirement is not inconsistent with the overall purposes of this section and that the waiver or alternative requirement is necessary to facilitate the use of amounts made available under this section.
"(f) Implementation.--
"(1) In general.--Any grant made under this section shall be made pursuant to criteria for selection of recipients of such grants that the Secretary shall by regulation establish and publish together with any notification of availability of amounts under this section.
"(2) Set-aside of grant amounts.--The Secretary may set aside amounts provided under this section for grants to Indian tribes, tribally designated housing entities, and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.
"(g) Sunset.--The program established under this section shall terminate on the date that is 7 years after the date of enactment of this section.".
(b) Application.--Grants made under section 123 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as added by subsection (a), after the date of enactment of this Act shall be carried out using amounts appropriated after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 401. CREATING INCENTIVES FOR SMALL-DOLLAR LOAN
ORIGINATORS.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Director.--The term "Director" means the Director of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.
(2) Small-dollar mortgage.--The term "small-dollar mortgage" means a mortgage loan having an original principal obligation of not more than $100,000 that is--
(A) secured by real property designed for 1 to 4 dwelling units; and
(B)(i) insured by the Federal Housing Administration under title II of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1707 et seq.);
(ii) made, guaranteed, or insured by the Department of Veterans Affairs;
(iii) made, guaranteed, or insured by the Department of Agriculture; or
(iv) eligible to be purchased or securitized by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation or the Federal National Mortgage Association.
(b) Requirement Regarding Loan Originator Compensation Practices.--Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report on loan originator compensation practices throughout the residential mortgage market, including the relative frequency of loan originators being compensated--
(1) with a salary;
(2) with a commission reflecting a fixed percentage of the amount of credit extended;
(3) with a commission based on a factor other than a fixed percentage of the amount of credit extended;
(4) with a combination of salary and commission;
(5) on a loan volume basis; and
(6) with a commission reflecting a percentage of the amount of credit extended, for which a minimum or maximum compensation amount is set.
(c) Community Development Financial Institution Loan Originators.--In carrying out the report required under subsection (b), the Secretary shall, in coordination with relevant Federal agencies that regulate federally backed small-dollar mortgages and in consultation with the Director of the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund established under section 104 of the Community Development Banking and Financial Institutions Act of 1994 (12 U.S.C. 4703), give due consideration to the practices for compensating loan originators that are employed by or originate loans on behalf of community development financial institutions.
(d) Contents.--The report required under subsection (b) shall include--
(1) data and other analyses regarding the effect of the approaches to loan originator compensation described in subsection (b) on the availability of small-dollar mortgage loans; and
(2) an analysis and a discussion regarding potential barriers to small-dollar mortgage lending.
SEC. 402. SMALL-DOLLAR MORTGAGE POINTS AND FEES.
(a) Small-dollar Mortgage Defined.--In this section, the term "small-dollar mortgage" means a mortgage with an original principal obligation of less than $100,000.
(b) Amendments.--Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, in consultation with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, shall evaluate the impact of the thresholds under section 1026.43 of title 12, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act), on small-dollar mortgage originations.
SEC. 403. APPRAISAL INDUSTRY IMPROVEMENT ACT.
(a) Appraisal Standards.--
(1) Certification or licensing.--
(A) In general.--Section 202(g)(5) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1708(g)(5)) is amended--
(i) by moving the paragraph two ems to the left; and
(ii) by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B) and inserting the following:
"(A) be certified or licensed by the State in which the property to be appraised is located, except that a Federal employee who has as their primary duty conducting appraisal-related activities and who chooses to become a State-licensed or certified real estate appraiser need only to be licensed or certified in 1 State or territory to perform appraisals on mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration in all States and territories;
"(B) meet the requirements under the competency rule set forth in the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice before accepting an assignment; and
"(C) have demonstrated verifiable education in the appraisal requirements established by the Federal Housing Administration under this subsection, which shall include the completion of a course or seminar that educates appraisers on those appraisal requirements, which shall be provided by--
"(i) the Federal Housing Administration; or
"(ii) a third party, if the course is approved by the Secretary or a State appraiser certifying or licensing agency.".
(B) Application.--Subparagraph (C) of section 202(g)(5) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1708(g)(5)), as added by subparagraph (A), shall not apply with respect to any certified appraiser approved by the Federal Housing Administration to conduct appraisals on property securing a mortgage to be insured by the Federal Housing Administration on or before the effective date described in paragraph (3)(C).
(2) Compliance with verifiable education and competency requirements.--On and after the effective date described in paragraph (3)(C), no appraiser may conduct an appraisal on a property securing a mortgage to be insured by the Federal Housing Administration unless--
(A) the appraiser is in compliance with the requirements of subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 202(g)(5) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1708(g)(5)), as amended by paragraph (1); and
(B) if the appraiser was not approved by the Federal Housing Administration to conduct appraisals on mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration before the date on which the mortgagee letter or guidance takes effect under paragraph (3)(C), the appraiser is in compliance with subparagraph (C) of such section 202(g)(5).
(3) Implementation.--Not later than the 240 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall issue a mortgagee letter or guidance that--
(A) implements the amendments made by paragraph (1);
(B) clearly sets forth all of the specific requirements under section 202(g)(5) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1708(g)(5)), as amended by paragraph (1), for approval to conduct appraisals on property secured by a mortgage to be insured by the Federal Housing Administration, which shall include--
(i) providing that, before the effective date of the mortgagee letter or guidance, compliance with the requirements under subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of such section 202(g)(5), as amended by paragraph (1), shall be considered to fulfill the requirements under such subparagraphs; and
(ii) providing a method for appraisers to demonstrate such prior compliance; and
(C) takes effect not later than the date that is 180 days after the date on which the Secretary issues the mortgagee letter or guidance.
(b) Annual Registry Fees for Appraisal Management Companies.--Section 1109(a) of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (12 U.S.C. 3338(a)) is amended, in the matter following clause (ii) of paragraph (4)(B), by adding at the end the following: "Subject to the approval of the Council, the Appraisal Subcommittee may adjust fees established under clause (i) or (ii) to carry out its functions under this Act.".
(c) State Credentialed Trainees.--
(1) Maintenance on national registry.--Section 1103(a) of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (12 U.S.C.
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3332(a)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by inserting "and State credentialed trainee appraisers" after "licensed appraisers"; and
(ii) by striking "and" at the end;
(B) by striking paragraph (4);
(C) by redesignating paragraphs (5) and (6) as paragraphs (4) and (5), respectively; and
(D) in paragraph (4), as so redesignated--
(i) by striking "year. The report shall also detail" and inserting "year, detailing";
(ii) by striking "provide" and inserting "provides"; and
(iii) by striking the period at the end and inserting "; and".
(2) Annual registry fees.--
(A) In general.--Section 1109 of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (12 U.S.C. 3338) is amended--
(i) in the section heading, by striking "certified or licensed" and inserting ", certified, licensed, and credentialed trainee"; and
(ii) in subsection (a)--
(I) in paragraph (1), by inserting ", and in the case of a State with a supervisory or trainee program, a roster listing individuals who have
received a State trainee credential" after "this title"; and
(II) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
"(2) transmit reports on the issuance and renewal of licenses, certifications, credentials, sanctions, and disciplinary actions, including license, credential, and certification revocations, on a timely basis to the national registry of the Appraisal Subcommittee;".
(B) Rule of construction.--Nothing in the amendments made by subparagraph (A) shall require a State to establish or operate a program for State credentialed trainee appraisers, as defined in paragraph (12) of section 1121 of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989, as added by paragraph (4) of this subsection.
(3) Transactions requiring the services of a state certified appraiser.--Section 1113 of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (12 U.S.C. 3342) is amended--
(A) by striking "In determining" and inserting "(a) In General.--In determining"; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
"(b) Use of State Credentialed Trainee Appraisers.--In performing an appraisal under this section, a State certified appraiser may use the assistance of a State credentialed trainee appraiser or an unlicensed trainee appraiser, except that the State certified appraiser assisted by a trainee shall be liable for appraisal and valuation work.".
(4) Definition.--Section 1121 of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (12 U.S.C. 3350) is amended by adding at the end the following:
"(12) State credentialed trainee appraiser.--The term `State credentialed trainee appraiser' means an individual who--
"(A) meets the minimum criteria established by the Appraiser Qualification Board for a trainee appraiser credential; and
"(B) is credentialed by a State appraiser certifying and licensing agency.".
(d) Grants for Workforce and Training.--Section 1109(b) of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (12 U.S.C. 3338(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (5)(B), by striking "and" at the end;
(2) in paragraph (6), by striking the period at the end and inserting "; and"; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
"(7) to make grants to State appraiser certifying and licensing agencies and post-secondary institutions, including trade and polytechnic schools, to support the carrying out of education and training activities or other activities related to addressing appraiser industry workforce needs, including recruiting and retaining workforce talent, such as through scholarship assistance and career pipeline development, and such agencies shall report on the use of funds and outcomes.".
(e) Appraisal Subcommittee.--Section 1011 of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council Act of 1978 (12 U.S.C. 3310) is amended, in the first sentence, by inserting "the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Rural Housing Service of the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Housing and Urban Development," after "Financial Protection,".
SEC. 404. HELPING MORE FAMILIES SAVE ACT.
Section 23 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437u) is amended by adding at the end the following:
"(p) Escrow Expansion Pilot Program.--
"(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
"(A) Covered family.--The term `covered family' means a family that receives assistance under section 8 or 9 of this Act and is enrolled in the Pilot Program.
"(B) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means an entity described in subsection (c)(2).
"(C) Pilot program.--The term `Pilot Program' means the Pilot Program established under paragraph (2).
"(D) Welfare assistance.--The term `welfare assistance' has the meaning given the term in section 984.103 of title 24, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation.
"(2) Establishment.--The Secretary may establish a pilot program under which the Secretary shall select not more than 25 eligible entities to establish and manage escrow accounts for not more than 5,000 covered families, in accordance with this subsection.
"(3) Escrow accounts.--
"(A) In general.--An eligible entity selected to participate in the Pilot Program--
"(i) shall establish an interest-bearing escrow account and place into the account an amount equal to any increase in the amount of rent paid by each covered family in accordance with the provisions of section 3, 8(o), or 8(y), as applicable, that is attributable to increases in earned income by the covered families during the participation of each covered family in the Pilot Program; and
"(ii) notwithstanding any other provision of law, may use funds it controls under section 8 or 9 for purposes of making the escrow deposit for covered families assisted under, or residing in units assisted under, section 8 or 9, respectively, provided such funds are offset by the increase in the amount of rent paid by the covered family.
"(B) Income limitation.--An eligible entity may not escrow any amounts for any covered family whose adjusted income exceeds 80 percent of the area median income at the time of enrollment.
"(C) Withdrawals.--A covered family may withdraw funds, including interest earned, from an escrow account established by an eligible entity under the Pilot Program--
"(i) after the covered family ceases to receive welfare assistance; and
"(ii)(I) not earlier than the date that is 5 years after the date on which the eligible entity establishes the escrow account under this subsection;
"(II) not later than the date that is 7 years after the date on which the eligible entity establishes the escrow account under this subsection, if the covered family chooses to continue to participate in the Pilot Program after the date that is 5 years after the date on which the eligible entity establishes the escrow account;
"(III) on the date the covered family ceases to receive housing assistance under section 8 or 9, if such date is earlier than 5 years after the date on which the eligible entity establishes the escrow account;
"(IV) earlier than 5 years after the date on which the eligible entity establishes the escrow account, if the covered family is using the funds to advance a self-sufficiency goal as approved by the eligible entity;
"(V) for any reason listed under section 984.303(k) of title 24, Code of Federal Regulations; or
"(VI) under other circumstances in which the Secretary determines an exemption for good cause is warranted.
"(D) Interim recertification.--For purposes of the Pilot Program, a covered family may recertify the income of the covered family multiple times per year at the request of the participating family, as determined by the Secretary, and not less frequently than once per year, unless the eligible entity has established an alternative rent structure with approval from the Secretary.
"(E) Contract or plan.--A covered family is not required to complete a standard contract of participation or an individual training and services plan in order to participate in the Pilot Program.
"(4) Effect of increases in family income.--Any increase in the earned income of a covered family during the enrollment of the family in the Pilot Program may not be considered as income or a resource for purposes of eligibility of the family for other benefits, or amount of benefits payable to the family, under any program administered by the Secretary.
"(5) Application.--
"(A) In general.--An eligible entity seeking to participate in the Pilot Program shall submit to the Secretary an application--
"(i) at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require by notice; and
"(ii) that includes the number of proposed covered families to be served by the eligible entity under this subsection.
"(B) Geographic and entity variety.--The Secretary shall ensure that eligible entities selected to participate in the Pilot Program--
"(i) are located across various States and in both urban and rural areas; and
"(ii) vary by size and type, including both public housing agencies and private owners of projects receiving project-based rental assistance under section 8.
"(6) Notification and opt-out.--An eligible entity participating in the Pilot Program shall--
"(A) notify covered families of their enrollment in the Pilot Program;
"(B) provide covered families with a detailed description of the Pilot Program, including how the Pilot Program will impact their rent and finances;
"(C) inform covered families that the families cannot simultaneously participate in the Pilot Program and the Family Self-Sufficiency program under this section; and
"(D) provide covered families with the ability to elect not to participate in the Pilot Program--
"(i) not less than 2 weeks before the date on which the escrow account is established under paragraph (3); and
"(ii) at any point during the duration of the Pilot Program.
"(7) Maximum rents.--During the term of participation by a covered family in the Pilot Program, the amount of rent paid by the covered family shall be calculated under the rental provisions of section 3 or 8(o), as applicable.
"(8) Pilot program timeline.--
"(A) Awards.--Not later than 1 year after establishing the Pilot Program, the Secretary shall select the eligible entities to participate in the Pilot Program.
"(B) Establishment and term of accounts.--An eligible entity selected to participate in the Pilot Program shall--
"(i) not later than 6 months after selection, establish escrow accounts under paragraph (3) for covered families; and
"(ii) maintain those escrow accounts for not less than 5 years, or until a determination is made for termination with FSS escrow disbursement under section 984.303(k) of title 24, Code of Federal Regulations, or until the date the family ceases to receive assistance under section 8 or 9, and, at the discretion of the covered family, not more than 7 years after the date on which the escrow account is established.
"(9) Nonparticipation and housing assistance.--
"(A) In general.--Assistance under section 8 or 9 for a family that elects not to participate in the Pilot Program shall not be delayed or denied by reason of such election.
"(B) No termination.--Housing assistance may not be terminated as a consequence of participating, or not participating, in the Pilot Program under this subsection for any period.
"(10) Study.--Not later than 10 years after the date the Secretary selects eligible entities to participate in the Pilot Program under this subsection, the Secretary shall, if awards were made, conduct a study and submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report on outcomes for covered families under the Pilot Program, which shall evaluate the effectiveness of the Pilot Program in assisting families to achieve economic independence
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and self-sufficiency, and the impact coaching and supportive
services, or the lack thereof, had on individual incomes.
"(11) Waivers.--To allow selected eligible entities to effectively administer the Pilot Program and make the required escrow account deposits under this subsection, the Secretary may waive requirements under this section.
"(12) Termination.--The Pilot Program under this subsection shall terminate on the date that is 10 years after the date of enactment of this subsection.
"(13) Eligible uses of appropriations.--Subject to the appropriation of funds, the Secretary may use funds--
"(A) for technical assistance related to implementation of the Pilot Program; and
"(B) to carry out an evaluation of the Pilot Program under paragraph (10).".
SEC. 405. CHOICE IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING ACT.
(a) Satisfaction of Inspection Requirements Through Participation in Other Housing Programs.--Section 8(o)(8) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)(8)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
"(I) Satisfaction of inspection requirements through participation in other housing programs.--
"(i) Low-income housing tax credit-financed buildings.--A dwelling unit shall be deemed to meet the inspection requirements under this paragraph if--
"(I) the dwelling unit is in a building, the acquisition, rehabilitation, or construction of which was done by a building owner who may be eligible for low-income housing credits because the building had been allocated a housing credit dollar amount under section 42(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or is described in section 42(h)(4) of such Code (concerning buildings that meet a criterion for a certain amount of tax-exempt financing);
"(II) the dwelling unit, during the preceding 12-month period, was physically inspected and satisfied the suitability-for-occupancy requirement in section 42(i)(3)(B)(ii) of such Code; and
"(III) the applicable public housing agency performed the inspection itself or is able to obtain the results of the inspection described in subclause (II).
"(ii) Home investment partnerships program.--A dwelling shall be deemed to meet the inspection requirements under this paragraph if--
"(I) the dwelling unit is assisted under the HOME Investment Partnerships Program under title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12721 et seq.);
"(II) the dwelling unit was physically inspected and passed inspection as part of the program described in subclause (I) during the preceding 12-month period; and
"(III) the applicable public housing agency is able to obtain the results of the inspection described in subclause (II).
"(iii) Rural housing service.--A dwelling unit shall be deemed to meet the inspection requirements under this paragraph if--
"(I) the dwelling unit is assisted by the Rural Housing Service of the Department of Agriculture;
"(II) the dwelling unit was physically inspected and passed inspection in connection with the assistance described in subclause (I) during the preceding 12-month period; and
"(III) the applicable public housing agency is able to obtain the results of the inspection described in subclause (II).
"(iv) Remote or video inspections.--When complying with inspection requirements for a housing unit located in a rural or small area using assistance under this section, the Secretary may allow a grantee to conduct a remote or video inspection of a unit if the remote or video inspection--
"(I) is thorough;
"(II) does not misrepresent the condition of the unit; and
"(III) provides the information necessary to fully and accurately evaluate the conditions of the unit to ensure that the unit meets the relevant standards.
"(v) Rule of construction.--Nothing in clause (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) shall be construed to affect the operation of a housing program described in, or authorized under a provision of law described in, that clause.".
(b) Pre-approval of Units.--Section 8(o)(8)(A) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)(8)(A)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
"(iv) Initial inspection prior to lease agreement.--
"(I) Definition.--In this clause, the term `new landlord' means an owner of a dwelling unit who has not previously entered into a housing assistance payment contract with a public housing agency under this subsection for any dwelling unit.
"(II) Early inspection.--Upon the request of a new landlord, a public housing agency may inspect the dwelling unit owned by the new landlord to determine whether the unit meets the housing quality standards under subparagraph (B) before the unit is selected by a tenant assisted under this subsection.
"(III) Effect.--An inspection conducted under subclause (II) that determines that the dwelling unit meets the housing quality standards under subparagraph (B) shall satisfy this subparagraph and subparagraph (C) if the new landlord enters into a lease agreement with a tenant assisted under this subsection not later than 60 days after the date of the inspection.
"(IV) Information when family is selected.--When a public housing agency selects a family to participate in the tenant-based assistance program under this subsection, the public housing agency shall include in the information provided to the family a list of dwelling units that have been inspected under subclause (II) and determined to meet the housing quality standards under subparagraph (B).".
SEC. 501. HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS REAUTHORIZATION AND
REFORM ACT.
(a) Authorization.--Section 205 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12724) is amended to read as follows:
"SEC. 205. AUTHORIZATION OF PROGRAM.
"The HOME Investment Partnerships Program under subtitle A is hereby authorized.".
(b) Definition of Community Housing Development Organization.--Section 104(6)(B) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12704(6)(B)) is amended by striking "significant".
(c) Assistance for Low-income Families.--Title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12721 et seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 214(2) (42 U.S.C. 12742(2)), by striking "households that qualify as low-income families" and inserting "families with a household income that does not exceed 100 percent of the median family income of the area, as determined by the Secretary"; and
(2) in section 271(c) (42 U.S.C. 12821(c))--
(A) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking "low-income" and inserting "families with a household income that does not exceed 100 percent of the median family income of the area as determined by the Secretary with adjustments for smaller and larger families"; and
(B) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking "low-income families" and inserting "families with a household income that does not exceed 100 percent of the median family income of the area as determined by the Secretary with adjustments for smaller and larger families".
(d) Choices Made by Participating Jurisdictions.--Section 212(a)(2) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12742(a)(2)) is amended to read as follows:
"(2) Limitation.--The Secretary may not restrict the choice by a participating jurisdiction of rehabilitation, substantial rehabilitation, new construction, reconstruction, acquisition, or other eligible housing uses authorized in paragraph (1) unless the restriction is explicitly authorized under section 223(2).".
(e) Use of Amounts by Certain Jurisdictions for Infrastructure Improvements.--
(1) In general.--Section 212(a) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12742(a)) is amended by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
"(4) Infrastructure improvements in nonentitlement areas.--
"(A) In general.--A participating jurisdiction may use funds provided under this subtitle for infrastructure improvements, including the installation or repair of water and sewer lines, sidewalks, roads, and utility connections if--
"(i) such participating jurisdiction does not receive assistance under title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5310); and
"(ii) such improvements are directly related to, and located within or immediately adjacent to--
"(I) housing assisted under this subtitle; or
"(II) housing assisted under section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
"(B) Application of labor standards.--The labor standards and requirements set forth in section 110 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5310) shall apply to any infrastructure improvement conducted using funds provided under this subtitle.
"(C) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this paragraph may be construed to impose any requirements of the HOME Investment Partnerships program on housing that benefits from an infrastructure improvement conducted using funds provided under this subtitle but was not otherwise assisted under the HOME Investment Partnerships program.".
(2) Rulemaking.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall issue rules to carry out the amendment made by paragraph (1).
(f) Per Unit Investment Limitations.--Section 212(e)(1) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12742(e)(1)) is amended by striking the second sentence.
(g) Affordable Rental Housing Qualifications.--Section 215(a) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12745(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
"(7) Qualification exception.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1)(A), a rental unit shall be considered to qualify as affordable housing under this title if--
"(A) the unit is occupied by a tenant receiving tenant-based rental assistance under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f);
"(B) the contribution of the tenant toward rent does not exceed the amount permitted under the assistance described in subparagraph (A); and
"(C) the total rent for the unit does not exceed the amount approved by the public housing agency administering the assistance described in subparagraph (A).".
(h) Affordable Home-ownership Housing Qualifications.--Section 215 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C.
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12745) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (2), by redesignating subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) as clauses (i), (ii), and (iii), respectively, and adjusting the margins accordingly;
(B) in paragraph (3)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by redesignating clauses (i) and (ii) as subclauses (I) and (II), respectively, and adjusting the margins accordingly; and
(ii) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and adjusting the margins accordingly;
(C) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (4) as subparagraphs (A) through (D), respectively, and adjusting the margins accordingly;
(D) by striking "Housing that is for home-ownership" and inserting the following:
"(1) Qualification.--Housing that is for home-ownership";
(E) in paragraph (1), as so designated--
(i) in subparagraph (A), as so redesignated--
(I) by striking "95 percent" and inserting "110 percent"; and
(II) by inserting "(defined as the amount borrowed by the homebuyer to purchase the home, or the estimated value after rehabilitation, which may be adjusted to account for the limits on future value imposed by the resale restriction)" after "purchase price";
(ii) in subparagraph (B), as so redesignated, in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking "whose family qualifies as a low-income family" and inserting "with a family income that does not exceed 100 percent of the median family income of the area as determined by the Secretary with adjustments for smaller and larger families";
(iii) in subparagraph (C), as so redesignated--
(I) in clause (i)(II)--
(aa) by striking "low-income home-buyers" and inserting "home-buyers with a household income that does not exceed 100 percent of the median family income of the area, as determined by the Secretary with adjustments for smaller and larger families"; and
(bb) by striking "or" at the end;
(II) in clause (ii), by striking "and" at the end and inserting "or"; and
(III) by adding at the end the following:
"(iii) maintain long-term affordability through a shared equity ownership model, a community land trust, a limited equity cooperative, a community development corporation, or other mechanism approved by the Secretary, that preserves affordability for future eligible home-buyers and ensures compliance with the purposes of this title, including through the use of purchase options, rights of first refusal, or other preemptive rights to purchase housing;";
(iv) in subparagraph (D), as so redesignated, by striking the period at the end and inserting "; and"; and
(v) by adding at the end the following:
"(E) is subject to restrictions that are established by the participating jurisdiction and determined by the Secretary to be appropriate, including with respect to the useful life of the property, to--
"(i) require that any subsequent purchase of the property be--
"(I) only by a person who meets the qualifications specified under subparagraph (B); and
"(II) at a price that is determined by a formula or method established by the participating jurisdiction that provides the owner with a reasonable return on investment, which may include a percentage of the cost of any improvements; or
"(ii) recapture the investment provided under this title in order to assist other persons in accordance with the requirements of this title, except where there are no net proceeds or where the net proceeds are insufficient to repay the full amount of the assistance."; and
(F) by adding at the end the following:
"(2) Purchase by community land trust or cooperative housing corporation.--Notwithstanding subparagraph (C)(i) of paragraph (1) and under terms determined by the Secretary, the Secretary may permit a participating jurisdiction to allow a community land trust, housing cooperative, or a community development corporation that used assistance provided under this subtitle for the development of housing that meets the criteria under paragraph (1), to acquire the housing--
"(A) in accordance with the terms of the preemptive purchase option, lease, covenant on the land, or other similar legal instrument of the community land trust or housing cooperative when the terms and rights in the preemptive purchase option, lease, covenant, or legal instrument are and remain subject to the requirements of this title;
"(B) when the purchase is for--
"(i) the purpose of--
"(I) entering into the chain of title;
"(II) enabling a purchase by a person who meets the qualifications specified under paragraph (1)(B) and is on a waitlist maintained by the community land trust or housing cooperative, subject to enforcement by the participating jurisdiction of all applicable requirements of this title, as determined by the Secretary;
"(III) performing necessary rehabilitation and improvements; or
"(IV) adding a subsidy to preserve affordability, which may be from Federal or non-Federal sources; or
"(ii) another purpose determined appropriate by the Secretary; and
"(C) if, within a reasonable period of time after the applicable purpose under subparagraph (B) of this paragraph is fulfilled, as determined by the Secretary, the housing is then sold to a person who meets the qualifications specified under paragraph (1)(B)."; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
"(c) Qualification Exceptions for Home-ownership.--
"(1) Military members.--A participating jurisdiction, in accordance with terms established by the Secretary, may suspend or waive the income qualifications described in subsection (b)(1)(B) with respect to housing that otherwise meets the criteria described in subsection (b)(1) if the owner of the housing--
"(A) is a member of a regular component of the armed forces or a member of the National Guard on full-time National Guard duty, active Guard and Reserve duty, or inactive-duty training (as those terms are defined in section 101 of title 10, United States Code); and
"(B) has received--
"(i) temporary duty orders to deploy with a military unit or military orders to deploy as an individual acting in support of a military operation, to a location that is not within a reasonable distance from the housing, as determined by the Secretary, for a period of not less than 90 days; or
"(ii) orders for a permanent change of station.
"(2) Heirs and beneficiaries of deceased owners.--Housing that meets the criteria described in subsection (b)(1)(C) prior to the death of an owner of such housing shall continue to qualify as affordable housing under this title if--
"(A) the housing is the principal residence of an heir or beneficiary of the deceased owner, as defined by the Secretary; and
"(B) the heir or beneficiary, in accordance with terms established by the Secretary, assumes the duties and obligations of the deceased owner with respect to funds provided under this title.".
(i) Elimination of Expiration of Right to Draw Home Investment Trust Funds.--Section 218 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12748) is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (g); and
(2) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (g).
(j) Adjusted Recapture and Reuse of Set-aside for Community Housing Developmental Organizations.--Section 231(b) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12771(b)) is amended to read as follows:
"(b) Recapture and Reuse.--If any funds reserved under subsection (a) remain uninvested for a period of 24 months, the Secretary shall make such funds available to the participating jurisdiction for any eligible activities under this title without regard to whether a community housing development organization materially participates in the use of such funds.".
(k) Asset Recycling Information Dissemination Expansion.--Section 245(b)(2) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12785(b)(2)) is amended by striking "95 percent" and inserting "110 percent".
(l) Environmental Review Requirements.--
(1) In general.--Section 288 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12838) is amended by adding at the end the following:
"(e) Categorical Exemptions.--The following categories of activities carried out under this title shall be statutorily exempt from environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), and shall not require further review under such Act:
"(1) New construction infill housing projects.
"(2) Acquisition of real property for affordable housing purposes.
"(3) Rehabilitation projects carried out pursuant to section 212(a)(1).
"(4) New construction projects of 15 units or less.
"(f) Removing Duplicative Reviews.--
"(1) In general.--To the extent practicable and permitted by law, the Secretary shall ensure that a project that has undergone an environmental review under this section shall not be subject to a duplicative environmental review solely due to the addition, substitution, or reallocation of other sources of Federal assistance, if the scope, scale, and location of the project remain substantially unchanged.
"(2) Coordination of environmental review responsibilities.--The Secretary shall, by regulation, provide for coordination of environmental review responsibilities with other Federal agencies to streamline interagency compliance and avoid unnecessary duplication of effort under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and other applicable laws.
"(3) Recognition of prior reviews by responsible entities.--A project may not be subject to an environmental review under this section if a substantially similar review has already been completed by an entity designated under section 104(g)(1) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5304(g)(1)) or by another entity the Secretary determines to have equivalent authority, if the scope, scale, and location of the project remain substantially unchanged.".
(2) Rulemaking.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue such rules as the Secretary determines necessary to carry out the amendment made by this subsection.
(3) Applicability.--Any activity generated under this subsection would be subject to an authorization of appropriations.
(4) Definition.--Section 104 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12704) is amended by striking paragraph (25) and inserting the following:
"(25) The term `infill housing project' means a residential housing project that--
"(A) is located within the geographic limits of a municipality;
"(B) is adequately served by existing utilities and public services as required under applicable law;
"(C) is located on a site of previously disturbed land of not more than 5 acres; and
"(D) is substantially surrounded by residential or commercial development, as determined by the Secretary.".
(m) Application of Build America, Buy America Requirements for Home Investment Partnerships Program.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (in this subsection referred to as the "Secretary") shall complete a review of the implementation of the Build America, Buy America Act (title IV of division G of Public Law 117-58; 42 U.S.C. 8301
note) with respect to the activities assisted under title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12721 et seq.).
(2) Updated guidance.--Not later than 90 days after the review described in subsection (a) is completed, the Secretary shall issue updated guidance to clarify the application of the Build America, Buy America Act (title IV of division G of Public Law 117-58; 42 U.S.C. 8301 note) with respect to the activities assisted under title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C.
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12721 et seq.).
(3) Report.--Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate a report that describes--
(A) the results of the review required under subsection (a); and
(B) the guidance issued as described in subsection (b).
(n) Application of Other Specified Statutory Requirements.--Title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12721 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
"SEC. 291. NONAPPLICABILITY OF CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS FOR
SMALL PROJECTS.
"Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the requirements of section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701u), and any implementing regulations or guidance, shall not apply to an activity assisted under this title that involves rehabilitation, construction, or other development of housing if--
"(1) the recipient of assistance under this title is--
"(A) a State recipient pursuant to section 216; or
"(B) a participating jurisdiction that received a total allocation of less than $3,000,000 in the most recent fiscal year pursuant to section 216; and
"(2) the total number of dwelling units assisted as a part of such activity is not more than 50.".
(o) Reallocation Not Available for Certain Jurisdictions.--Section 217(d) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12747(d)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking the second sentence and inserting the following: "Subject to paragraph (4), jurisdictions eligible for such reallocations shall include participating jurisdictions and jurisdictions meeting the requirements of this title, including the requirements in paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) of section 216."; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
"(4) Reallocation not available for certain jurisdictions.--The Secretary may decline to make a reallocation available to a jurisdiction eligible for such reallocation if such jurisdiction has failed to meet or comply with any requirement under this title.".
(p) Amendments to Qualification as Affordable Housing.--Section 215(a)(1)(E) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12745(a)) is amended by striking "except upon a foreclosure by a lender (or upon other transfer in lieu of foreclosure) if such action (i) recognizes any contractual or legal rights of public agencies, nonprofit sponsors, or others to take actions that would avoid termination of low-income affordability in the case of foreclosure or transfer in lieu of foreclosure, and (ii) is not for the purpose of avoiding low-income affordability restrictions, as determined by the Secretary; and" and inserting the following: "except--
"(i) upon a foreclosure by a lender (or upon other transfer in lieu of foreclosure) if such action--
"(I) recognizes any contractual or legal rights of public agencies, nonprofit sponsors, or others to take actions that would avoid termination of low-income affordability in the case of foreclosure or transfer in lieu of foreclosure; and
"(II) is not for the purpose of avoiding low-income affordability restrictions, as determined by the Secretary; or
"(ii) where existing affordable housing is no longer financially viable due to unforeseen acts or occurrences beyond the reasonable contemplation or control of the participating jurisdiction in which the affordable housing is located or the owner of the affordable housing that significantly impact the financial or physical condition of the affordable housing, as determined by the Secretary; and".
(q) Tenant and Participant Protections for Affordable Housing.--Section 225 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12755) is amended by adding at the end the following:
"(e) Exception.--Paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) of subsection (d) shall not apply to housing under this section that meets the following criteria:
"(1) The housing is affordable housing with not more than 4 dwelling units, each of which is made available for rental.
"(2) Each dwelling unit in the housing bears rent in an amount that complies with the requirements described in paragraph (1)(A).
"(3) Each dwelling unit in the housing is accompanied by a low-income family.
"(4) No dwelling in the housing is refused for leasing to a holder of a voucher under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f) because of the status of the prospective tenant as a holder of that voucher.
"(5) The housing complies with the requirement described in paragraph (1)(E).
"(6) The participating jurisdiction in which the housing is located monitors the compliance of the housing with the requirements of this title in a manner consistent with the purposes of section 226(b), as determined by the Secretary.".
(r) Revision of Definition of Community Land Trust.--Section 104 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12704), as amended by subsection (l)(4), is amended by adding at the end the following:
"(26) The term `community land trust' means a nonprofit entity, a State, a unit of local government, or an instrumentality of a State or unit of local government that--
"(A) is not managed by, or an affiliate of, a for profit organization;
"(B) has as a primary purpose of acquiring, developing, or holding land to provide housing that is permanently affordable to low- and moderate-income persons;
"(C) monitors properties to ensure affordability is preserved;
"(D) provides housing that is permanently affordable to low- and moderate-income persons using a ground lease, deed covenant, or other similar legally enforceable measure, determined acceptable by the Secretary, that--
"(i) keeps housing affordable to low- and moderate-income persons for not less than 30 years; and
"(ii) enables low- and moderate-income persons to rent or purchase the housing for home-ownership; and
"(E) maintains preemptive purchase options to purchase the property if such purchase would allow the housing to remain affordable to low-and moderate-income persons.".
(s) Set-aside for Community Housing Development Organizations.--Section 231(a) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12771(a)) is amended, in the first sentence, by striking "to be developed, sponsored, or owned by community housing development organizations" and inserting "when a community housing development organization materially participates in the ownership or development of that housing, as determined by the Secretary".
(t) Administrative Reforms.--
(1) Increase in program administration resources.--Section 220(b) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12750(b)) is amended--
(A) by striking paragraph (2);
(B) by striking "Recognition.--" and all that follows through "A contribution" and inserting "Recognition.--A contribution"; and
(C) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively, and adjusting the margins accordingly.
(2) Modification of jurisdictions eligible for reallocations.--Section 217(d)(3) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12747(d)(3)) is amended--
(A) in the paragraph heading, by striking "Limitation" and inserting "Limitations"; and
(B) by striking "Unless otherwise specified" and inserting the following:
"(A) Removal of participating jurisdictions from reallocation.--The Secretary may, upon a finding that the participating jurisdiction has failed to meet or comply with the requirements of this title, remove a participating jurisdiction from participation in reallocations of funds made available under this title.
"(B) Reallocation to same type of entity.--Unless otherwise specified".
(3) Home property inspections.--Section 226(b) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12756(b)) is amended--
(A) by striking "Each participating jurisdiction" and inserting the following:
"(1) In general.--Each participating jurisdiction"; and
(B) by striking "Such review shall include" and all that follows and inserting the following:
"(2) Onsite inspections.--
"(A) Inspections by units of general local government.--A review conducted under paragraph (1) by a participating jurisdiction that is a unit of general local government shall include an onsite inspection to determine compliance with housing codes and other applicable regulations.
"(B) Inspections by states.--A review conducted under paragraph (1) by a participating jurisdiction that is a State shall include an onsite inspection to determine compliance with a national standard as determined by the Secretary.
"(3) Inclusion in performance report and publication.--A participating jurisdiction shall include in the performance report of the participating jurisdiction submitted to the Secretary under section 108(a), and make available to the public, the results of each review conducted under paragraph (1).".
(4) Revisions to strengthen enforcement and penalties for noncompliance.--Section 223 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12753) is amended--
(A) in the section heading, by striking "penalties for misuse of funds" and inserting "program enforcement and penalties for noncompliance";
(B) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting after "any provision of this subtitle" the following: ", including any provision applicable throughout the period required by section 215(a)(1)(E) and applicable regulations,";
(C) in paragraph (2), by striking "or" at the end;
(D) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and inserting "; or"; and
(E) by adding at the end the following:
"(4) reduce payments to the participating jurisdiction under this subtitle by an amount equal to the amount of such payments that were not expended by the participating jurisdiction in accordance with this title.".
(u) Minimum Allocations.--Section 217(b) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12747 (b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking "$500,000" each place that term appears and inserting "$750,000";
(2) in paragraph (3)--
(A) by striking "jurisdictions that are allocated an amount of $500,000 or more" and inserting "jurisdictions that are allocated an amount of $750,000 or more";
(B) by striking "that are allocated an amount less than $500,000" and inserting "that are allocated an amount less than $500,000 before the date of enactment of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act or less than $750,000 on or after the date of enactment of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act"; and
(C) by striking ", except as provided in paragraph (4)"; and
(3) by striking paragraph (4).
(v) Technical and Conforming Amendments.--The Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12701 et seq.) is amended--
(1) by striking "Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act" each place that term appears and inserting "McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act";
(2) by striking "Committee on Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs" each place that term appears and inserting "Committee on Financial Services";
(3) in the table of contents in section 1(b) (Public Law 101-625; 104 Stat. 4079)--
(A) by striking the item relating to section 205 and inserting the following:
"Sec. 205. Authorization of program."; (B) by striking the item relating to section 223 and inserting the following:
"Sec. 223. Program enforcement and penalties for noncompliance."; and (C) by inserting after the item relating to section 290 the following:
"Sec. 291. Nonapplicability of certain requirements for small projects."; (4) in section 104 (42 U.S.C.
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12704)--(A) by redesignating paragraph (23) (relating to the definition of the term "to demonstrate to the Secretary") as paragraph (22); and (B) by redesignating paragraph (24) (relating to the definition of the term "insular area", as added by section 2(2) of Public Law 102-230) as paragraph (23); (5) in section 105(b)(8) (42 U.S.C. 12705(b)(8)), by striking "subparagraphs" and inserting "paragraphs"; (6) in section 108(a)(1) (42 U.S.C. 12708(a)(1)), by striking "section 105(b)(15)" and inserting "section 105(b)(18)"; (7) in section 212 (42 U.S.C. 12742)--(A) in subsection (a)(3)(A)(ii), by inserting "United States" before "Housing Act"; (B) in subsection (d)(5), by inserting "United States" before "Housing Act"; and (C) in subsection (e)(1)--(i) by striking "section 221(d)(3)(ii)" and inserting "section 221(d)(4)"; and (ii) by striking "not to exceed 140 percent" and inserting "as determined by the Secretary"; (8) in section 215(a)(6)(B) (42 U.S.C. 12745(a)(6)(B)), by striking "grand children" and inserting "grandchildren"; (9) in section 217 (42 U.S.C. 12747)--(A) in subsection (a)--(i) in paragraph (1), by striking "(3)" and inserting "(2)"; (ii) by striking paragraph (3), as added by section 211(a)(2)(D) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-550; 106 Stat. 3756); and (iii) by redesignating the remaining paragraph (3), as added by the matter under the heading "home investment partnerships program" under the heading "Housing Programs" in title II of the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 (Public Law 102-389; 106 Stat. 1581), as paragraph (2); and (B) in subsection (b)(1)--(i) in subparagraph (A), in the first sentence--
(I) by striking "in regulation" and inserting ", by regulation,"; and
(II) by striking "eligible jurisdiction" and inserting "eligible jurisdictions"; and
(ii) in subparagraph (F), in the first sentence--
(I) in clause (i), by striking "Subcommittee on Housing and Urban Affairs" and inserting "Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development"; and
(II) in clause (ii), by striking "Subcommittee on Housing and Community Development of the Committee on Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs" and inserting "Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance of the Committee on Financial Services";
(10) in section 220(c) (42 U.S.C. 12750(c))--
(A) in paragraph (3), by striking "Secretary" and all that follows and inserting "Secretary;";
(B) in paragraph (4), by striking "under this title" and all that follows and inserting "under this title;"; and
(C) by redesignating paragraphs (6), (7), and (8) as paragraphs (5), (6), and (7), respectively;
(11) in section 225(d)(4)(B) (42 U.S.C. 12755(d)(4)(B)), by striking "for" the first place that term appears; and
(12) in section 233 (42 U.S.C. 12773)--
(A) in subsection (b)(6), by striking "to community land trusts (as such term is defined in subsection (f))" and inserting "to community land trusts (as such term is defined in section 104)"; and
(B) by striking subsection (f).
SEC. 502. RURAL HOUSING SERVICE REFORM ACT.
(a) Application of Multifamily Mortgage Foreclosure Procedures to Multifamily Mortgages Held by the Secretary of Agriculture and Preservation of the Rental Assistance Contract Upon Foreclosure.--
(1) Multifamily mortgage procedures.--Section 363(2)(F) of the Multifamily Mortgage Foreclosure Act of 1981 (12 U.S.C. 3702(2)) is amended--
(A) by striking "or 515" and inserting "515, or 538"; and
(B) by inserting ", 1490p-2" after "1485".
(2) Preservation of contract.--Section 521(d) of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1490a(d)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
"(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in managing and disposing of any multifamily property that is owned or has a mortgage held by the Secretary, and during the process of foreclosure on any property with a contract for rental assistance under this section--
"(A) the Secretary shall maintain any rental assistance payments that are attached to any dwelling units in the property; and
"(B) the rental assistance contract may be used to provide further assistance to existing projects under 514, 515, or 516.".
(b) Study on Rural Housing Loans for Housing for Low- and Moderate-income Families.--Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall conduct a study and submit to Congress a publicly available report on the loan program under section 521 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1490a), including--
(1) the total amount provided by the Secretary in subsidies under such section 521 to borrowers with loans made pursuant to section 502 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1472);
(2) how much of the subsidies described in paragraph (1) are being recaptured; and
(3) the amount of time and costs associated with recapturing those subsidies.
(c) Staffing and Information Technology Upgrades.--Utilizing funds appropriated for such purposes, the Secretary of Agriculture may increase staffing capacity and upgrade information technology to support all Rural Housing Service programs.
(d) Technical Improvements.--
(1) Authorization of appropriations.--Utilizing funds appropriated for such purposes, the Secretary of Agriculture may make improvements to the technology of the Rural Housing Service of the Department of Agriculture used to process and manage housing loans.
(2) Availability.--Amounts appropriated pursuant to paragraph (1) shall remain available until the date that is 5 years after the date of the appropriation.
(3) Timeline.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall make the improvements described in paragraph (1) during the 5-year period beginning on the date on which amounts are appropriated under paragraph (1).
(e) Permanent Establishment of Housing Preservation and Revitalization Program.--Title V of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1471 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
"SEC. 545.
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HOUSING PRESERVATION AND REVITALIZATION PROGRAM.
"(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall carry out a program under this section for the preservation and revitalization of multifamily rental housing projects financed under section 514, 515, or 516.
"(b) Notice of Maturing Loans.--
"(1) To owners.--On an annual basis, the Secretary shall provide written notice to each owner of a property financed under section 514, 515, or 516 that will mature within the 4-year period beginning upon the provision of the notice, setting forth the options and financial incentives that are available to facilitate the extension of the loan term or the option to decouple a rental assistance contract pursuant to subsection (f).
"(2) To tenants.--
"(A) In general.--On an annual basis, for each property financed under section 514, 515, or 516, not later than the date that is 2 years before the date that the loan will mature, the Secretary shall provide written notice to each household residing in the property that informs them of--
"(i) the date of the loan maturity;
"(ii) the possible actions that may happen with respect to the property upon that maturity; and
"(iii) how to protect their right to reside in federally assisted housing, or how to secure housing voucher, after that maturity.
"(B) Language.--Notice under this paragraph shall be provided in plain English and shall be translated to other languages in the case of any property located in an area in which a significant number of residents speak such other languages.
"(c) Loan Restructuring.--Under the program under this section, in any circumstance in which the Secretary proposes a restructuring to an owner or an owner proposes a restructuring to the Secretary, the Secretary may restructure such existing housing loans, as the Secretary considers appropriate, for the purpose of ensuring that those projects have sufficient resources to preserve the projects to provide safe and affordable housing for low-income residents and farm laborers, by--
"(1) reducing or eliminating interest;
"(2) deferring loan payments;
"(3) subordinating, reducing, or reamortizing loan debt;
"(4) providing other financial assistance, including advances, payments, and incentives (including the ability of owners to obtain reasonable returns on investment) required by the Secretary; and
"(5) permanently removing a portion of the housing units from income restrictions when sustained vacancies have occurred.
"(d) Renewal of Rental Assistance.--
"(1) In general.--When the Secretary proposes to restructure a loan or agrees to the proposal of an owner to restructure a loan pursuant to subsection (c), the Secretary shall offer to renew the rental assistance contract under section 521(a)(2) for a term that is the shorter of 20 years and the term of the restructured loan, subject to annual appropriations, provided that the owner agrees to bring the property up to such standards that will ensure maintenance of the property as decent, safe, and sanitary housing for the full term of the rental assistance contract.
"(2) Additional rental assistance.--With respect to a project described in paragraph (1), if rental assistance is not available for all households in the project for which the loan is being restructured pursuant to subsection (c), the Secretary may extend such additional rental assistance to unassisted households at that project as is necessary to make the project safe and affordable to low-income households.
"(e) Restrictive Use Agreements.--
"(1) Requirement.--As part of the preservation and revitalization agreement for a project, the Secretary shall obtain a restrictive use agreement that is recorded and obligates the owner to operate the project in accordance with this title.
"(2) Term.--
"(A) No extension of rental assistance contract.--Except when the Secretary enters into a 20-year extension of the rental assistance contract for a project, the term of the restrictive use agreement for the project shall be consistent with the term of the restructured loan for the project.
"(B) Extension of rental assistance contract.--If the Secretary enters into a 20-year extension of the rental assistance contract for a project, the term of the restrictive use agreement for the project shall be for the longer of--
"(i) 20 years; or
"(ii) the remaining term of the loan for that project.
"(C) Termination.--The Secretary may terminate the 20-year restrictive use agreement for a project before the end of the term of the agreement if the 20-year rental assistance contract for the project with the owner is terminated at any time for reasons outside the control of the owner.
"(f) Decoupling of Rental Assistance.--
"(1) Renewal of rental assistance contract.--If the Secretary determines that a loan maturing during the 4-year period beginning upon the provision of the notice required under subsection (b)(1) for a project cannot reasonably be restructured in accordance with subsection (c) because it is not financially feasible or the owner does not agree with the proposed restructuring, and the project was operating with rental assistance under section 521 and the recipient is a borrower under section 514 or 515, the Secretary may renew the rental assistance contract, notwithstanding any requirement under section 521 that the recipient be a current borrower under section 514 or 515, for a term of 20 years, subject to annual appropriations.
"(2) Additional rental assistance.--With respect to a project described in paragraph (1), if rental assistance is not available for all households in the project for which the loan is being restructured pursuant to subsection (c), the Secretary may extend such additional rental assistance to unassisted households at that project as is necessary to make the project safe and affordable to low-income households.
"(3) Rents.--
"(A) In general.--Any agreement to extend the term of the rental assistance contract under section 521 for a project shall obligate the owner to continue to maintain the project as decent, safe, and sanitary housing and to operate the development as affordable housing in a manner that meets the goals of this title.
"(B) Rent amounts.--Subject to subparagraph (C), in setting rents, the Secretary--
"(i) shall determine the maximum initial rent based on current fair market rents established under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f); and
"(ii) may annually adjust the rent determined under clause (i) by the operating cost adjustment factor as provided under section 524 of the Multifamily Assisted Housing Reform and Affordability Act of 1997 (42 U.S.C. 1437f note).
"(C) Higher rent.--
"(i) In general.--Subparagraph (B) shall not apply if the Secretary determines that the budget-based needs of a project require a higher rent than the rent described in subparagraph (B).
"(ii) Rent.--If the Secretary makes a positive determination under clause (i), the Secretary may approve a budget-based rent level for the project.
"(4) Conditions for approval.--Before the approval of a rental assistance contract authorized under this section, the Secretary shall require, through an annual notice in the Federal Register, the owner to submit to the Secretary a plan that identifies financing sources and a timetable for renovations and improvements determined to be necessary by the Secretary to maintain and preserve the project.
"(g) Multifamily Housing Transfer Technical Assistance.--Under the program under this section, the Secretary may provide grants to qualified nonprofit organizations, housing cooperative corporations, and public housing agencies to provide technical assistance, including financial and legal services, to borrowers under loans under this title for multifamily housing to facilitate the acquisition or preservation of such multifamily housing properties in areas where the Secretary determines there is a risk of loss of affordable housing.
"(h) Administrative Expenses.--Of any amounts made available for the program under this section for any fiscal year, the Secretary may use not more than $1,000,000 for administrative expenses for carrying out such program.
"(i) Rulemaking.--
"(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, the Secretary shall--
"(A) publish an advance notice of proposed rulemaking; and
"(B) consult with appropriate stakeholders.
"(2) Interim final rule.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, the Secretary shall publish an interim final rule to carry out this section.".
(f) Rental Assistance Contract Authority.--Section 521(d) of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1490a(d)), as amended by this section, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively;
(B) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
"(B) upon request of an owner of a project financed under section 514 or 515, the Secretary is authorized to enter into renewal of such agreements for a period of 20 years or the term of the loan, whichever is shorter, subject to amounts made available in appropriations Acts;";
(C) in subparagraph (C), as so redesignated, by striking "subparagraph (A)" and inserting "subparagraphs (A) and (B)"; and
(D) in subparagraph (D), as so redesignated, by striking "subparagraphs (A) and (B)" and inserting "subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C)";
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking "shall" and inserting "may"; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
"(4) In the case of any rental assistance contract authority that becomes available because of the termination of assistance on behalf of an assisted family--
"(A) at the option of the owner of the rental project, the Secretary shall provide the owner a period of not more than 6 months before unused assistance is made available pursuant to subparagraph (B) during which the owner may use such authority to provide assistance on behalf of an eligible unassisted family that--
"(i) is residing in the same rental project in which the assisted family resided before the termination; or
"(ii) newly occupies a dwelling unit in the rental project during that 6-month period; and
"(B) except for assistance used as provided in subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall use such remaining authority to provide assistance on behalf of eligible families residing in other rental projects originally financed under section 514, 515, or 516.".
(g) Modifications to Loans and Grants for Minor Improvements to Farm Housing and Buildings; Income Eligibility.--Section 504(a) of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1474(a)) is amended--
(1) in the first sentence, by inserting "and may make a loan to an eligible low-income applicant" after "applicant"; and
(2) by striking "$7,500" and inserting "$15,000".
(h) Rural Community Development Initiative.--Subtitle E of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
"SEC. 381O.
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RURAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE.
"(a) Definitions.--In this section:
"(1) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means--
"(A) a private, nonprofit community-based housing or community development organization;
"(B) a rural community; or
"(C) a federally recognized Indian tribe.
"(2) Eligible intermediary.--The term `eligible intermediary' means a qualified--
"(A) private, nonprofit organization; or
"(B) public organization.
"(b) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a Rural Community Development Initiative, under which the Secretary shall provide grants, subject to the availability of appropriations, to eligible intermediaries to carry out programs to provide financial and technical assistance to eligible entities to develop the capacity and ability of eligible entities to carry out projects to improve housing, community facilities, and community and economic development projects in rural areas.
"(c) Amount of Grants.--The amount of a grant provided to an eligible intermediary under this section shall be not more than $500,000.
"(d) Matching Funds.--
"(1) In general.--An eligible intermediary receiving a grant under this section shall provide matching funds from other sources, including Federal funds for related activities, in an amount not less than the amount of the grant.
"(2) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive paragraph (1) with respect to a project that would be carried out in a persistently poor rural region, as determined by the Secretary.".
(i) Annual Report on Rural Housing Programs.--Title V of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1471 et seq.), as amended by this section, is amended by adding at the end the following:
"SEC. 546. ANNUAL REPORT.
"(a) In General.--The Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress and publish on the website of the Department of Agriculture an annual report on rural housing programs carried out under this title, which shall include significant details on the health of Rural Housing Service programs, including--
"(1) raw data sortable by programs and by region regarding loan performance;
"(2) the housing stock of those programs, including information on why properties end participation in those programs, such as for maturation, prepayment, foreclosure, or other servicing issues; and
"(3) risk ratings for properties assisted under those programs.
"(b) Protection of Information.--The data included in each report required under subsection (a) may be aggregated or anonymized to protect participant financial or personal information.".
(j) GAO Report on Rural Housing Service Technology.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report that includes--
(1) an analysis of how the outdated technology used by the Rural Housing Service impacts participants in the programs of the Rural Housing Service;
(2) an estimate of the amount of funding that is needed to modernize the technology used by the Rural Housing Service; and
(3) an estimate of the number and type of new employees the Rural Housing Service needs to modernize the technology used by the Rural Housing Service.
(k) Adjustment to Rural Development Voucher Amount.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall issue regulations to establish a process for adjusting the voucher amount provided under section 542 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1490r) after the issuance of the voucher following an interim or annual review of the amount of the voucher.
(2) Interim review.--The interim review described in paragraph (1) shall, at the request of a tenant, allow for a recalculation of the voucher amount when the tenant experiences a reduction in income, change in family composition, or change in rental rate.
(3) Annual review.--
(A) In general.--The annual review described in paragraph (1) shall require tenants to annually recertify the family composition of the household and that the family income of the household does not exceed 80 percent of the area median income at a time determined by the Secretary of Agriculture.
(B) Considerations.--If a tenant does not recertify the family composition and family income of the household within the time frame required under subparagraph (A), the Secretary of Agriculture--
(i) shall consider whether extenuating circumstances caused the delay in recertification; and
(ii) may alter associated consequences for the failure to recertify based on those circumstances.
(C) Effective date.--Following the annual review of a voucher under paragraph (1), the updated voucher amount shall be effective on the 1st day of the month following the expiration of the voucher.
(4) Deadline.--The process established under paragraph (1) shall require the Secretary of Agriculture to review and update the voucher amount described in paragraph (1) for a tenant not later than 60 days before the end of the voucher term.
(l) Eligibility for Rural Housing Vouchers.--Section 542 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1490r) is amended by adding at the end the following:
"(c) Eligibility of Households in Sections 514, 515, and 516 Projects.--The Secretary may provide rural housing vouchers under this section for any low-income household (including those not receiving rental assistance) residing for a term longer than the remaining term of their lease that is in effect on the date of prepayment, foreclosure, or mortgage maturity, in a property financed with a loan under section 514 or 515 or a grant under section 516 that has--
"(1) been prepaid with or without restrictions imposed by the Secretary pursuant to section 502(c)(5)(G)(ii)(I);
"(2) been foreclosed; or
"(3) matured after September 30, 2005.".
(m) Amount of Voucher Assistance.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in the case of any rural housing voucher provided pursuant to section 542 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1490r), the amount of the monthly assistance payment for the household on whose behalf the assistance is provided shall be determined as provided in subsection (a) of such section 542, including providing for interim and annual review of the voucher amount in the event of a change in household composition or income or rental rate.
(n) Transfer of Multifamily Rural Housing Projects.--Section 515 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1485) is amended--
(1) in subsection (h), by adding at the end the following:
"(3) Transfer to nonprofit organizations.--A nonprofit or public body purchaser, including a limited partnership with a general partner with the principal purpose of providing affordable housing, may purchase a property for which a loan is made or insured under this section that has received a market value appraisal, without addressing rehabilitation needs at the time of purchase, if the purchaser--
"(A) makes a commitment to address rehabilitation needs during ownership and long-term use restrictions on the property; and
"(B) at the time of purchase, accepts long-term use restrictions on the property."; and
(2) in subsection (w)(1), in the first sentence in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking "9 percent" and inserting "25 percent".
(o) Extension of Loan Term.--
(1) In general.--Section 502(a)(2) of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1472(a)(2)) is amended--
(A) by inserting "(A)" before "The Secretary";
(B) in subparagraph (A), as so designated, by striking "paragraph" and inserting "subparagraph"; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
"(B) The Secretary may refinance or modify the period of any loan, including any refinanced loan, made under this section in accordance with terms and conditions as the Secretary shall prescribe, but in no event shall the total term of the loan from the date of the refinance or modification exceed 40 years.".
(2) Application.--The amendment made under paragraph (1) shall apply with respect to loans made under section 502 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1472) before, on, or after the date of enactment of this Act.
(p) Release of Liability for Section 502 Guaranteed Borrower Upon Assumption of Original Loan by New Borrower.--Section 502(h) of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1472(h)) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (10) and inserting the following:
"(10) Transfer and assumption.--Upon the transfer of property for which a guaranteed loan under this subsection was made, and the assumption of the guaranteed loan by an approved eligible borrower, the original borrower of a guaranteed loan under this subsection shall be relieved of liability with respect to the loan.";
(2) by redesignating paragraph (16) as paragraph (17); and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (15) the following:
"(16) Fee.--
"(A) In general.--The mortgagee may charge an assuming borrower a reasonable and customary processing fee for an assumption request made under this subsection.
"(B) Maximum fee.--The Secretary shall set a maximum allowable fee described in subparagraph (A), which may be indexed for inflation.".
(q) Department of Agriculture Loan Restrictions.--
(1) Definitions.--In this subsection, the terms "State" and "tribal organization" have the meanings given those terms in section 658P of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 9858n).
(2) Revision.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall revise section 3555.102(c) of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, to exclude from the restriction under that section--
(A) a home-based business that is a licensed, registered, or regulated child care provider under State law or by a tribal organization; and
(B) an applicant that has applied to become a licensed, registered, or regulated child care provider under State law or by a tribal organization.
(r) Loan Guarantees.--Section 502(h)(4) of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1472(h)(4)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) as clauses (i), (ii), and (iii), respectively, and adjusting the margins accordingly;
(2) by striking "Loans may be guaranteed" and inserting the following:
"(A) Definition.--In this paragraph, the term `accessory dwelling unit' means a single, habitable living unit--
"(i) with means of separate ingress and egress;
"(ii) that is usually subordinate in size;
"(iii) that can be added to, created within, or detached from a primary 1-unit, single-family dwelling; and
"(iv) in combination with a primary 1-unit, single-family dwelling, constitutes a single interest in real estate.
"(B) Single-family requirement.--Loans may be guaranteed"; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
"(C) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prohibit the leasing of an accessory dwelling unit or the use of rental income derived from such a lease to qualify for a loan guaranteed under this subsection--
"(i) after the date of enactment of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act; and
"(ii) if the property that is the subject of the loan was constructed before the date of enactment of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.".
(s) Application Review.--
(1) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of Congress, not later than 90 days after the date on which the Secretary of Agriculture receives an application for a loan, grant, or combined loan and grant under section 502 or 504 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C.
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1472, 1474), the Secretary of Agriculture should--
(A) review the application;
(B) complete the underwriting;
(C) make a determination of eligibility with respect to the application; and
(D) notify the applicant of determination.
(2) Report.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter until the date described in subparagraph (B), the Secretary of Agriculture shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report--
(i) detailing the timeliness of eligibility determinations and final determinations with respect to applications under sections 502 and 504 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1472, 1474), including justifications for any eligibility determinations taking longer than 90 days; and
(ii) that includes recommendations to shorten the timeline for notifications of eligibility determinations described in clause (i) to not more than 90 days.
(B) Date described.--The date described in this subparagraph is the date on which, during the preceding 5-year period, the Secretary of Agriculture provides each eligibility determination described in subparagraph (A) during the 90-day period beginning on the date on which each application is received.
SEC. 503. INCENTIVIZING LOCAL SOLUTIONS TO HOMELESSNESS.
Section 414 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11373) is amended by adding at the end the following:
"(f) Funding Cap Waiver Authority.--
"(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law or regulation, a recipient may request a waiver to the expenditure limit established pursuant to section 415(b) for amounts provided for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2030.
"(2) Waiver request.--
"(A) In general.--A recipient seeking a waiver described in paragraph (1) shall submit to the Secretary a waiver request that includes not more than the following:
"(i) A demonstration of local needs and circumstances that necessitate a waiver.
"(ii) A detailed plan for how the recipient intends to use funds.
"(iii) A justification for how the proposed use of funds supports the most recent Consolidated Plan submitted by the recipient.
"(iv) Any public input solicited under subparagraph (B)(ii).
"(B) Notification.--Each recipient shall--
"(i) notify all subrecipients and local Continuums of Care that serve the recipient's geographic area of the availability of waivers under this subsection; and
"(ii) prior to the submission of a waiver request under subparagraph (A), solicit public input regarding the potential need for and proposed uses of such waiver.
"(C) Approval; publication.--The Secretary shall--
"(i) make all waiver requests submitted under subparagraph (A) publicly available on the website of the Department of Housing and Urban Development;
"(ii) not later than 60 days after the date on which the Secretary receives a waiver request under subparagraph (A), approve or deny the request; and
"(iii) deny any waiver request submitted under subparagraph (A) by a recipient that relocates or threaten to relocate individuals or their property without providing emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, or other permanent housing options.
"(3) Revocation.--
"(A) In general.--A waiver approved under this subsection shall remain in effect for the duration of the period of performance of fiscal year 2027 through 2030 grants, unless the recipient notifies the Secretary in writing that the recipient wishes to revoke the waiver.
"(B) Notification.--If a recipient intends to revoke a waiver under subparagraph (A), the recipient shall--
"(i) solicit input from subrecipients regarding the revocation before submitting the revocation; and
"(ii) provide subrecipients with a summary of the input and the justification for the revocation in its submittal prior to notifying the Secretary in writing.
"(C) Publication.--The Secretary shall publish any revocation of a waiver under subparagraph (A) and the justification of the recipient for the waiver on the website of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.".
SEC. 504. REFORMING DISASTER RECOVERY ACT.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Department.--The term "Department" means the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
(2) Fund.--The term "Fund" means the Long-Term Disaster Recovery Fund established under subsection (c).
(3) Secretary.--The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
(b) Duties of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.--
(1) In general.--The offices and officers of the Department shall be responsible for--
(A) leading and coordinating the disaster-related responsibilities of the Department under the National Response Framework, the National Disaster Recovery Framework, and the National Mitigation Framework;
(B) coordinating and administering programs, policies, and activities of the Department related to disaster relief, long-term recovery, resiliency, and mitigation, including disaster recovery assistance under title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.);
(C) supporting disaster-impacted communities as those communities specifically assess, plan for, and address the housing stock and housing needs in the transition from emergency shelters and interim housing to permanent housing of those displaced, especially among vulnerable populations and extremely low-, low-, and moderate-income households;
(D) collaborating with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Small Business Administration and across the Department to align disaster-related regulations and policies, including incorporation of consensus-based codes and standards and insurance purchase requirements, and ensuring coordination and reducing duplication among other Federal disaster recovery programs;
(E) promoting best practices in mitigation and resilient land use planning;
(F) coordinating technical assistance, including mitigation, resiliency, and recovery training and information on all relevant legal and regulatory requirements, to entities that receive disaster recovery assistance under title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.) that demonstrate capacity constraints; and
(G) supporting State, Tribal, and local governments in developing, coordinating, and maintaining their capacity for disaster resilience and recovery and developing pre-disaster recovery and hazard mitigation plans, in coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other Federal agencies.
(2) Establishment of the office of disaster management and resiliency.--Section 4 of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act (42 U.S.C. 3533) is amended by adding at the end the following:
"(i) Office of Disaster Management and Resiliency.--
"(1) Establishment.--There is established the Office of Disaster Management and Resiliency.
"(2) Duties.--The Office of Disaster Management and Resiliency shall--
"(A) be responsible for oversight and coordination of all departmental disaster preparedness and response responsibilities; and
"(B) coordinate with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Small Business Administration, and other offices of the Department in supporting recovery and resilience activities to provide a comprehensive approach in working with communities.".
(c) Long-Term Disaster Recovery Fund.--
(1) Establishment.--There is established in the Treasury of the United States an account to be known as the "Long-Term Disaster Recovery Fund".
(2) Deposits, transfers, and credit.--
(A) In general.--The Fund shall consist of amounts appropriated, transferred, and credited to the Fund.
(B) Transfers.--The following may be transferred to the Fund:
(i) Amounts made available through section 106(c)(4) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5306(c)(4)) as a result of actions taken under section 104(e), 111, or 124(j) of such Act.
(ii) Any unobligated balances available until expended remaining or subsequently recaptured from amounts appropriated for any disaster and related purposes under the heading "Community Development Fund" in any Act prior to the establishment of the Fund.
(C) Use of transferred amounts.--Amounts transferred to the Fund shall be used for the eligible uses described in paragraph (3).
(3) Eligible uses of fund.--
(A) In general.--Amounts in the Fund shall be available--
(i) to provide assistance in the form of grants under section 124 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as added by subsection (d); and
(ii) for activities of the Department that support the provision of such assistance, including necessary salaries and expenses, information technology, and capacity building, technical assistance, and pre-disaster readiness.
(B) Set-aside.--Of each amount appropriated for or transferred to the Fund, 3 percent shall be made available for activities described in subparagraph (A)(ii), which shall be in addition to other amounts made available for those activities.
(C) Transfer of funds.--With respect to amounts made available for use in accordance with subparagraph (B)--
(i) amounts may be transferred to the account under the heading for "Program Offices--Salaries and Expenses--Community Planning and Development", or any successor account, for the Department to carry out activities described in subparagraph(B); and
(ii) amounts may be used for the activities described in subparagraph (A)(ii) and for the administrative costs of administering any funds appropriated to the Department under the heading "Community Planning and Development--Community Development Fund" for any major disaster declared under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170) in any Act before the establishment of the Fund.
(D) Inspector general.--
(i) In general.--Not less than one-tenth of 1 percent of each series of awards the Secretary makes from the Fund shall be transferred to the account under the heading "Office of Inspector General" for the Department of Housing and Urban Development to support audit activities and to investigate grantee noncompliance with program requirements and waste, fraud, and abuse as a result of appropriations made available through the Fund.
(ii) Availability.--Funding under clause (i) shall not be made available to the Office of Inspector General until 90 days after the date on which the grantee plan or supplemental plan for the grantee is approved by the Secretary under subsection (c) or (f)(3)(C) of section 124 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as added by subsection (d), is approved by the Secretary.
(4) Interchangeability of prior administrative amounts.--Any amounts appropriated in any Act prior to the establishment of the Fund and transferred to the account under the heading "Program Offices--Salaries and Expenses--Community Planning and Development", or any predecessor account, for the Department for the costs of administering funds appropriated to the Department under the heading "Community Planning and Development--Community Development Fund" for any major disaster declared under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C.
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5170) shall be available for the costs of administering any such funds provided by any prior or future Act, notwithstanding the purposes for which those amounts were appropriated and in addition to any amount provided for the same purposes in other appropriations Acts.
(5) Availability of amounts.--Amounts appropriated, transferred, and credited to the Fund shall remain available until expended.
(6) Formula allocation.--Use of amounts in the Fund for grants shall be made by formula allocation in accordance with the requirements of section 124(a) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as added by subsection (d).
(d) Establishment of CDBG Disaster Recovery Program.--Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.), as amended by this Act, is amended--
(1) in section 102(a) (42 U.S.C. 5302(a))--
(A) in paragraph (20)--
(i) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C);
(ii) in subparagraph (C), as so redesignated, by inserting "or (B)" after "subparagraph (A)"; and
(iii) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
"(B) The term `persons of extremely low income' means families and individuals whose income levels do not exceed household income levels determined by the Secretary under section 3(b)(2) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)(2)(C)), except that the Secretary may provide alternative definitions for
the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the United States Virgin Islands, and American Samoa."; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
"(25) The term `major disaster' has the meaning given the term in section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122).";
(2) in section 106(c)(4) (42 U.S.C. 5306(c)(4))--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking "declared by the President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act";
(ii) by inserting "States for use in nonentitlement areas and to" before "metropolitan cities"; and
(iii) by inserting "major" after "affected by the";
(B) in subparagraph (C)--
(i) by striking "metropolitan city or" and inserting "State, metropolitan city, or";
(ii) by striking "city or county" and inserting "State, city, or county"; and
(iii) by inserting "major" before "disaster";
(C) in subparagraph (D), by striking "metropolitan cities and" and inserting "States, metropolitan cities, and";
(D) in subparagraph (F)--
(i) by striking "metropolitan city or" and inserting "State, metropolitan city, or"; and
(ii) by inserting "major" before "disaster"; and
(E) in subparagraph (G), by striking "metropolitan city or" and inserting "State, metropolitan city, or";
(3) in section 122 (42 U.S.C. 5321), by striking "disaster under title IV of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act" and inserting "major disaster"; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
"SEC. 124. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT DISASTER
RECOVERY PROGRAM.
"(a) Authorization, Formula, and Allocation.--
"(1) Authorization.--The Secretary is authorized to make community development block grant disaster recovery grants from the Long-Term Disaster Recovery Fund established under section 504(c) of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act (in this section referred to as the `Fund') for necessary expenses for activities authorized under subsection (f)(1) related to disaster relief, long-term recovery, restoration of housing and infrastructure, economic revitalization, and mitigation in the most impacted and distressed areas resulting from a catastrophic major disaster.
"(2) Grant awards.--Grants shall be awarded under this section to States, units of general local government, and Indian tribes based on capacity and the concentration of damage, as determined by the Secretary, to support the efficient and effective administration of funds.
"(3) Section 106 allocations.--Grants under this section shall not be considered relevant to the formula allocations made pursuant to section 106.
"(4) Federal register notice.--
"(A) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall issue a notice in the Federal Register containing the latest formula allocation methodologies used to determine the total estimate of unmet needs related to housing, economic revitalization, and infrastructure in the most impacted and distressed areas resulting from a catastrophic major disaster.
"(B) Public comment.--If the Secretary has not already requested public comment on the formula described in the notice required by subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall solicit public comments on--
"(i) the methodologies described in subparagraph (A) and seek alternative methods for formula allocation within a similar total amount of funding;
"(ii) the impact of formula methodologies on rural areas and Tribal areas;
"(iii) adjustments to improve targeting to the most serious needs;
"(iv) objective criteria for grantee capacity and concentration of damage to inform grantee determinations and minimum allocation thresholds; and
"(v) research and data to inform an additional amount to be provided for mitigation depending on type of disaster, which shall be up to 18 percent of the total estimate of unmet needs.
"(5) Regulations.--
"(A) In general.--The Secretary shall, by regulation, establish a formula to allocate assistance from the Fund to the most impacted and distressed areas resulting from a catastrophic major disaster.
"(B) Formula requirements.--The formula established under subparagraph (A) shall--
"(i) set forth criteria to determine that a major disaster is catastrophic, which criteria shall consider the presence of a high concentration of damaged housing or businesses that individual, State, Tribal, and local resources could not reasonably be expected to address without additional Federal assistance or other nationally encompassing data that the Secretary determines are adequate to assess relative impact and distress across geographic areas;
"(ii) include a methodology for identifying most impacted and distressed areas, which shall consider unmet serious needs related to housing, economic revitalization, and infrastructure;
"(iii) include an allocation calculation that considers the unmet serious needs resulting from the catastrophic major disaster and an additional amount up to 18 percent for activities to reduce risks of loss resulting from other natural disasters in the most impacted and distressed area, primarily for the benefit of low- and moderate-income persons, with particular focus on activities that reduce repetitive loss of property and critical infrastructure; and
"(iv) establish objective criteria for periodic review and updates to the formula to reflect changes in available data.
"(C) Minimum allocation threshold.--The Secretary shall, by regulation, establish a minimum allocation threshold.
"(D) Interim allocation.--Until such time that the Secretary issues final regulations under this paragraph, the Secretary shall--
"(i) allocate assistance from the Fund using the formula allocation methodology published in accordance with paragraph (4); and
"(ii) include an additional amount for mitigation of up to 18 percent of the total estimate of unmet need.
"(6) Allocation of funds.--
"(A) In general.--The Secretary shall--
"(i) except as provided in clause (ii), not later than 90 days after the President declares a major disaster, use best available data to determine whether the major disaster is catastrophic and qualifies for assistance under the formula described in paragraph (4) or (5), unless data is insufficient to make this determination; and
"(ii) if the best available data is insufficient to make the determination required under clause (i) within the 90-day period described in that clause, determine whether the major disaster qualifies when sufficient data becomes available, but in no case shall the Secretary make the determination later than 120 days after the declaration of the major disaster.
"(B) Announcement of allocation.--If amounts are available in the Fund at the time the Secretary determines that the major disaster is catastrophic and qualifies for assistance under the formula described in paragraph (4) or (5), the Secretary shall immediately announce an allocation for a grant under this section.
"(C) Additional amounts.--If additional amounts are appropriated to the Fund after amounts are allocated under subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall announce an allocation or additional allocation (if a prior allocation under subparagraph (B) was less than the formula calculation) within 15 days of any such appropriation.
"(7) Preliminary funding.--
"(A) In general.--To speed recovery, the Secretary is authorized to allocate and award preliminary grants from the Fund before making a determination under paragraph (6)(A) if the Secretary projects, based on a preliminary assessment of impact and distress, that a major disaster is catastrophic and would likely qualify for funding under the formula described in paragraph (4) or (5).
"(B) Amount.--
"(i) Maximum.--The Secretary may award preliminary funding under subparagraph (A) in an amount that is not more than $5,000,000.
"(ii) Sliding scale.--The Secretary shall, by regulation, establish a sliding scale for preliminary funding awarded under subparagraph (A) based on the size of the preliminary assessment of impact and distress.
"(C) Use of funds.--The uses of preliminary funding awarded under subparagraph (A) shall be limited to eligible activities that--
"(i) in the determination of the Secretary, will support faster recovery, improve the ability of the grantee to assess unmet recovery needs, plan for the prevention of improper payments, and reduce fraud, waste, and abuse; and
"(ii) may include evaluating the interim housing, permanent housing, and supportive service needs of the disaster impacted community, with special attention to vulnerable populations, such as homeless and low- to moderate-income households, to inform the grantee action plan required under subsection (c).
"(D) Consideration of funding.--Preliminary funding awarded under subparagraph (A)--
"(i) is not subject to the certification requirements of subsection (h)(2); and
"(ii) shall not be considered when calculating the amount of the grant used for administrative costs, technical assistance, and planning activities that are subject to the requirements under subsection (f)(3).
"(E) Waiver.--To expedite the use of preliminary funding for activities described in this paragraph, the Secretary may waive or specify alternative requirements to the requirements of this section in accordance with subsection (i).
"(F) Amended award.--
"(i) In general.--An award for preliminary funding under subparagraph (A) may be amended to add any subsequent amount awarded because of a determination by the Secretary that a major disaster is catastrophic and qualifies for assistance under the formula.
"(ii) Applicability.--Notwithstanding subparagraph (D), amounts provided by an amendment under clause (i) are subject to the requirements under subsections (f)(1) and (h)(1) and other requirements on grant funds under this section.
"(G) Technical assistance.--Concurrent with the allocation of any preliminary funding awarded under this paragraph, the Secretary shall assign or provide technical assistance to the recipient of the grant.
"(b) Interchangeability.--
"(1) In general.--The Secretary is authorized to approve the use of grants under this section to be used interchangeably and without limitation for the same activities in the most impacted and distressed areas resulting from a declaration of another catastrophic major disaster that qualifies for assistance under the formula established under paragraph (4) or (5) of subsection (a) or a major disaster for which
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the Secretary allocated funds made available under the heading `Community Development Fund' in any Act prior to the establishment of the Fund.
"(2) Requirements.--The Secretary shall establish requirements to expedite the use of grants under this section for the purpose described in paragraph (1).
"(3) Emergency designation.--Amounts repurposed pursuant to this subsection that were previously designated by Congress as an emergency requirement pursuant to the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 or a concurrent resolution on the budget are designated by the Congress as being for an emergency requirement pursuant to section 4001(a)(1) of S. Con. Res. 14 (117th Congress), the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2022, and to legislation establishing fiscal year 2026 budget enforcement in the House of Representatives.
"(c) Grantee Plans.--
"(1) Requirement.--Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Secretary announces a grant allocation under this section, unless an extension is granted by the Secretary, the grantee shall submit to the Secretary a plan for approval describing--
"(A) the activities the grantee will carry out with the grant under this section;
"(B) the criteria of the grantee for awarding assistance and selecting activities;
"(C) how the use of the grant under this section will address disaster relief, long-term recovery, restoration of housing and infrastructure, economic revitalization, and mitigation in the most impacted and distressed areas;
"(D) how the use of the grant funds for mitigation is consistent with hazard mitigation plans submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency under section 322 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5165);
"(E) the estimated amount proposed to be used for activities that will benefit persons of low and moderate income;
"(F) how the use of grant funds will repair and replace existing housing stock for vulnerable populations, including low- to moderate-income households;
"(G) how the grantee will address the priorities described in paragraph (5);
"(H) how uses of funds are proportional to unmet needs, as required under paragraph (6);
"(I) for State grantees that plan to distribute grant amounts to units of general local government, a description of the method of distribution; and
"(J) such other information as may be determined by the Secretary in regulation.
"(2) Public consultation.--To permit public examination and appraisal of the plan described in paragraph (1), to enhance the public accountability of grantee, and to facilitate coordination of activities with different levels of government, when developing the plan or substantial amendments proposed to the plan required under paragraph (1), a grantee shall--
"(A) publish the plan before adoption;
"(B) provide citizens, affected units of general local government, and other interested parties with reasonable notice of, and opportunity to comment on, the plan, with a public comment period of not less than 14 days;
"(C) consider comments received before submission to the Secretary;
"(D) follow a citizen participation plan for disaster assistance adopted by the grantee that, at a minimum, provides for participation of residents of the most impacted and distressed area affected by the major disaster that resulted in the grant under this section and other considerations established by the Secretary; and
"(E) undertake any consultation with interested parties as may be determined by the Secretary in regulation.
"(3) Approval.--The Secretary shall--
"(A) by regulation, specify criteria for the approval, partial approval, or disapproval of a plan submitted under paragraph (1), including approval of substantial amendments to the plan;
"(B) review a plan submitted under paragraph (1) upon receipt of the plan;
"(C) allow a grantee to revise and resubmit a plan or substantial amendment to a plan under paragraph (1) that the Secretary disapproves;
"(D) by regulation, specify criteria for when the grantee shall be required to provide the required revisions to a disapproved plan or substantial amendment under paragraph (1) for public comment prior to resubmission of the plan or substantial amendment to the Secretary; and
"(E) approve, partially approve, or disapprove a plan or substantial amendment under paragraph (1) not later than 60 days after the date on which the plan or substantial amendment is received by the Secretary.
"(4) Low- and moderate-income overall benefit.--
"(A) Use of funds.--Not less than 70 percent of a grant made under this section shall be used for activities that benefit persons of low and moderate income unless the Secretary--
"(i) specifically finds that--
"(I) there is compelling need to reduce the percentage for the grant; and
"(II) the housing needs of low- and moderate-income persons have been addressed; and
"(ii) issues a waiver and alternative requirement specific to the grant pursuant to subsection (i) to lower the percentage.
"(B) Regulations.--The Secretary shall, by regulation, establish protocols that reflect the required use of funds under subparagraph (A), including persons with extremely and very low incomes.
"(5) Prioritization.--The grantee shall prioritize activities that--
"(A) assist persons with extremely low-, low-, and moderate-incomes and other vulnerable populations to better recover from and withstand future disasters;
"(B) address housing needs arising from a disaster, or those needs present prior to a disaster, including the needs of both renters and homeowners;
"(C) prolong the life of housing and infrastructure;
"(D) use cost-effective means of preventing harm to people and property and incorporate protective features and redundancies; and
"(E) other measures that will assure the continuation of critical services during future disasters.
"(6) Proportional allocation.--For each specific disaster, a grantee under this section shall allocate grant funds proportional to unmet needs between housing activities for renters and homeowners, economic revitalization, and infrastructure unless the Secretary specifically finds that--
"(A) there is a compelling need for a disproportional allocation among those unmet needs; and
"(B) the disproportional allocation described in subparagraph (A) is not inconsistent with the requirements under paragraph (4).
"(7) Disaster risk mitigation.--
"(A) Definition.--In this paragraph, the term `hazard-prone areas'--
"(i) means areas identified by the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, at risk from natural hazards that threaten property damage or health, safety, and welfare, such as floods, wildfires (including Wildland-Urban Interface areas), earthquakes, lava inundation, tornados, and high winds; and
"(ii) includes areas having special flood hazards as identified under the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4002 et seq.) or the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.).
"(B) Hazard-prone areas.--The Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, shall establish minimum construction standards, insurance purchase requirements, and other requirements for the use of grant funds in hazard-prone areas.
"(C) Special flood hazards.--
"(i) In general.--For the areas described in subparagraph (A)(ii), the insurance purchase requirements established under subparagraph (B) shall meet or exceed the requirements under section 102(a) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4012a(a)).
"(ii) Treatment as financial assistance.--All grants under this section shall be treated as financial assistance for purposes of section 3(a)(3) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4003(a)(3)).
"(D) Consideration of future risks.--The Secretary may consider future risks to protecting property and health, safety, and general welfare, and the likelihood of those risks, when making the determination of or modification to hazard-prone areas under this paragraph.
"(8) Relocation.--
"(A) In general.--The Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 4601 et seq.) shall apply to activities assisted under this section to the extent determined by the Secretary in regulation, or as provided in waivers or alternative requirements authorized in accordance with subsection (i).
"(B) Policy.--Each grantee under this section shall establish a relocation assistance policy that--
"(i) minimizes displacement and describes the benefits available to persons displaced as a direct result of acquisition, rehabilitation, or demolition in connection with an activity that is assisted by a grant under this section; and
"(ii) includes any appeal rights or other requirements that the Secretary establishes by regulation.
"(d) Certifications.--Any grant under this section shall be made only if the grantee certifies to the satisfaction of the Secretary that--
"(1) the grantee is in full compliance with the requirements under subsection (c)(2);
"(2) for grants other than grants to Indian tribes, the grant will be conducted and administered in conformity with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000a et seq.) and the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C.
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3601 et seq.);
"(3) the projected use of funds has been developed so as to give maximum feasible priority to activities that will benefit recipients described in subsection (c)(4)(A) and activities described in subsection (c)(5), and may also include activities that are designed to aid in the prevention or elimination of slum and blight to support disaster recovery, meet other community development needs having a particular urgency because existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community where other financial resources are not available to meet such needs, and alleviate future threats to human populations, critical natural resources, and property that an analysis of hazards shows are likely to result from natural disasters in the future;
"(4) the grant funds shall principally benefit persons of low- and moderate-income as described in subsection (c)(4)(A);
"(5) for grants other than grants to Indian tribes, within 24 months of receiving a grant or at the time of its 3- or 5-year update, whichever is sooner, the grantee will review and make modifications to its non-disaster housing and community development plans and strategies required by subsections (c) and (m) of section 104 to reflect the disaster recovery needs identified by the grantee and consistency with the plan under subsection (c)(1);
"(6) the grantee will not attempt to recover any capital costs of public improvements assisted in whole or part under this section by assessing any amount against properties owned and occupied by persons of low and moderate income, including any fee charged or assessment made as a condition of obtaining access to such public improvements, unless--
"(A) funds received under this section are used to pay the proportion of such fee or assessment that relates to the capital costs of such public improvements that are financed from revenue sources other than under this chapter; or
"(B) for purposes of assessing any amount against properties owned and occupied by persons of moderate income, the grantee certifies to the Secretary that the grantee lacks sufficient funds received under this section to comply with the requirements of subparagraph (A);
"(7) the grantee will comply with the other provisions of this title that apply to assistance under this section and with other applicable laws;
"(8) the grantee will follow a relocation assistance policy that includes any minimum requirements identified by the Secretary; and
"(9) the grantee will adhere to construction standards, insurance purchase requirements, and other requirements for development in hazard-prone areas described in subsection (c)(7).
"(e) Performance Reviews and Reporting.--
"(1) In general.--The Secretary shall, on not less frequently than an annual basis until the closeout of a particular grant allocation, make such reviews and audits as may be necessary or appropriate to determine whether a grantee under this section has--
"(A) carried out activities using grant funds in a timely manner;
"(B) met the performance targets established by paragraph (2);
"(C) carried out activities using grant funds in accordance with the requirements of this section, the other provisions of this title that apply to assistance under this section, and other applicable laws; and
"(D) a continuing capacity to carry out activities in a timely manner.
"(2) Performance targets.--The Secretary shall develop and make publicly available critical performance targets for review, which shall include spending thresholds for each year from the date on which funds are obligated by the Secretary to the grantee until such time all funds have been expended.
"(3) Failure to meet targets.--
"(A) Suspension.--If a grantee under this section fails to meet 1 or more critical performance targets under paragraph (2), the Secretary may temporarily suspend the grant.
"(B) Performance improvement plan.--If the Secretary suspends a grant under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall provide to the grantee a performance improvement plan with the specific requirements needed to lift the suspension within a defined time period.
"(C) Report.--If a grantee fails to meet the spending thresholds established under paragraph (2), the grantee shall submit to the Secretary, the appropriate committees of Congress, and each member of Congress who represents a district or State of the grantee a written report identifying technical capacity, funding, or other Federal or State impediments affecting the ability of the grantee to meet the spending thresholds.
"(4) Collection of information and reporting.--
"(A) Requirement to report.--A grantee under this section shall provide to the Secretary such information as the Secretary may determine necessary for adequate oversight of the grant program under this section.
"(B) Public availability.--Subject to subparagraph (D), the Secretary shall make information submitted under subparagraph (A) available to the public and to the Inspector General for the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
"(C) Summary status reports.--To increase transparency and accountability of the grant program under this section, the Secretary shall, on not less frequently than an annual basis, post on a public facing dashboard summary status reports for all active grants under this section that includes--
"(i) the status of funds by activity;
"(ii) the percentages of funds allocated and expended to benefit low- and moderate-income communities;
"(iii) performance targets, spending thresholds, and accomplishments; and
"(iv) other information the Secretary determines to be relevant for transparency.
"(D) Considerations.--In carrying out this paragraph, the Secretary shall take such actions as may be necessary to ensure that personally identifiable information regarding applicants for assistance provided from funds made available under this section is not made publicly available.
"(E) Research partnerships.--
"(i) In general.--The Secretary may, upon a formal request from researchers, make disaggregated information available to the requestor that is specific and relevant to the research being conducted, and for the purposes of researching program impact and efficacy.
"(ii) Privacy protections.--In making information available under clause (i), the Secretary shall protect personally identifiable information as required under section 552a of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the `Privacy Act of 1974').
"(f) Eligible Activities.--
"(1) In general.--Activities assisted under this section--
"(A) may include activities permitted under section 105 or other activities permitted by the Secretary by waiver or alternative requirement pursuant to subsection (i); and
"(B) shall be related to disaster relief, long-term recovery, restoration of housing and infrastructure, economic revitalization, and mitigation in the most impacted and distressed areas resulting from the major disaster for which the grant was awarded.
"(2) Prohibition.--Grant funds under this section may not be used for costs reimbursable by, or for which funds have been made available by, the Federal Emergency Management Agency or the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
"(3) Administrative costs, technical assistance, and planning.--
"(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish in regulation the maximum grant amounts a grantee may use for administrative costs, technical assistance, and planning activities, taking into consideration size of grant, complexity of recovery, and other factors as determined by the Secretary, but not to exceed 8 percent for administration and 20 percent in total.
"(B) Availability.--Amounts available for administrative costs for a grant under this section shall be available for eligible administrative costs of the grantee for any grant made under this section, without regard to a particular disaster.
"(C) Supplemental plan.--
"(i) In general.--Grantees may submit to the Secretary an optional supplemental plan to the grantee plan required under this title specifically for administrative costs, which shall include a description of the use of all grant funds for administrative costs, including for any eligible pre-award program administrative costs, and how such uses will prepare the grantee to more effectively and expeditiously administer funds provided under the full plan.
"(ii) Use of funds.--If a supplemental plan is approved under clause (i), a grantee may draw down the aforementioned administrative funds before the full grantee plan is approved.
"(iii) Waivers.--In carrying out this subparagraph, the Secretary may include any waivers or alternative requirements in accordance with subsection (i).
"(4) Program income.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any grantee under this section may retain program income that is realized from grants made by the Secretary under this section if the grantee agrees that the grantee will utilize the program income in accordance with the requirements for grants under this section, except that the Secretary may--
"(A) by regulation, exclude from consideration as program income any amounts determined to be so small that compliance with this paragraph creates an unreasonable administrative burden on the grantee; or
"(B) permit the grantee to transfer remaining program income to the other grants of the grantee under this title upon closeout of the grant.
"(5) Prohibition on use of assistance for employment relocation activities.--
"(A) In general.--Grants under this section may not be used to assist directly in the relocation of any industrial or commercial plant, facility, or operation, from one area to another area, if the relocation is likely to result in a significant loss of employment in the labor market area from which the relocation occurs.
"(B) Applicability.--The prohibition under subparagraph (A) shall not apply to a business that was operating in the disaster-declared labor market area before the incident date of the applicable disaster and has since moved, in whole or in part, from the affected area to another State or to a labor market area within the same State to continue business.
"(6) Requirements.--Grants under this section are subject to the requirements of this section, the other provisions of this title that apply to assistance under this section, and other applicable laws, unless modified by waivers or alternative requirements in accordance with subsection (i).
"(g) Environmental Review.--
"(1) Adoption.--A recipient of funds provided under this section that uses the funds to supplement Federal assistance provided under section 203, 402, 403, 404, 406, 407, 408(c)(4), 428, or 502 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170a, 5170b, 5170c, 5172, 5173, 5174(c)(4), 5189f, 5192) may adopt, without review or public comment, any environmental review, approval, or permit performed by a Federal agency, and such adoption shall satisfy the responsibilities of the recipient with respect to such environmental review, approval, or permit under section 104(g)(1), so long as the actions covered by the existing environmental review, approval, or permit and the actions proposed for these supplemental funds are substantially the same.
"(2) Approval of release of funds.--Notwithstanding section 104(g)(2), the Secretary or a State may, upon receipt of a request for release of funds and certification, immediately approve the release of funds for an activity or project to be assisted under this section if the recipient has adopted an environmental review, approval, or permit under paragraph (1) or the activity or project is categorically excluded from review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C.
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4321 et seq.).
"(3) Units of general local government.--The provisions of section 104(g)(4) shall apply to assistance under this section that a State distributes to a unit of general local government.
"(h) Financial Controls and Procedures.--
"(1) In general.--The Secretary shall develop requirements and procedures to demonstrate that a grantee under this section--
"(A) has adequate financial controls and procurement processes;
"(B) has adequate procedures to detect and prevent fraud, waste, abuse, and duplication of benefit; and
"(C) maintains a comprehensive and publicly accessible website.
"(2) Certification.--Before making a grant under this section, the Secretary shall certify that the grantee has in place proficient processes and procedures to comply with the requirements developed under paragraph (1), as determined by the Secretary.
"(3) Compliance before allocation.--The Secretary may permit a State, unit of general local government, or Indian tribe to demonstrate compliance with the requirements for adequate financial controls developed under paragraph (1) before a disaster occurs and before receiving an allocation for a grant under this section.
"(4) Duplication of benefits.--
"(A) In general.--Funds made available under this section shall be used in accordance
with section 312 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5155) and such rules as may be prescribed under such section 312.
"(B) Penalties.--In any case in which the use of grant funds under this section results in a prohibited duplication of benefits, the grantee shall--
"(i) apply an amount equal to the identified duplication to any allowable costs of the award consistent with an actual, immediate cash requirement;
"(ii) remit any excess amounts to the Secretary to be credited to the obligated, undisbursed balance of the grant consistent with requirements on Federal payments applicable to such grantee; and
"(iii) if excess amounts under clause (ii) are identified after the period of performance or after the closeout of the award, remit such amounts to the Secretary to be credited to the Fund.
"(C) Failure to comply.--Any grantee provided funds under this section or from prior appropriations Acts under the heading `Community Development Fund' for purposes related to major disasters that fails to comply with section 312 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5155) or fails to satisfy penalties to resolve a duplication of benefits shall be subject to remedies for noncompliance under section 111, unless the Secretary publishes a determination in the Federal Register that it is not in the best interest of the Federal Government to pursue remedial actions.
"(i) Waivers and Alternative Requirements.--
"(1) In general.--In administering grants under this section, the Secretary may waive, or specify alternative requirements for, any provision of any statute or regulation that the Secretary administers in connection with the obligation by the Secretary or the use by the grantee of those funds (except for requirements related to fair housing, nondiscrimination, labor standards, the environment, and the requirements of this section that do not expressly authorize modifications by waiver or alternative requirement), if the Secretary makes a public finding that good cause exists for the waiver or alternative requirement.
"(2) Effective date.--A waiver or alternative requirement described in paragraph (1) shall not take effect before the date that is 5 days after the date of publication of the waiver or alternative requirement on the website of the Department of Housing and Urban Development or the effective date for any regulation published in the Federal Register.
"(3) Public notification.--The Secretary shall notify the public of all waivers or alternative requirements described in paragraph (1) in accordance with the requirements of section 7(q)(3) of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act (42 U.S.C. 3535(q)(3)).
"(j) Unused Amounts.--
"(1) Deadline to use amounts.--A grantee under this section shall use an amount equal to the grant within 6 years beginning on the date on which the Secretary obligates the amounts to the grantee, as such period may be extended under paragraph (4).
"(2) Recapture.--The Secretary shall recapture and credit to the Fund any amount that is unused by a grantee under this section upon the earlier of--
"(A) the date on which the grantee notifies the Secretary that the grantee has completed all activities identified in the disaster grantee's plan under subsection (c); or
"(B) the expiration of the 6-year period described in paragraph (1), as such period may be extended under paragraph (4).
"(3) Retention of funds.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Secretary--
"(A) shall allow a grantee under this section to retain amounts needed to close out grants; and
"(B) may allow a grantee under this section to retain up to 10 percent of the remaining funds to support maintenance of the minimal capacity to launch a new program in the event of a future disaster and to support pre-disaster long-term recovery and mitigation planning.
"(4) Extension of period for use of funds.--The Secretary may extend the 6-year period described in paragraph (1) by not more than 4 years, or not more than 6 years for mitigation activities, if--
"(A) the grantee submits to the Secretary--
"(i) written documentation of the exigent circumstances impacting the ability of the grantee to expend funds that could not be anticipated; or
"(ii) a justification that such request is necessary due to the nature and complexity of the program and projects; and
"(B) the Secretary submits a written justification for the extension to the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives that specifies the period of that extension.
"(k) Definition.--In this section, the term `Indian tribe' has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4103).".
(e) Regulations.--
(1) Proposed rules.--Following consultation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Small Business Administration, and other Federal agencies, not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue proposed rules to carry out this section and the amendments made by this section and shall provide a 90-day period for submission of public comments on those proposed rules.
(2) Final rules.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue final regulations to carry out section 124 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as added by subsection (d).
(f) Coordination of Disaster Recovery Assistance, Benefits, and Data With Other Federal Agencies.--
(1) Coordination of disaster recovery assistance.--In order to ensure a comprehensive approach to Federal disaster relief, long-term recovery, restoration of housing and infrastructure, economic revitalization, and mitigation in the most impacted and distressed areas resulting from a catastrophic major disaster, the Secretary shall coordinate with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to the greatest extent practicable, in the implementation of assistance authorized under section 124 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as added by subsection (d).
(2) Data sharing agreements.--To support the coordination of data to prevent duplication of benefits with other Federal disaster recovery programs while also expediting recovery and reducing burden on disaster survivors, the Department shall establish data sharing agreements that safeguard privacy with relevant Federal agencies to ensure disaster benefits effectively and efficiently reach intended beneficiaries, while using effective means of preventing harm to people and property.
(3) Data transfer from fema and sba to hud.--As permitted and deemed necessary for efficient program execution, and consistent with a computer matching agreement entered into under paragraph (6)(A), the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration shall provide data on disaster applicants to the Department, including, when necessary, personally identifiable information, disaster recovery needs, and resources determined eligible for, and amounts expended, to the Secretary for all major disasters declared by the President pursuant to section 401 of Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C.
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5170) for the purpose of providing additional assistance to disaster survivors and prevent duplication of benefits.
(4) Data transfers from hud to hud grantees.--The Secretary is authorized to provide to grantees under section 124 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as added by subsection (d), offices of the Department, technical assistance providers, and lenders information that in the determination of the Secretary is reasonably available and appropriate to inform the provision of assistance after a major disaster, including information provided to the Secretary by the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, or other Federal agencies.
(5) Data transfers from hud grantees to hud, fema, and sba.--
(A) Reporting.--Grantees under section 124 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as added by subsection (d), shall report information requested by the Secretary on households, businesses, and other entities assisted and the type of assistance provided.
(B) Sharing information.--The Secretary shall share information collected under subparagraph (A) with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Small Business Administration, and other Federal agencies to support the planning and delivery of disaster recovery and mitigation assistance and other related purposes.
(6) Privacy protection.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary may make and receive data transfers authorized under this subsection, including the use and retention of that data for computer matching programs, to inform the provision of assistance, assess disaster recovery needs, and prevent the duplication of benefits and other waste, fraud, and abuse, provided that--
(i) the Secretary enters an information sharing agreement or a computer matching agreement, when required by section 522a of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the "Privacy Act of 1974"), with the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, or other Federal agencies covering the transfer of data; and
(ii) the Secretary publishes intent to disclose data in the Federal Register.
(B) Data sharing agreement.--Notwithstanding clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (A), section 552a of title 5, United States Code, or any other law, the Secretary is authorized to share data with an entity identified in paragraph (4), and the entity is authorized to use the data as described in this section, if the Secretary enters a data sharing agreement with the entity before sharing or receiving any information under transfers authorized by this section, which data sharing agreement shall--
(i) in the determination of the Secretary, include measures adequate to safeguard the privacy and personally identifiable information of individuals; and
(ii) include provisions that describe how the personally identifiable information of an individual will be adequately safeguarded and protected, which requires consultation with the Secretary and the head of each Federal agency the data of which is being shared subject to the agreement.
(g) Sunset.--The program under section 124 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as added by subsection (d) shall terminate on the date that is 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
(h) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that, should Congress opt to appropriate funds for disaster recovery through a similar successor program following the sunset date, subsection (g) shall not preclude Congress from doing so.
(i) Application.--Grants made under section 124 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as added by subsection (d), after the date of enactment of this Act shall be carried out using amounts appropriated after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 505. NEW MOVING TO WORK COHORT.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Moving to work demonstration.--The term "Moving to Work demonstration" means the Moving to Work demonstration authorized under section 204 of the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 (42 U.S.C. 1437f note).
(2) Secretary.--The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
(b) Authorization of Additional Public Housing Agencies.--
(1) In general.--After the completion of the initial report required under subsection (h)(2), the Secretary may add up to an additional 25 public housing agencies that are designated as high performing agencies under the Public Housing Assessment System or the Section 8 Management Assessment Program to participate in a new cohort as part of the Moving to Work demonstration.
(2) Name.--The new cohort authorized under paragraph (1) shall be entitled the "Economic Opportunity and Pathways to Independence Cohort".
(c) Waiver Authority.--
(1) In general.--Subject to this subsection, the authority of the Secretary to grant waivers to agencies admitted to the Moving to Work demonstration under this section or to designate policy changes as part of a cohort design under this section shall be limited to the Moving to Work waivers codified as of January 2025 in Appendix I of the document of the Department of Housing and Urban Development entitled "Operations Notice for the Expansion of the Moving to Work Demonstration Program" (FR-5994-N-05) published in the Federal Register on August 28, 2020, as amended by the notice entitled "Operations Notice for Expansion of the Moving to Work Demonstration Program Technical Revisions" (FR-5994-N-06) published in the Federal Register on March 20, 2025.
(2) Modifications.--The Secretary may not waive the safe harbor requirements that apply to the Moving to Work waivers described in paragraph (1) or modify those waivers in any other way for the purposes of the new cohort under this section.
(3) Exceptions.--
(A) In general.--Under paragraph (1), the Secretary may not grant waiver 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1k, 1l, 1o, 1p, 1q, 6, 7, 9a, 9h, or 12 in the document described in paragraph (1), including modifications of or safe harbor requirement waivers for such waivers.
(B) Specific wavers.--If the Secretary grants waiver 10 or 11 in the document described in paragraph (1), resident participation in any program administered pursuant to those waivers shall be optional for purposes of the new cohort under this section.
(4) Policy options.--In carrying out the Moving to Work demonstration cohort established under this section, the Secretary may consider policy options to provide opt-out savings or escrow accounts and report positive rental payments to consumer reporting agencies (as defined in section 603 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681a)) with resident consent.
(d) Funding and Use of Funds.--
(1) In general.--Public housing agencies in the cohort authorized under this section may expend not more than 5 percent of the amounts those public housing agencies receive in any fiscal year for housing assistance payments under section 8(o) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)) for purposes other than such housing assistance payments.
(2) Other uses.--Such other uses of amounts described in paragraph (1) shall comply with all other applicable requirements.
(3) Formula.--
(A) Renewal.--The amount of funding public housing agencies receive for renewal of housing assistance payments under section 8(o) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)) shall be determined according to the same funding formula applicable to public housing agencies that do not participate in the Moving to Work demonstration, except that the Secretary shall provide public housing agencies funding to renew any funds expended under this subsection, with an adjustment for inflation.
(B) Administrative fees.--The amount of funding public housing agencies receive for administrative fees under section 8(q) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(q)), public housing operating subsidies under section 9(e) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437g(e)), and public housing capital funding under section 9(d) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437g(d)) shall be determined according to the same funding formula applicable to public housing agencies that do not participate in the Moving to Work demonstration.
(e) Selection Requirements.--The Secretary shall select public housing agencies designated under this section through a competitive process, as determined by the Secretary, with the following parameters:
(1) No public housing agency shall be granted this designation under this section that administers more than 27,000 aggregate housing vouchers and public housing units.
(2) Of the public housing agencies selected under this section, not more than 12 shall administer 1,000 or fewer aggregate housing vouchers and public housing units, not more than 8 shall administer between 1,001 and 6,000 aggregate housing vouchers and public housing units, and not more than 5 shall administer between 6,001 and 27,000 aggregate housing vouchers and public housing units.
(3) Selection of public housing agencies under this section shall be based on ensuring the geographic diversity of Moving to Work demonstration public housing agencies.
(4) Within the requirements under paragraphs (1) through (3), the Secretary shall prioritize selecting public housing agencies that serve families with children and youth aging out of foster care at a rate above the national average.
(f) Requirements for Selected Public Housing Agencies.--Consistent with section 204(c)(3) of the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 (42 U.S.C. 1437f note), public housing agencies selected for the Moving to Work demonstration under this section shall--
(1) ensure that not less than 75 percent of the families assisted are very low-income families, as defined in section 3(b)(2)(B) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C.
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1437a(b)(2)(B));
(2) establish a reasonable rent policy, which shall be designed to encourage employment and self-sufficiency by participating families, consistent with the purpose of the Moving to Work demonstration, such as by excluding some or all of a family's earned income for purposes of determining rent;
(3) continue to assist substantially the same total number of eligible low-income families as would have been served had the amounts not been combined;
(4) maintain a comparable mix of families (by family size) as would have been provided had the amounts not been used under the Moving to Work demonstration; and
(5) assure that housing assisted under the Moving to Work demonstration meets housing quality standards established or approved by the Secretary.
(g) Noncompliance.--
(1) In general.--If the Secretary finds that a public housing agency participating in the cohort authorized under this section is not in compliance with the requirements under this section, the Secretary shall make a determination of noncompliance.
(2) Compliance.--Upon making a determination under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall develop a process to bring the public housing agency into compliance.
(3) Removal.--If a public housing agency cannot be brought into compliance under the process developed under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall remove the participating public housing agency from the cohort and replace it with a similarly qualified public housing agency currently not in the cohort chosen in the manner described in subsection (e).
(4) Notification.--Upon removing a public housing agency under paragraph (3), the Secretary shall immediately submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives--
(A) a notification of the removal; and
(B) a report on the active steps the Secretary is taking to replace the public housing agency with a new public housing agency.
(h) Comprehensive Moving to Work Reporting and Oversight Requirements.--
(1) Cohort research.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall continue ongoing research investigations commenced as part of the assessment of the cohorts established under section 239 of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2016 (42 U.S.C. 1437f note; Public Law 114-113), make public all products completed as part of those investigations, and keep such products online for at least 5 years.
(B) Coordination.--The Secretary shall coordinate with the advisory committee established under section 239 of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2016 (42 U.S.C. 1437f note; Public Law 114-113) to establish a research program to evaluate the outcomes and efficacy of the following for all Moving to Work demonstration agencies designated under the authority under such section and this section:
(i) The waivers granted to each cohort and whether those waivers accomplish the goals of achieving greater cost effectiveness and administrative capacity, incentivizing families to become economically self-sufficient, and increasing housing choice.
(ii) The additional flexibilities granted to individual public housing agencies under each cohort.
(iii) How the flexibilities described in clause (ii) were used for local, non-traditional activities.
(2) Comprehensive reporting requirement.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report that contains the following for each Moving to Work demonstration cohort under section 204 of the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 (42 U.S.C. 1437f note), section 239 of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2016 (42 U.S.C. 1437f note; Public Law 114-113), and this section:
(A) The annual administrative plans of each Moving to Work demonstration public housing agency.
(B) Assessments of longitudinal data, including data on units, households, and outcomes, which shall be evaluated to compare changes in the following trends before and after Moving to Work demonstration designation:
(i) Impacts on tenants based on the following, disaggregated by the public housing program and the housing choice voucher program:
(I) Eviction rates.
(II) Hardship policy usage.
(III) Share of rent covered by a household.
(IV) Turnover, including the number of household moves with or without continued assistance.
(V) Reasons for exit from the program.
(VI) The number and characteristics of households served, including households with a non-elderly family member with a disability, households with 3 or more minors, homelessness status at the time of admission, and average and median income as a percent of area median income.
(ii) Impacts on public housing agency operations based on the following:
(I) The number of units, broken down by type.
(II) The size, including the number of bedrooms per unit, accessibility, affordability, and quality of units.
(III) The length of each waitlist maintained and average wait times.
(IV) Changes in capital backlog needs and surplus fund and reserve levels.
(V) The number of public housing units undergoing a conversion under the rental assistance demonstration program authorized under the Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2012 (Public Law 112-55; 125 Stat. 673) or demolition or disposition projects under section 18 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437p), including the number of units lost and the location of any replacement housing resulting from demolition or disposition.
(VI) The share of project-based vouchers compared to tenant-based vouchers.
(VII) The following annual housing choice voucher data:
(aa) Voucher unit utilization rates.
(bb) Voucher budget utilization rates.
(cc) Annualized voucher success rate.
(dd) Demographic composition of households issued vouchers compared to utilized vouchers.
(ee) Average time to lease-up.
(ff) Average cost per voucher.
(gg) Average cost per landlord incentive.
(hh) Ratio of the proportion of voucher households living in concentrated low-income areas to the proportion of renter-occupied units in concentrated low-income areas.
(ii) Characteristics of census tracts where voucher recipients reside.
(VIII) How the public housing agency met each of the statutory requirements in section 204(c)(3) of the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 (42 U.S.C. 1437f note).
(iii) Impacts on public housing staffing and capacity, including the average public housing agency operating, administrative, and housing assistance payment expenditures per household per month.
(C) Legislative recommendations for flexibilities that could be expanded to all public housing agencies and how each flexibility enhances housing choice, affordability, and administrative capacity and efficiency for public housing agencies.
(3) Public availability.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall maintain all reports submitted pursuant to this section in a manner that is publicly available, accessible, and searchable on the website of the Department of Housing and Urban Development for not less than 5 years.
(B) Other information.--
(i) In general.--The Secretary shall make the annual plan of the Moving to Work demonstration, the Section 8 administrative plan, and the admission and continued occupancy policy for each year publicly available in 1 location on the website of the Department of Housing and Urban Development for not less than 5 years.
(ii) Database.--The Secretary may establish a searchable database on the website of the Department of Housing and Urban Development to track the types of flexibilities into which Moving to Work demonstration public housing agencies have opted or for which a waiver was approved by the Secretary, disaggregated by the year such flexibilities were adopted or approved.
SEC. 601. MILITARY SERVICE QUESTION.
(a) In General.--Subpart A of part 2 of the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 (12 U.S.C. 4541 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
"SEC. 1329. UNIFORM RESIDENTIAL LOAN APPLICATION.
"Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this section, the Director shall, by regulation or order, require each enterprise to include a disclosure below the military service question, which shall be above the signature line, on the form known as the Uniform Residential Loan Application stating, `If yes, you may qualify for a VA Home Loan. Consult your lender regarding eligibility.'.".
(b) GAO Study.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study and submit to Congress a report on whether or not less than 80 percent of lenders using the Uniform Residential Loan Application have included on that form the disclaimer required under section 1329 of the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992, as added by subsection (a).
SEC. 602. HOUSING UNHOUSED DISABLED VETERANS ACT.
(a) Exclusion of Certain Disability Benefits.--Section 3(b)(4)(B) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)(4)(B)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating clauses (iv) and (v) as clauses (vi) and (vii), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after clause (iii) the following:
"(iv) for the purpose of determining income eligibility with respect to the supported housing program under section 8(o)(19), any disability benefits received under chapter 11 or chapter 15 of title 38, United States Code, received by a veteran, except that this exclusion shall not apply to the income in the definition of adjusted income;
"(v) for the purpose of determining income eligibility with respect to any household receiving rental assistance under the supported housing program under section 8(o)(19) as it relates to eligibility for other types of housing assistance, any disability benefits received under chapter 11 or chapter 15 of title 38, United States Code, received by a veteran, but such amounts shall not be excluded from income when determining adjusted income;".
(b) Treatment of Certain Disability Benefits.--
(1) In general.--When determining the eligibility of a veteran to rent a residential dwelling unit constructed on Department property on or after the date of enactment of this Act, for which assistance is provided as part of a housing assistance program administered by the Secretary, the Secretary shall exclude from income any disability benefits received under chapter 11 or chapter 15 of title 38, United States Code by such person.
(2) Definitions.--In this subsection:
(A) Department property.--The term "Department property" has the meaning given the term in section 901 of title 38, United States Code.
(B) Secretary.--The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
SEC. 603. VETERANS AFFAIRS LOAN INFORMED DISCLOSURE (VALID)
ACT.
(a) FHA Informed Consumer Choice Disclosure.--
(1) Inclusion of information relating to va loans.--Subparagraph (A) of section 203(f)(2) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C.
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1709(f)(2)(A)) is amended--
(A) by striking "ratio in" and inserting "ratio--
"(i) in"; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
"(ii) in connection with a loan guaranteed or insured under chapter 37 of title 38, United States Code, assuming prevailing interest rates; and".
(2) Rule of construction.--Nothing in the amendments made by paragraph (1) shall be construed to require an original lender to determine whether a prospective borrower is eligible for any loan included in the notice required under section 203(f) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1709(f)).
(b) Military Service Question.--
(1) In general.--Subpart A of part 2 of subtitle A of the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 (12 U.S.C. 4541 et seq.), as amended by section 601(a) of this Act, is amended by adding at the end the following:
"SEC. 1330. UNIFORM RESIDENTIAL LOAN APPLICATION.
"Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this section, the Director shall require each enterprise to--
"(1) include a military service question on the form known as the Uniform Residential Loan Application to include selection options of `Yes', `No', and "Prefer Not To Answer"; and
"(2) position the question described in paragraph (1) above the signature line of the Uniform Residential Loan Application.".
(2) Rulemaking.--Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency shall issue a rule to carry out the amendment made by this section.
SEC. 701. REQUIRING ANNUAL TESTIMONY AND OVERSIGHT FROM
HOUSING REGULATORS.
Section 7 of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act (42 U.S.C. 3535) is amended by adding at the end the following:
"(u) Annual Testimony.--The Secretary shall appear before the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives at an annual hearing and present testimony regarding the operations of the Department during the preceding year, including--
"(1) the current programs and operations of the Department;
"(2) the physical condition of all public housing and other housing assisted by the Department;
"(3) the financial health of the mortgage insurance funds of the Federal Housing Agency;
"(4) oversight by the Department of grantees and subgrantees for purposes of preventing waste, fraud, and abuse;
"(5) the progress made by the Federal Government in ending the affordable housing and homelessness crises;
"(6) the capacity of the Department to deliver on its statutory mission; and
"(7) other ongoing activities of the Department, as appropriate.".
SEC. 702. FHA REPORTING REQUIREMENTS ON SAFETY AND SOUNDNESS.
Section 202(a) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1708(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
"(8) Other required reporting.--The Secretary shall--
"(A) submit to Congress monthly reports on the capital ratio required under section 205(f)(2); and
"(B) notify Congress as soon as practicable after the Fund falls below the capital ratio required under section 205(f)(2).".
SEC. 703. UNITED STATES INTERAGENCY COUNCIL ON HOMELESSNESS
OVERSIGHT.
Section 203(a) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11313(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking "Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act of 2009" and inserting "21st Century ROAD to Housing Act"; and
(B) by striking "update such plan annually" and inserting "submit to the President and Congress a report every year thereafter that includes--
"(A) the status of completion of the plan; and
"(B) any modifications that were made to the plan and the reasons for those modifications;";
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (10) through (13) as paragraphs (11) through (14), respectively;
(3) by redesignating the second paragraph (9) (relating to collecting and disseminating information) as paragraph (10);
(4) in paragraph (13), as so redesignated, by striking "and" at the end;
(5) in paragraph (14), as so redesignated, by striking the period at the end and inserting "; and"; and
(6) by adding at the end the following:
"(15) testify annually before Congress, if requested.".
SEC. 704. APPRAISAL MODERNIZATION ACT.
(a) Reconsideration of Value.--
(1) Federally backed mortgage loan defined.--In this subsection, the term "federally backed mortgage loan" has the meaning given the term in section 4022 of the CARES Act (15 U.S.C. 9056).
(2) Requirement.--The Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Commissioner of the Federal Housing Administration, and the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency shall each implement and maintain requirements that creditors of a federally backed mortgage loan have a review and resolution procedure for a consumer-initiated reconsideration of value or subsequent appraisal in connection with a consumer credit transaction secured by a consumer's principal dwelling.
(b) Public Appraisal Database.--
(1) Covered agencies defined.--In this subsection, the term "covered agencies" means--
(A) the Federal Housing Finance Agency, on behalf of the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation;
(B) the Department of Housing and Urban Development, including the Federal Housing Administration;
(C) the Department of Agriculture; and
(D) the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(2) Feasibility report.--Not later than 240 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a public report assessing the feasibility of creating a publicly available appraisal database that consists of a searchable and downloadable appraisal-level public use file that consolidates appraisal data held or aggregated by covered agencies, including--
(A) the costs and benefits associated with establishing and maintaining the public database;
(B) the benefits and risks associated with the Federal Housing Finance Agency or the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection being responsible for the public database and whether there is another Federal agency best suited for implementing and administering such database;
(C) any safety and soundness, antitrust, or consumer privacy-related risks associated with making certain appraisal data factors publicly available, including whether--
(i) there are any existing legal requirements, including under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975 (12 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.) and section 552 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the "Freedom of Information Act"), or additional actions Federal agencies could take to mitigate such risks, such as modifying or aggregating data or eliminating personally identifiable information; and
(ii) there are any data factors that, if made public, may violate conduct, ethics, or other professional standards as they relate to appraisals and appraisal or valuation professionals;
(D) the feasibility of consolidating or matching appraisal data held by covered agencies with corresponding data that are required and made public under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975 (12 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.);
(E) whether the publication of any appraisal data factors may pose unfair business advantages within the valuation industry;
(F) the feasibility of including all valuation data held by covered agencies, including data produced by automated valuation models;
(G) the feasibility and benefits of making the full appraisal dataset, including any modified fields, available to--
(i) Federal agencies, including for purposes related to enforcement and supervision responsibilities;
(ii) relevant State licensing, supervision, and enforcement agencies and State attorneys general;
(iii) approved researchers, including academics and nonprofit organizations that, in connection with their mission, work to ensure the fairness and consistency of home valuations, including appraisals; and
(iv) any other entities identified by the Comptroller General as having a compelling use for disaggregated data;
(H) what appraisal data are already available in the public domain; and
(I) the feasibility of incorporating legacy data held by covered agencies during the period beginning on January 1, 2017, and ending on the date of enactment of this Act, and whether there are specific data points not easily consolidated or matched, as described in subparagraph (D), with more recent data.
(3) Purpose.--The database described in paragraph (2) shall be used to provide the public, the Federal Government, and State governments with residential real estate appraisal data to help determine whether financial institutions, appraisal management companies, appraisers, valuation technologies, such as automated valuation models, and other valuation professionals are effectively serving the entire housing market.
(4) Consultation.--As part of the information used in the report required under paragraph (2), the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct interviews with--
(A) relevant Federal agencies;
(B) relevant State licensing, supervision, and enforcement agencies and State attorneys general;
(C) appraisers and other home valuation industry professionals;
(D) mortgage lending institutions;
(E) fair housing and fair lending experts; and
(F) any other relevant stakeholders as determined by the Comptroller General.
(5) Hearing.--Upon the completion of the report under paragraph (2), the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives shall each hold a hearing on the findings of the report and the feasibility of establishing a public appraisal-level appraisal database.
TITLE VIII--ACCOUNTABILITY, COORDINATION, STUDIES, AND REPORTING
SEC. 801. HUD-USDA-VA INTERAGENCY COORDINATION ACT.
(a) Memorandum of Understanding.--The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish a memorandum of understanding, or other appropriate interagency agreement, to share relevant housing-related research and market data that facilitate evidence-based policymaking.
(b) Interagency Report.--
(1) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall jointly submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report containing--
(A) a description of opportunities for increased collaboration between the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to reduce inefficiencies in housing programs;
(B) a list of Federal laws (including regulations) that adversely affect the availability and affordability of new construction of assisted housing and single-family and multifamily residential housing subject to mortgages insured under title II of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1707 et seq.), insured, guaranteed, or made by the Secretary of Agriculture under title V of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1471 et seq.), or insured, guaranteed, or made by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under chapter 37 of title 38, United States Code; and
(C) recommendations for Congress regarding the Federal laws (including regulations) described in subparagraph (B).
(2) Publication.--The report required under paragraph (1) shall, prior to submission under this subsection, be published in the Federal Register and open for comment for a period of 30 days.
SEC. 802.
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STREAMLINING RURAL HOUSING ACT.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Secretary of Agriculture shall enter into a memorandum of understanding to--
(1) evaluate categorical exclusions under the environmental review process for housing projects funded by amounts from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Agriculture;
(2) develop a process to designate a lead agency and streamline adoption of Environmental Impact Statements and Environmental Assessments approved by the other Department to construct housing projects funded by both agencies;
(3) maintain compliance with environmental regulations under part 58 of title 24, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on January 1, 2025, except as required to amend, add, or remove categorical exclusions identified under section 58.35 of title 24, Code of Federal Regulations, through standard rulemaking procedures; and
(4) evaluate the feasibility of a joint physical inspection process for housing projects funded by amounts from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Agriculture.
(b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Secretary of Agriculture shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report that includes recommendations for legislative, regulatory, or administrative actions--
(1) to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of housing projects funded by amounts from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Agriculture; and
(2) that do not materially, with respect to residents of housing projects described in paragraph (1)--
(A) reduce the safety of those residents;
(B) shift long-term costs onto those residents; or
(C) undermine the environmental standards of those residents.
SEC. 803. IMPROVING SELF-SUFFICIENCY OF FAMILIES IN HUD-
SUBSIDIZED HOUSING.
(a) In General.--
(1) Study.--Subject to subsection (b), the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall
conduct a study on the implementation of work requirements implemented prior to the date of enactment of this Act by public housing agencies described in paragraph (4) participating in the Moving to Work demonstration authorized under section 204 of the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 (42 U.S.C. 1437f note).
(2) Scope.--The study required under paragraph (1) shall--
(A) consider the short-, medium-, and long-term benefits and challenges of work requirements on public housing agencies described in paragraph (4) and on program participants who are subject to such requirements, including the effects work requirements have on homelessness rates, poverty rates, asset building, earnings growth, job attainment and retention, and public housing agencies' administrative capacity; and
(B) include quantitative and qualitative evidence, including interviews with program participants described in subparagraph (A) and their respective resident councils.
(3) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report on the initial findings of the study required under paragraph (1).
(4) Public housing agencies described.--The public housing agencies described in this paragraph are public housing agencies that, as part of an application to participate in the demonstration authorized under section 204 of the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 (42 U.S.C. 1437f note), submit a proposal identifying work requirements as an innovative proposal.
(b) Determination.--The requirement under subsection (a) shall apply if the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development determines that--
(1) there are a sufficient number of public housing agencies described in subsection (a)(4) such that the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development can rigorously evaluate the impact of the implementation of work requirements described in that subsection; and
(2) the study would not negatively impact low-income families receiving assistance through a public housing agency described in subsection (a)(4).
SEC. 804. GAO STUDIES.
(a) Workforce Housing Study.--
(1) Middle-income household defined.--In this subsection, the term "middle-income household" means a household with an income above 80 percent but that does not exceed 120 percent of the median family income of the area, as determined by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development with adjustments for smaller and larger families.
(2) Study.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study and submit to Congress a report that--
(A) identifies obstacles middle-income households face when looking to secure affordable housing;
(B) identifies geographic areas where housing is the most unaffordable and unavailable for middle-income households;
(C) includes a list of Federal housing programs, including Federal tax credits, grants, and loan programs, that are not available to middle-income households due to their income status, including Federal housing programs designed to promote affordability;
(D) recommends income and other parameters to establish a clear and consistent Federal definition for the term "workforce housing" for use when describing the segment of housing that could be made available to those middle-income households in Federal housing programs if funding commensurate with the additional eligibility were to be made available; and
(E) analyzes how to modify or newly develop new Federal housing programs and incentives to include "workforce housing" if funding commensurate with the additional eligibility were to be made available.
(b) Housing for Elderly or Disabled.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall carry out a study and submit to Congress a report that identifies options to remove barriers and improve housing for persons who are elderly or disabled, including any potential impacts of providing capital advances for--
(1) the program for supportive housing for the elderly under section 202 of the Housing Act of 1959 (12 U.S.C. 1701q); and
(2) the program for supportive housing for persons with disabilities under section 811 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 8013).
(c) Proximity of Housing to Superfund Sites.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall carry out a study and submit to Congress a report that identifies how many residential dwelling units, and how many dwelling units that are a part of public housing (as defined in section 3(b) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b))), are located less than 1 mile from a site that is included on the National Priorities List established pursuant to section 105 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9605).
(d) Residential Heirs Property.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall carry out a study and submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report that--
(1) establishes a comprehensive definition of residential heirs property, or family land inherited without a will or legal documentation of ownership;
(2) examines the occurrence of and consequences to owners of residential heirs property, and provides an estimate regarding the number of current residential heirs properties;
(3) describes the objectives and requirements of the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act as approved by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws in 2010;
(4) details the various resources that may be available to the owners of residential heirs properties, including housing counseling, legal services, and financial assistance to resolve residential heirs property title issues from the Federal Government, nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education; and
(5) makes recommendations with respect to how to reduce the number of residential heirs properties, including--
(A) by incentivizing States and other jurisdictions which enact or adopt the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act or similar such reforms;
(B) by awarding grants to States and other jurisdictions to assist residents of those States and jurisdictions to establish and document property ownership rights or settle a decedent's estate;
(C) by awarding grants to entities that--
(i) provide housing counseling, legal assistance, and financial assistance to home-owners and their heirs relating to title clearing and home retention efforts of heirs' property; and
(ii) target services to low- and moderate-income persons or provide services in neighborhoods that have a high concentration of low- and moderate-income persons; and
(D) by conducting other activities that assist individuals to clear title with respect to heirs' property and with general estate planning.
SEC. 805. IMPROVING PUBLIC HOUSING AGENCY ACCOUNTABILITY.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Covered public housing agency.--The term "covered public housing agency" means a public housing agency (as defined in section 3(b) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C.
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1437a(b))) for which an administrative or judicial receiver or Federal monitor was appointed.
(2) Inspector general.--The term "Inspector General" means the Inspector General of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
(3) Secretary.--The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
(b) Required Notice.--The Secretary shall require each covered public housing agency to provide a notice each year to the Secretary that--
(1) indicates that if a receiver or Federal monitor remains appointed for the covered public housing agency as of October 1 of the calendar year to which the notice relates;
(2) provides the date on which the receiver or Federal monitor was first appointed and the projected date, if known, the appointment of the receiver or Federal monitor will be terminated; and
(3) identifies the current receiver or Federal monitor appointed to oversee the public housing agency.
(c) Federal Monitor and Receiver Transparency.--
(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, not later than October 1 of each year, each receiver or Federal monitor that is currently appointed to oversee a covered public housing agency shall provide to the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate a written assessment that--
(A) describes the management and oversight activities of the receiver or Federal monitor for the covered public housing agency;
(B) identifies the significant factors that led to the appointment of the receiver or Federal monitor for the covered public housing agency;
(C) identifies the factors that remain unresolved at the covered public housing agency that have led to the continued oversight of the receiver or Federal monitor; and
(D) includes a timeline developed by the receiver or Federal monitor that projects when the factors identified under subparagraphs (B) and (C) will be resolved.
(2) Additional information.--In addition to the written assessment required in paragraph (1), upon written request by the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate or the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives, each receiver or Federal monitor appointed to oversee a covered public housing agency shall promptly furnish additional or supplemental information requested by the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate or the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives with respect to the covered public housing agency that such receiver or Federal monitor is appointed to oversee, including presenting testimony upon request.
(d) Disclosure Required.--The Secretary shall, not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, require each covered public housing agency to publicly disclose, on the website of the covered public housing agency, with respect to each contract entered into by such covered public housing agency in the preceding year, the following information:
(1) All material information about the contract, including the goods and service provided.
(2) The identity of the vendor selected to receive the contract.
(3) The date of the solicitation of the contract.
(4) The relevant information pertaining to the bids and quotes solicited for the contract.
(5) The name of the official who solicited the contract.
(e) Inspector General Review.--Not later than 180 days after receiving a written request from the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives or the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate, the Inspector General shall provide to the requesting committee an analysis of--
(1) the status of any covered public housing agency's compliance with any agreements entered into between the covered public housing agency and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, including specific areas of deficiency and progress toward compliance;
(2) a review of actions taken by the receiver or Federal monitor appointed to oversee a covered public housing agency and any private sector housing development partners pursuant to such agreement, including any gaps in oversight by the receiver or Federal monitor;
(3) an assessment of the physical conditions of housing provided by the covered public housing agency, including the status of the covered public housing agency's compliance with relevant health and safety requirements;
(4) an examination of any allegations of waste, fraud, abuse or violations of Federal law committed by employees or contractors of the covered public housing agency;
(5) any additional pertinent information, as determined necessary and appropriate by the inspector general; and
(6) any recommendations of the inspector general that relate to how to improve the compliance of the covered public housing agency with any agreements entered into with the Department of Housing and Urban Development or enhance the oversight of the receiver or Federal monitor over such covered public housing agency.
TITLE IX--STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY BANKS' ROLE IN HOUSING
SEC. 901. COMMUNITY BANK DEPOSIT ACCESS.
(a) In General.--Section 29 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1831f) is amended by adding at the end the following:
"(j) Limited Exception for Custodial Deposits.--
"(1) In general.--Custodial deposits of an eligible institution shall not be considered to be funds obtained, directly or indirectly, by or through a deposit broker to the extent that the total amount of such custodial deposits does not exceed an amount equal to 20 percent of the total liabilities of the eligible institution.
"(2) Definitions.--In this subsection:
"(A) Custodial deposit.--The term `custodial deposit' means a deposit that is not deposited at an insured depository institution in return for fees paid by the insured depository institution pursuant to an agreement with a third party and that would otherwise be considered to be obtained, directly or indirectly, by or through a deposit broker, if the deposit is deposited at 1 or more insured depository institutions, for the purpose of providing or maintaining deposit insurance for the benefit of a third party, by or through any of the following, each acting in a formal custodial or fiduciary capacity for the benefit of a third party:
"(i) An insured depository institution serving as agent, trustee, or custodian.
"(ii) A trust entity controlled by an insured depository institution serving as agent, trustee, or custodian.
"(iii) A State-chartered trust company serving as agent, trustee, or custodian.
"(iv) A plan administrator or investment advisor, acting in a formal custodial or fiduciary capacity for the benefit of a plan.
"(B) Eligible institution.--The term `eligible institution' means an insured depository institution that accepts custodial deposits, if the insured depository institution has less than $10,000,000,000 in total assets as reported on the consolidated report of condition and income as reported quarterly to the appropriate Federal banking agency and--
"(i)(I) when most recently examined under section 10(d) was assigned a composite rating of 1, 2, or 3 under the Uniform Financial Institutions Rating System (or an equivalent rating under a comparable rating system); and
"(II) is well capitalized; or
"(ii) has obtained a waiver pursuant to subsection (c).
"(C) Plan.--The term `plan' has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1002).
"(D) Plan administrator.--The term `plan administrator' has the meaning given the term `administrator' in section 3 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1002).
"(E) Well capitalized.--The term `well capitalized' has the meaning given the term in section 38(b).".
(b) Interest Rate Restriction.--Section 29 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1831f), as amended by subsection (a), is further amended by adding at the end the following:
"(k) Restriction on Interest Rate Paid on Certain Custodial Deposits.--
"(1) Definitions.--In this subsection--
"(A) the terms `custodial deposit', `eligible institution', and `well capitalized' have the meanings given those terms in subsection (j); and
"(B) the term `covered insured depository institution' means an insured depository institution that while acting as an eligible institution under subsection (j), accepts custodial deposits while not well capitalized.
"(2) Prohibition.--A covered insured depository institution may not pay a rate of interest on custodial deposits that are accepted while not well capitalized that, at the time the funds or custodial deposits are accepted, significantly exceeds the limit set forth in paragraph (3).
"(3) Limit on interest rates.--The limit on the rate of interest referred to in paragraph (2) shall be not greater than--
"(A) the rate paid on deposits of similar maturity in the normal market area of the covered insured depository institution for deposits accepted in the normal market area of the covered insured depository institution; or
"(B) the national rate paid on deposits of comparable maturity, as established by the Corporation, for deposits accepted outside the normal market area of the covered insured depository institution.".
SEC. 902. KEEPING DEPOSITS LOCAL.
(a) Amount of Reciprocal Deposits That Are Not Considered to Be Funds Obtained by or Through a Deposit Broker.--Section 29(i) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1831f(i)) is amended by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
"(1) In general.--The sum of the following amounts of reciprocal deposits of an agent institution shall not be considered to be funds obtained, directly or indirectly, by or through a deposit broker:
"(A) An amount equal to 50 percent of the portion of the total liabilities of the agent institution that is less than or equal to $1,000,000,000.
"(B) An amount equal to 40 percent of the portion, if any, of the total liabilities of the agent institution that is greater than $1,000,000,000, but less than or equal to $10,000,000,000.
"(C) An amount equal to 30 percent of the portion, if any, of the total liabilities of the agent institution that is greater than $10,000,000,000, but less than or equal to $96,333,333,333.".
(b) Definition of Agent Institution.--Section 29(i)(2)(A)(i)(I) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C.
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1831f(i)(2)(A)(i)) is amended by striking "was found to have a composite condition of outstanding or good" and inserting "was assigned a CAMELS rating of 1, 2, or 3 under the Uniform Financial Institutions Rating System (or an equivalent rating under a comparable rating system)".
(c) Reciprocal Deposits Study.--
(1) In general.--The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, in consultation with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, shall carry out a study on reciprocal deposits.
(2) Contents.--The study required under paragraph (1) shall include--
(A) an analysis of how reciprocal deposits have performed since 2018, which shall include--
(i) the use of quantitative and qualitative data;
(ii) a breakdown of the usage of reciprocal deposits by size of insured depository institution;
(iii) the usage of reciprocal deposits during periods of stress; and
(iv) an analysis, to the extent practicable, of end-user depositors, such as municipalities, businesses, and nonprofit organizations, that drive demand for reciprocal products;
(B) an analysis, to the extent practicable, of how reciprocal deposits compare to other deposit arrangements; and
(C) an analysis of the benefits and potential risks of reciprocal deposits.
(3) Report.--Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation shall issue a report to the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate containing all findings and determinations made in carrying out the study required under paragraph (1).
SEC. 903. TAILORED REGULATORY UPDATES FOR SUPERVISORY
TESTING.
Section 10(d) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1820(d)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (4)(A), by striking "$3,000,000,000" and inserting "$6,000,000,000"; and
(2) in paragraph (10), by striking "$3,000,000,000" and inserting "$6,000,000,000".
SEC. 904. CREDIT UNION BOARD MODERNIZATION.
Section 113 of the Federal Credit Union Act (12 U.S.C. 1761b) is amended--
(1) by striking "monthly" each place such term appears;
(2) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking "The board of directors" and inserting the following:
"(a) In General.--The board of directors";
(3) in subsection (a) (as so designated), by striking "shall meet at least once a month and"; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
"(b) Meetings.--The board of directors of a Federal credit union shall meet as follows:
"(1) With respect to a de novo Federal credit union, not less frequently than monthly during each of the first five years of the existence of such Federal credit union.
"(2) Not less than six times annually, with at least one meeting held during each fiscal quarter, with respect to a Federal credit union--
"(A) with a composite rating of either 1 or 2 under the Uniform Financial Institutions Rating System (or an equivalent rating under a comparable rating system); and
"(B) with a capability of management rating under such composite rating of either 1 or 2.
"(3) Not less frequently than once a month, with respect to a Federal credit union--
"(A) with a composite rating of either 3, 4, or 5 under the Uniform Financial Institutions Rating System (or an equivalent rating under a comparable rating system); or
"(B) with a capability of management rating under such composite rating of either 3, 4, or 5.".
SEC. 905. SYSTEMIC RISK AUTHORITY TRANSPARENCY.
(a) GAO Review.--Section 13(c)(4)(G)(iv) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1823(c)(4)(G)(iv)) is amended to read as follows:
"(iv) GAO review.--
"(I) In general.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall, not later than 60 days after a determination is made under clause (i), and again 180 days thereafter, review and report to the Congress on the determination under clause (i), including--
"(aa) the basis for the determination;
"(bb) the purpose for which any action was taken pursuant to such clause;
"(cc) the likely effect of the determination and such action on the incentives and conduct of insured depository institutions and uninsured depositors;
"(dd) any mismanagement by the executives and board of the insured depository institution that contributed to the failure of the insured depository institution;
"(ee) a review of the compensation practices of the insured depository institution;
"(ff) any supervisory or regulatory shortcomings with respect to the appropriate Federal banking agency of the insured depository institution;
"(gg) any actions taken by the Federal banking regulators, Financial Stability Oversight Council, Department of the Treasury, and other relevant financial regulators in relation to the failure of the insured depository institution; and
"(hh) any additional relevant entities or activities that may have contributed to the failure of the insured depository institution, including with respect to auditing, accounting, credit rating agencies, investment bank underwriters, and emergency liquidity options such as loans from the Federal reserve banks or advances through the Federal Home Loan Bank system.
"(II) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this clause or a report issued pursuant to this clause may be construed to limit the authority of a Federal agency to enforce violations of Federal statutes, rules, or orders.".
(b) Appropriate Federal Banking Agency Report.--Section 13(c) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1823(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
"(12) Appropriate federal banking agency report.--
"(A) In general.--The appropriate Federal banking agency of an insured depository institution about which a determination is made under paragraph (4)(G)(i) shall, not later than 90 days after the date of such determination, and again 210 days thereafter, submit a report to the Congress that discloses the following:
"(i) Subject to such redactions as the appropriate Federal banking agency determines appropriate to protect personally identifiable information about customers and other financial institutions (as such term is defined under section 11(e)(9)(D))--
"(I) all reports of examination and inspection that relate to the failed insured depository institution in the previous 3-year period;
"(II) all formal communications of a material supervisory determination conveyed to the failed insured depository institution in the previous 3-year period; and
"(III) any additional exam reports and correspondence that the appropriate Federal banking agency determines may be relevant to the failure of the insured depository institution.
"(ii) An examination of any mismanagement by the executives and board of the insured depository institution that contributed to the failure of the insured depository institution.
"(iii) Any supervisory or regulatory shortcomings by such appropriate Federal banking agency with respect to the insured depository institution.
"(iv) Any dynamics that the appropriate Federal banking agency determines may have contributed to the failure of the insured depository institution.
"(v) Any supervisory, regulatory, or legislative recommendations such appropriate Federal banking agency may have to improve the safety and soundness of similarly situated insured depository institutions, the banking system, and financial stability.
"(B) Protection of sensitive information.--
"(i) Effect on privilege.--The provision of any information by a Federal banking agency under this paragraph may not be construed as--
"(I) waiving, destroying, or otherwise affecting any privilege applicable to the information; or
"(II) waiving any exemption applicable to the information under section 552 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the `Freedom of Information Act').
"(ii) Transparency.--
"(I) In general.--A Federal banking agency shall publish materials contained in a report required under subparagraph (A) to the fullest extent possible to promote transparency.
"(II) Consultation on omitting materials.--If a Federal banking agency determines particular materials described under subclause (I) should not be published, the Federal banking agency shall consult with the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives and the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate.
"(III) Omitting materials.--If, after the consultation required under subclause (II), the Federal banking agency determines there is a substantial public interest in not publishing such materials, the Federal banking agency shall provide those materials to the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate with a written explanation describing the reasons for not publishing those materials.
"(iii) Privilege.--For purposes of this subparagraph, the term `privilege' includes any work-product, attorney-client, or other privilege recognized under Federal or State law.
"(C) Report extension.--A Federal banking agency may extend a deadline described under subparagraph (A) for an additional 60 days, if the Federal banking agency--
"(i) faces ongoing circumstances that require the Federal banking agency to prioritize activities to promote stability of the United States banking system; and
"(ii) notifies the Congress of such extension and the reasons for such extension.
"(D) Consolidated reports.--A Federal banking agency may consolidate multiple reports required under this paragraph so long as the individual reports being consolidated all meet the timing requirements under this paragraph.
"(E) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this paragraph or reports or materials provided pursuant to this paragraph may be construed to limit the authority of a Federal agency to enforce violations of Federal statutes, rules, or orders.".
SEC. 906. ADVANCING THE MENTOR-PROTEGE PROGRAM FOR SMALL
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.
Section 308 of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (12 U.S.C.
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1463 note) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
"(d) Financial Agent Mentor-protege Program.--
"(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a program to be known as the `Financial Agent Mentor-Protege Program' (in this subsection referred to as the `Program') under which a financial agent designated by the Secretary or a large financial institution may serve as a mentor, under guidance or regulations prescribed by the Secretary, to a small financial institution to allow such small financial institution--
"(A) to be prepared to perform as a financial agent; or
"(B) to improve capacity to provide services to the customers of the small financial institution.
"(2) Outreach.--The Secretary shall hold outreach events to promote the participation of financial agents, large financial institutions, and small financial institutions in the Program at least once a year.
"(3) Exclusion.--The Secretary shall issue guidance or regulations to establish a process under which a financial agent, large financial institution, or small financial institution may be excluded from participation in the Program.
"(4) Report.--The Secretary shall report to Congress information pertaining to the Program, including--
"(A) the number of financial agents, large financial institutions, and small financial institutions participating in such Program; and
"(B) the number of outreach events described in paragraph (2) held during the year covered by such report.
"(5) Definitions.--In this subsection:
"(A) Financial agent.--The term `financial agent' means any national banking association designated by the Secretary to be employed as a financial agent of the Government.
"(B) Large financial institution.--The term `large financial institution' means any entity regulated by the Comptroller of the Currency, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or the National Credit Union Administration that has total consolidated assets greater than or equal to $50,000,000,000.
"(C) Rural depository institution.--The term `rural depository institution' means a depository institution (as defined in section 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813))--
"(i) with total consolidated assets of less than $10,000,000,000; and
"(ii) located in a rural area, as defined under section 1026.35(b)(2)(iv)(A) of title 12, Code of Federal Regulations.
"(D) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary of the Treasury.
"(E) Small financial institution.--The term `small financial institution' means--
"(i) any entity regulated by the Comptroller of the Currency, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or the National Credit Union Administration that has total consolidated assets less than or equal to $2,000,000,000;
"(ii) a minority depository institution; or
"(iii) a rural depository institution.".
SEC. 907. AMERICAN ACCESS TO BANKING.
(a) Streamlining Application Process and Review of Capital Raising by De Novo Regulated Institutions.--
(1) In general.--Each of the Federal financial institutions regulatory agencies shall--
(A) for the purpose of streamlining the process of applying to become a de novo regulated institution, conduct a review of any application forms related to such process;
(B) to the extent practicable, gather information needed from applicants seeking to become a de novo regulated institution from other Federal Government agencies or public sources to minimize information requests of such applicants; and
(C) in consultation with the Securities and Exchange Commission, review how de novo regulated institutions raise capital while maintaining investor protections, including the impact of--
(i) general capital raising restrictions; and
(ii) capital raising restrictions related to individuals who are not accredited investors.
(2) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually for 5 years thereafter, each of the Federal financial institutions regulatory agencies shall submit to the Committee on Financial Services of the
House of Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and publish on a public website of such agency a report that contains--
(A) a description of the actions taken by such agency pursuant to paragraph (1); and
(B) as appropriate, any administrative or legislative recommendations with respect to the purpose described in paragraph (1)(C).
(b) Improving Communication With De Novo Regulated Institutions.--
(1) In general.--Each of the Federal financial institutions regulatory agencies shall, at the request of an applicant to become a de novo regulated institution, designate an employee of the agency as a caseworker, who may perform such duty in addition to the other duties of the employee.
(2) Caseworker duties.--Each caseworker described in paragraph (1) shall, to the maximum extent practicable--
(A) meet with the lead organizers applying to become a de novo regulated institution to provide a tutorial with respect to the application process; and
(B) be the primary point of contact of the respective Federal financial institutions regulatory agency for such organizers during the application process.
(3) New caseworker.--Each agency described in paragraph (1) may designate a new caseworker, as appropriate, to support continuity based on staffing and responsibilities assigned to the current caseworker.
(c) De Novo Mentor-protege Partnerships.--
(1) In general.--At the request of an institution that seeks to become a de novo regulated institution, each of the Federal financial institutions regulatory agencies shall, to the maximum extent practicable, provide a list to such institution of similar types of institutions that--
(A) were recently approved to become a de novo regulated institution; and
(B) are interested in volunteering to serve as a mentor to provide advice about the de novo application process.
(2) Mentorship information.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, each of the Federal financial institutions regulatory agencies shall provide public information and directions on how an institution may request a mentor or serve as a mentor as described in paragraph (1).
(d) State and Stakeholder Engagement Plan.--
(1) In general.--Each of the Federal financial institutions regulatory agencies shall develop a plan to--
(A) regularly consult with State regulators to promote cooperation between State and Federal banking and credit union agencies in the creation of de novo regulated institutions, including responding to any State regulator that requests assistance on how a State-chartered financial institution can request Federal insurance;
(B) regularly consult with stakeholders, including applicants to become de novo regulated institutions and recently approved regulated institutions, to inform any reforms that may support the creation of de novo regulated institutions, including rural institutions, community development financial institutions, and minority depository institutions; and
(C) provide guidance, training material, and regular workshops to assist any interested parties to understand such agencies' processes.
(2) Submission to congress.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 5 years thereafter, each of the Federal financial institutions regulatory agencies shall submit to the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate the respective plan of such agency described in paragraph (1).
(B) Public comment.--With respect to developing the plan described in paragraph (1), each of the Federal financial institutions regulatory agencies shall--
(i) provide an opportunity for public comments; and
(ii) take such public comments into consideration.
(e) Definitions.--
(1) In general.--In this section:
(A) Federal banking agency.--The term "Federal banking agency" has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813).
(B) Federal financial institutions regulatory agencies.--The term "Federal financial institutions regulatory agencies" has the meaning given the term in section 1003 of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council Act of 1978 (12 U.S.C. 3302).
(C) Regulated institution.--The term "regulated institution" means--
(i) with respect to a Federal banking agency, a depository institution (as such term is defined in section 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813)) for which the Federal banking agency is the appropriate Federal banking agency (as such term is defined in such section 3); and
(ii) with respect to the National Credit Union Administration, an insured credit union (as such term is defined in section 101 of the Federal Credit Union Act (12 U.S.C. 1752)).
(D) State.--The term "State" means each of the several States, the District of Columbia, and each territory of the United States.
(E) State regulator.--The term "State regulator" means--
(i) with respect to a Federal banking agency, a State banking regulator; and
(ii) with respect to the National Credit Union Administration, the State regulatory agency having jurisdiction over a State credit union (as such term is defined in section 101 of the Federal Credit Union Act (12 U.S.C. 1752)).
(2) Rule of construction.--For purposes of this section, the process of applying to become a de novo regulated institution shall include the process of applying for Federal deposit insurance, Federal share insurance, or membership in the Federal Reserve System.
SEC. 908.
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PROMOTING NEW BANK FORMATION.
(a) Pilot Phase-in of Capital Standards.--The Federal banking agencies may issue rules that provide for a 2-year phase-in period for a qualifying community bank or its depository institution holding company to meet any Federal capital requirements that would otherwise be applicable to the qualifying community bank or its depository institution holding company, beginning on--
(1) the date on which the qualifying community bank became an insured depository institution; or
(2) in the case of its depository institution holding company, the date on which the qualifying community bank of the depository institution holding company became an insured depository institution.
(b) Pilot Changes to Business Plans.--
(1) In general.--During the 2-year period beginning on the date on which a qualifying community bank became an insured depository institution, the qualifying community bank or its depository institution holding company may request to deviate from a business plan that has been approved by the appropriate Federal banking agency by submitting a request to such agency pursuant to this section.
(2) Review of changes.--The appropriate Federal banking agency shall, not later than the end of the 180-day period beginning on the receipt of a request under paragraph (1)--
(A) approve, conditionally approve, or deny such request; and
(B) notify the applicant of such decision and, if the agency denies the request--
(i) provide the applicant with the reason for such denial; and
(ii) suggest changes to the request that, if adopted, would allow the agency to approve such request.
(3) Result of failure to act.--If the appropriate Federal banking agency fails to approve or deny a request within the 90-day period required under paragraph (2), such request shall be deemed to be approved.
(c) Pilot Program Study.--
(1) Study.--The Federal banking agencies shall, jointly, carry out a study on the impact of the pilot program carried out pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of this section on the formation of de novo insured depository institutions, including such institutions which are rural depository institutions, community development financial institutions, and minority depository institutions, taking into account safety and soundness, promoting competition, and expanding access to affordable financial products and services to underserved communities.
(2) Report to congress.--Not later than December 31, 2031, the Federal banking agencies shall, jointly, issue a report to the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate containing all findings and determinations made in carrying out the study required under paragraph (1).
(d) Study on De Novo Insured Depository Institutions.--
(1) Study.--The Federal banking agencies shall, jointly, carry out a study on--
(A) the principal causes for the low number of de novo insured depository institutions in the 10-year period ending on the date of enactment of this subsection;
(B) ways to promote more de novo insured depository institutions in areas currently underserved by insured depository institutions; and
(C) ways to ensure de novo depository institutions, including institutions which are rural depository institutions, community development financial institutions, and minority depository institutions, can utilize the Community Bank Leverage Ratio.
(2) Report to congress.--Not later than the end of the 1-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, the Federal banking agencies shall, jointly, issue a report to the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate containing all findings and determinations made in carrying out the study required under paragraph (1).
(e) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Appropriate federal banking agency.--The term "appropriate Federal banking agency" has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813).
(2) Depository institution.--The term "depository institution" has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813).
(3) Depository institution holding company.--The term "depository institution holding company" has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813).
(4) Federal banking agency.--The term "Federal banking agency" has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813).
(5) Insured depository institution.--The term "insured depository institution" has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813).
(6) Qualifying community bank.--The term "qualifying community bank" means a depository institution that--
(A) including its holding company and all of its subsidiaries and affiliates, has total combined assets of less than $10,000,000,000; and
(B) became an insured depository institution between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2028.
SEC. 909. RURAL DEPOSITORIES REVITALIZATION STUDY.
(a) Study.--The Federal banking agencies shall, jointly, carry out a study--
(1) to identify methods to improve the growth, capital adequacy, and profitability of depository institutions in the United States that primarily serve rural areas; and
(2) to identify Federal statutes (other than appropriations Acts) or regulations of the Federal banking agencies that limit--
(A) the methods identified under paragraph (1); or
(B) the establishment of de novo depository institutions in rural areas.
(b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Federal banking agencies shall, jointly, issue a report to Congress containing all findings and determinations made in carrying out the study required under subsection (a).
(c) Study on Rural Credit Unions.--The National Credit Union Administration shall carry out a study--
(1) to identify methods to improve the growth, capital adequacy, and profitability of credit unions in the United States that primarily serve rural areas; and
(2) to identify Federal statutes (other than appropriations Acts) or regulations of the National Credit Union Administration that limit--
(A) the methods identified under paragraph (1); or
(B) the establishment of de novo credit unions in rural areas.
(d) Report on Rural Credit Unions.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the National Credit Union Administration shall issue a report to Congress containing all findings and determinations made in carrying out the study required under subsection (c).
(e) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Depository institution.--The term "depository institution" has the meaning given that term in section 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813).
(2) Federal banking agencies.--The term "Federal banking agencies" means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Comptroller of the Currency, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
(3) Rural.--With respect to an area, the term "rural" has the meaning given that term in section 1026.35(b)(2)(iv)(A) of title 12, Code of Federal Regulations.
SEC. 1001. HOMES ARE FOR PEOPLE, NOT CORPORATIONS.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Consumer reporting agency.--The term "consumer reporting agency" has the meaning given the term in section 603 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C.
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1681a)).
(2) Excepted purchase.--The term "excepted purchase" means any purchase of a single-family home that is--
(A) newly constructed, renovated, or a rental conversion for sale by a large institutional investor and not as a residence rented pending sale;
(B) pursuant to a build-to-rent program where the large institutional investor purchases, constructs, or constructs and retains a newly constructed single-family homes to be managed as a rental property, whether as part of a community made up exclusively of renter-occupied single-family homes or as part of a community made up of single-family homes that are both owner- and renter-occupied;
(C) pursuant to a renovate-to-rent program that--
(i) substantially rehabilitates single-family homes that do not meet structural or core system elements of local building codes; and
(ii) makes improvements in an aggregate dollar amount of not less than 15 percent of the purchase price of the single-family home;
(D) pursuant to a homeownership program that--
(i) requires rental payments and any other fees that are not greater than those collected by the large institutional investor on other similarly situated single-family homes not covered by the eligible homeownership program;
(ii) is subject to a contract between the large institutional investor and renter that shall be considered a consumer credit transaction secured by a dwelling or real property;
(iii) provides for positive reporting of rental payments to consumer reporting agencies for any renter, who shall be informed of and opts into such reporting; and
(iv) requires contribution of meaningful financial support from the large institutional investor, including price concessions, for the purchase of the single-family home by the renter;
(E) pursuant to a program to boost homeownership that--
(i) provides for positive reporting of rental payments to consumer reporting agencies for any renter, who shall be informed of and opts into such reporting;
(ii) provides for the right of first refusal and a 30-day "first look" period; and
(iii) may entail the meaningful financial support from the large institutional investor, including price concessions, for the purchase of a single-family home by the renter (whether it is the home the renter occupies or another home);
(F) in connection with the satisfaction of debts previously contracted in good faith and where the large institutional investor has the right to repossess the single-family home under such contract;
(G) undertaken by a mortgage servicer, lender, or other entity that has a legal right to a single-family home, for the purpose of loss mitigation or compliance with servicing or investor obligations, and not as a long-term investment strategy, and is solely as a result of--
(i) a foreclosure;
(ii) a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure;
(iii) enforcement of a mortgage, deed of trust, or other security interest; or
(iv) operation of law following borrower default;
(H) purchased from another large institutional investor that either owned the single-family home on the date of enactment of this Act or purchased the single-family home in compliance with this section;
(I) purchased from an investor not covered under this section, so long as the purchase occurred not more than 2 years after the effective date under subsection (f);
(J) newly constructed, renovated, or a rental conversion that is intended and operated for occupancy as part of a community for households with 1 or more members aged 55 years or older, and satisfies visitability standards established by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; or
(K) purchased through a single purchase or combination or series of purchases described in subparagraphs (A) through (J).
(3) Large institutional investor.--
(A) In general.--The term "large institutional investor"--
(i) means an investment fund, corporation, general or limited partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association, or other for-profit entity that is a legal entity structured in a manner that is not aforementioned that--
(I) is engaged, in whole or in part, in the business of investing in, owning, renting, managing, or holding single-family homes; and
(II) alone or in concert with 1 or more other entities, beginning after the date of enactment of this Act, directly or indirectly has investment control of not less than 350 single-family homes in the aggregate, not including any single-family home purchased in an excepted purchase made after the date of enactment of this Act; and
(ii) does not include any local, State, Tribal, or Federal government entity or instrumentality thereof.
(B) Rule of construction.--For purposes of this paragraph, an entity has direct or indirect investment control over a single-family home if the entity--
(i) owns, or has primary authority or fiduciary responsibility to make material investment or management decisions relating to, the single-family home;
(ii) is, or directly or indirectly controls, the general partner or managing member of the entity that owns the single-family home;
(iii) is or controls the investment manager, management company, or investment advisor of the entity that owns the single-family home;
(iv) owns or controls more than 25 percent of any class of equity interests of the entity that owns the single-family home, unless such entity is a passive investor; or
(v) otherwise controls the entity that owns the single-family home.
(4) Purchase.--The term "purchase" includes any purchase, transfer, or other acquisition of a single family home, including through mergers, acquisitions, construction, foreclosures, or bulk purchases, whether or not for cash consideration.
(5) Single-family home.--The term "single-family home"--
(A) means a structure that contains 2 or fewer dwelling units that are each intended for residential occupancy by a single household; and
(B) does not include a manufactured home, as defined in section 603 of the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C.
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5402).
(b) Prohibition on Purchases by Large Institutional Investors.--
(1) In general.--No large institutional investor may purchase, or enter into a contract to directly or indirectly purchase, any single-family home.
(2) Exceptions.--The prohibition under paragraph (1) shall not apply to--
(A) any excepted purchase; or
(B) any purchase of a single-family home in connection with a restructuring or other reorganization of ownership of single-family homes that were owned or purchased on or before the date of enactment of this Act.
(3) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this section may be construed to--
(A) require any large institutional investor to divest or otherwise sell any single-family home purchased before the date of enactment of this Act; or
(B) prevent the filing of a petition, or otherwise affect any bankruptcy proceeding, under title 11, United States Code.
(4) Implementation.--
(A) In general.--In consultation with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Director of Federal Housing Finance Agency, and the Chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Secretary of the Treasury may issue regulations in accordance with the notice and comment rulemaking procedures under section 553 of title 5, United States Code, to carry out the purposes of this section, including regulations to--
(i) minimize market disruptions upon identifying a risk of material negative impact on the housing market, including an impact on the ability of market participants to dispose of single-family homes in an orderly fashion; and
(ii) mitigate, to the extent possible, negative impacts on consumers and communities.
(B) Rule of construction.--For the avoidance of doubt, no regulation issued under subparagraph (A) may amend the definitions of the terms defined under subsection (a), including to--
(i) alter the scope of excepted purchases in a manner that would undermine the goal of expanding the number of single-family homes available to individual households for purchase;
(ii) alter any type of excepted purchase in a manner that would undermine the goal of expanding the number of single-family homes available to individual households for purchase;
(iii) add any category of large institutional investor as an eligible class if not determined by this section; or
(iv) alter the quantitative threshold in the definition of "large institutional investor".
(c) Renter Outreach Resource Established.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (in this subsection referred to as the "Secretary") shall, not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, establish a renter outreach resource that consists of a toll-free telephone number and a public website designed to assist renters of residential properties owned by a large institutional investor in--
(A) notifying Federal agencies about disputes relating to the rental of such properties, including disputes about potential violations of Federal law;
(B) sharing information about such disputes with other Federal agencies, including other Federal agencies that manage similar disputes;
(C) monitoring such disputes; and
(D) resolving such disputes, to the extent practicable.
(2) Response to outreach.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish reasonable procedures to--
(i) promptly respond, in writing where appropriate, to a renter who provides information to the Secretary about a dispute using the renter outreach resource established under paragraph (1); and
(ii) document such responses.
(B) Contents.--Responses provided under subparagraph (A) shall include, where appropriate, information about--
(i) steps that have been taken by the Secretary or another Federal agency in response to the information about the dispute provided by the renter, including determining the appropriate large institutional investor involved as described in paragraph (3);
(ii) any responses received by the Secretary or another Federal agency from the large institutional investor related to such dispute; and
(iii) any outcome of the dispute, to the extent practicable.
(3) Investigation of potential violations of federal law.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall promptly process and investigate any information relating to a dispute received through the renter outreach resource established under paragraph (1) about a potential violation of Federal law that is received from a renter of a residential property owned by a large institutional investor through the renter outreach resource established under paragraph (1), including--
(i) requesting information from a large institutional investor;
(ii) determining the appropriate large institutional investor involved in the dispute; and
(iii) sharing information about such potential violation of Federal law with any relevant Federal agencies, as the Secretary may determine appropriate.
(B) Responses to requests for information.--Upon request for information made pursuant to subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall provide a large institutional investor the opportunity to respond, including regarding whether such large institutional investor currently owns the property described in such request for information.
(4) Information for appropriate state authority.--When the Secretary receives information about a potential violation of State law or about a dispute received through the renter outreach resource, from a renter of a residential property owned by a large institutional investor through the renter outreach resource established under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall, at a minimum, provide the renter with contact information for the appropriate, State-specific, State authority authorized to process and investigate such information.
(5) Notice about renter outreach resource.--Each large institutional investor shall--
(A) provide to each renter of a residential property owned by such investor at the time such renter first occupies such home and annually thereafter--
(i) written notice about the renter outreach resource established under paragraph (1); and
(ii) the name, phone number, and email address of the person or entity responsible for receiving and addressing renter disputes for the large institutional investor, and update the name, phone number, and email address within 30 days if such information changes prior to the subsequent time at which such notice is required to be provided; and
(B) prominently feature information about the renter outreach resource established under paragraph (1) on a public website of such investor that is accessible by such renter.
(6) Annual report to the congress.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall, not later than March 31 of each year, submit to the Congress a public report which analyzes and aggregates the information received or obtained pursuant to this subsection during the prior year that includes--
(i) information about the types and the number of disputes received about potential violations of Federal law;
(ii) information about the types and the number of disputes received about potential violations of State law;
(iii) where practicable, information about the resolution of such disputes; and
(iv) information provided to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under paragraph (8).
(B) Anonymization of data.--Any data included in a report that is submitted under this paragraph shall be aggregated or anonymized so as to protect any individual dispute or personally identifiable information received through the renter outreach resource.
(7) Protection of personal information.--In complying with the requirements of this subsection, the Secretary shall take such measures as the Secretary determines are necessary to provide for the protection of personally identifiable information received through the renter outreach resource in a manner that conforms with existing standards for protection of the confidentiality of personally identifiable information.
(8) Annual notification.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and not later than December 31st of each year thereafter, each person or entity that satisfies the definition of a large institutional investor, as such term is defined in subsection (a), shall--
(A) notify the Secretary each year whether such owner is a large institutional investor as defined in subsection (a); and
(B) in such notification, identify how many single-family homes such large institutional investor has direct or indirect investment control of as of the date of the submission of such notice, and the city and State where each such single-family home is located, unless such large institutional investor owns 10 or fewer single-family homes in such city.
(d) Enforcement.--
(1) Civil penalties.--The Secretary of the Treasury, or the Attorney General at the request of the Secretary of the Treasury, may bring an action against a large institutional investor that violates subsection (b) for a civil penalty in an amount that is not more than $1,000,000 per violation, or 3 times the purchase price of the property involved, whichever is greater.
(2) Transfer to hud for homeownership expansion activities.--For fiscal year 2027 and each fiscal year thereafter, to the extent and in the amounts provided in advance in appropriations Acts, civil penalties assessed under this section shall be transferred to and available to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide additional funding for the HOME Investment Partnerships program under subtitle A of title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C.
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12741 et seq.), to be allocated in accordance with the formula under that program, for new construction, acquisition, and rehabilitation of single-family homes and to provide assistance grants to first-time homebuyers, which may be for downpayments, closing costs, and interest rate buydowns.
(e) Studies on Large Institutional Investors.--
(1) Gao report.--Not later than 2 years after the date on which the prohibition under subsection (b)(1) takes effect, and again not later than 10 years after that date, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report on--
(A) the impact of the ownership by large institutional investors of single-family homes on housing availability and affordability for renters and homebuyers; and
(B) the effectiveness of this section in reducing demand by large institutional investors for single-family homes and expanding homeownership for renters and homebuyers.
(2) Hud report.--Not later than 2 years after the date on which the prohibition under subsection (b)(1) takes effect, and again not later than 10 years after that date, the Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, the Administrator of the Rural Housing Service, the Executive Director of the Loan Guaranty Service of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Chair of Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report on--
(A) whether there should be adjustments to the definition of the term "large institutional investor";
(B) the financial impact of this section on large institutional investors, renters, and homebuyers; and
(C) any legislative recommendations regarding ways to improve the authorities provided under this section to increase the supply and affordability of single-family homes for purchase by individual homebuyers.
(3) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(A) this section is intended to expand the number of single-family homes available to individuals for purchase and is aimed at preserving and expanding the supply of single-family homes available to individuals; and
(B) any further study on the effectiveness of this section and any legislative recommendations therefrom should consider this sense of Congress.
(f) Effective Date.--The requirements and prohibitions under subsections (b) and (d) of this section--
(1) shall take effect on the date that is 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act; and
(2) are repealed on the date that is 15 years after the effective date under paragraph (1).
SEC. 1101. CENTRAL BANK DIGITAL CURRENCY.
The Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. 221 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 16 (12 U.S.C. 411 et seq.) the following:
"SEC. 16A. CENTRAL BANK DIGITAL CURRENCY.
"(a) Definitions.--In this section:
"(1) Central bank digital currency.--The term `central bank digital currency' means a digital asset that--
"(A) is denominated in United States dollars;
"(B) is a United States currency;
"(C) is a direct liability of the Federal Reserve System; and
"(D) is widely available to the general public.
"(2) Digital asset.--The term `digital asset' has the meaning given the term in section 2 of the GENIUS Act (12 U.S.C. 5901).
"(b) Prohibition.--Except as provided in subsection (c), the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or a Federal reserve bank may not issue or create a central bank digital currency or any digital asset that is substantially similar to a central bank digital currency directly or indirectly through a financial institution or other intermediary.
"(c) Exception.--Subsection (b) shall not prohibit any dollar-denominated currency that is open, permissionless, and private, and fully preserves the privacy protections of United States coins and physical currency.
"(d) Sunset.--This provisions of this section shall cease to be effective on December 31, 2030.
"(e) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to allow the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to issue a central bank digital currency or any digital asset that is substantially similar to a central bank digital currency directly or indirectly absent authorization by an Act of Congress.".
SEC. 1201. SEVERABILITY.
If any provision of this Act, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, the remainder of the Act, and the application of such provisions to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected thereby.
SEC. 1202. NO ADDITIONAL FUNDS AUTHORIZED.
No additional funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the requirements of this Act or any amendment made by this Act.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arkansas.
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Arkansas?
There was no objection.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.
America is facing a housing supply shortage that has been years in the making. For too many of our families, the consequences are felt every day through higher home prices, rising rents, and fewer opportunities to achieve homeownership.
Over the last several months, I have worked with our colleagues in both the House and Senate and on both sides of the political aisle to advance practical legislation that addresses this pressing challenge for our American families.
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act represents one of the most significant bipartisan housing reforms in recent memory, bringing together commonsense policies to expand housing opportunities and improve affordability for our families.
Mr. Speaker, it cuts unnecessary barriers to new home construction. It modernizes Federal housing programs. It streamlines development processes. It helps create the conditions necessary to build more homes and increase housing supply.
The bill also strengthens the roles of our Main Street community lenders by modernizing outdated banking regulations and allowing banks to more effectively deploy capital in the communities that they serve. These reforms will help community banks focus on what they do best: providing loans to families seeking to purchase a home and financing the construction of new housing.
Importantly, the Senate adopted several key House priorities, including House language that limits institutional investors from outcompeting with American families looking to buy a home. At a time when too many of our families are struggling to purchase a home, this provision helps to ensure that American families have a fair opportunity to achieve that American Dream of homeownership.
Importantly, the House worked with the Senate to ensure that feedback was incorporated to other provisions added in the Senate amendment.
These provisions were the VALID Act, introduced by my great friend in the Senate across the Capitol, Arkansas Senior Senator John Boozman; edits from Ranking Member Waters on the Rental Assistance Demonstration Program; Senator Kennedy's groundbreaking initiative on the Build Now Act; and, importantly, sunsets to the programs offered by the Senate: CDBG-DR, Community Development Block Grant Program for Disaster Recovery, and the PRICE Act.
We focused on improving HUD accountability to benefit both our residents in our districts and taxpayers. This final product advances practical bipartisan and bicameral solutions to modernize Federal housing programs, reduce regulatory burdens, streamline the development process, and help build more homes to meet that growing demand and keep the American Dream within reach.
This bicameral, bipartisan bill before us today reflects ideas from both Chambers and demonstrates what can be accomplished when Congress focuses on solving problems for the American people.
Mr. Speaker, this is Congress working at its best, tackling the challenges of the American people, offering solutions, and having those enacted into law. I am proud to support this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Maxine Waters (D-CA)5:20 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6644, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, sponsored by Chairman Hill and myself.
This bill represents the most significant housing reform package in decades and will finally get America back on track to building affordable housing.
Our bill includes dozens of bipartisan provisions to build new housing, lower mortgage and rental costs, expand homeownership, modernize Federal housing programs, prioritize home buyers and renters over corporate landlords, and support community bankers that finance affordable housing development and mortgages each day.
This final bill marks the culmination of numerous hearings, markups, votes, creative input from committee Democrats, and tough negotiations across both sides the aisle and the Capitol.
This bill speaks to the real change that our constituents have been demanding, where everyone can afford a dignified place to call home, where tenants are protected, and where working Americans can finally get ahead.
As a reminder of who we are trying to help and what is at stake, let's review the facts. The average cost of a single-family home has skyrocketed, and wages have not kept pace. The median age of a first-time home buyer is 40 years old. Rents have soared by nearly 47 percent since before the pandemic. Not surprisingly, 42 million American households are cost-burdened, and most shamefully, 800,000 people experience homelessness on any given night. Our country must do better, and today we will do better by passing H.R. 6644.
I have said since day one that housing must be a national priority. That is why I thank Chairman Hill for his partnership. This will be the third time this Congress has passed housing reform legislation, and each time, the bill has gotten better and better.
I also commend Housing and Insurance Subcommittee Ranking Member Emanuel Cleaver, Chairman Flood, along with our committee Democrats and Senators Warren and Scott for coming together on this historic bipartisan and bicameral bill.
By working together, we will deliver a stronger, more impactful legislative package to be signed into law, one with more practical solutions and affordable housing opportunities for American families than before.
This comprehensive package incorporates over 50 housing and banking provisions championed by House Democrats. It will lay the groundwork for the development of new, affordable homes all across America and create new pathways to homeownership. The bill will reduce unnecessary barriers to housing development, expand financing for housing and community investment, and support the development of innovative housing like modular homes and accessory dwelling units. It creates databases for available publicly owned lands so communities know where they can build.
The bill provides a range of new protections for renters, including a hotline to file complaints with HUD and corporate landlords. The bill increases access to smaller-dollar mortgages under $100,000, and the bill, finally, codifies the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery Program, which will help expedite flexible funding to communities seeking to rebuild homes after major disasters like hurricanes and wildfires.
H.R. 6644 also supports thousands of community lenders, including community development financial institutions and minority depository institutions, so they can more affordably finance home buyers and housing developers.
Importantly, this bill includes the House language to responsibly rein in corporate landlords by banning large institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes but without halting construction of new rental housing or evicting families in the middle of a housing crisis. Tenants will have a national resource center to file grievances about corporate landlords, to which HUD will respond, and large institutional investors will be publicly named in an annual report along with the number and location of their properties.
I am very proud of this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to join me in this first step to finally addressing our Nation's affordable housing crisis.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
J. French Hill (R-AR)5:20 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Flood), who is the chair of the Housing and Insurance Subcommittee and has been the leader on building consensus on this bill.
Mike Flood (R-NE)5:20 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I start by thanking our chairman, French Hill, who has shouldered the burden of helping us get this through Congress, together with our Ranking Member Waters, my colleague Emanuel Cleaver from Kansas City, myself, and all the staff that have made this happen.
At this hour, across our land, the mayor of San Diego is celebrating as is the executive director of the Huntsville, Alabama, Habitat for Humanity; the mayor of Columbus, Ohio; and plenty of folks in Nebraska and everywhere in between, because what we have here is a comprehensive, bicameral, bipartisan solution.
When I started in this role in the Housing and Insurance Subcommittee, I knew this was the number one issue in my district. Housing supply is not keeping up with demand. Tara Vasicek, the city administrator from Columbus, a city of approximately 25,000 people in Platte County, Nebraska, testified in our first Housing and Insurance Subcommittee hearing that the lack of affordable housing directly impacts economic growth, workforce attraction, and retention.
The mayor of the largest city in my district, Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, 300,000 people strong, believes so strongly in the need for affordable housing and supply that she set an ambitious goal of 5,000 units by the end of this decade.
As we wrote this bill, we thought about them and everybody else; and Mr. Cleaver and I welcomed literally hundreds of suggestions from across the country. They weren't blue ideas or red ideas. We have a lot more in common than we have opposite.
I want to read you something from the Federalist Papers written by Alexander Hamilton. This is from No. 70. This really talks about the process. Now mind you, we had Republicans and Democrats united in the House working with Republicans and Democrats, a different version, in the Senate. Alexander Hamilton wrote: "In the legislature, promptitude of decision is oftener an evil than a benefit. The differences of opinion, and the jarrings of parties in that department of the government, though they may sometimes obstruct salutary plans, yet often promote deliberation and circumspection, and serve to check excesses in the majority."
This bill was a product of the process that Hamilton described. There were differences of opinions and jarrings of parties, I would say jarrings of Chambers, but the final bill is stronger as a result of this long and deliberative process.
It is my honor to have been a part of it. I thank again our chairman, our ranking member, and my counterpart, Emanuel Cleaver, for their work on this bill. I thank President Trump for identifying this as a major issue in September of 2025. I also want to send a special thank you to the leadership of this Chamber: our Speaker, our majority leader, and our whip. Without them, this would not be a bicameral, bipartisan bill.
Maxine Waters (D-CA)5:30 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Cleaver), who authored several bills in this legislation, including H.R. 1981, the Choice in Affordable Housing Act; H.R. 5878, the HOME Reform Act; and H.R. 5938, the Innovation Fund Act.
Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO)5:30 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, as Chairman Flood has previously stated, bipartisanship is more than just a policy. A genuinely bipartisan effort is defined not only by the substance of the policy but also by the process that meaningfully incorporates input from both parties.
Mr. Speaker, I have been here quite a while, and believe me, there are always reasons not to work with the other side: the President, elections, political strategy, or policy disagreements. Americans, though, at this particular time are looking for those who can deliver results, despite these changing but ever-present realities.
I commend the leadership of Chairman Hill; Ranking Member Waters; my counterpart, Chairman Flood; and our colleagues in the Senate on this bipartisan legislation.
Since our Nation's founding, the ability to own land and a home has been closely tied to the promise of freedom, responsibility, and opportunity.
As this Nation turns 250, it is our responsibility to preserve that promise for the next generations. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is an important step in that direction.
This legislation strengthens existing programs, improves coordination among regulators, encourages governments to address local barriers to housing supply, and includes key banking reforms, including raising the public welfare investment cap to unlock billions in private capital.
I thank the hundreds of national organizations and everyone who was involved in this effort, especially Chairman Flood, Ranking Member Waters, Chairman Hill, and Senators Scott and Warren on their very, very difficult work in the Senate.
Chairman Flood has talked about housing is personal, and he is absolutely right. We all have our American stories. Mine began in a little shack in Texas without running water and electricity.
I have to say this, and I wish my dad were here to hear me say it: Our family was poor, but we always had a home. We just didn't have a house to put it in.
My main goal in coming to Congress was to ensure that a family in America can work hard and afford a safe, decent house in which to deposit their home. I am proud to stand with my colleagues in this effort.
J. French Hill (R-AR)5:30 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Huizenga), the vice chairman of the Financial Services Committee.
Bill Huizenga (R-MI)5:30 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the long-awaited 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, and I congratulate Chairman Hill, the ranking member, Chair Flood, and Ranking Member Cleaver for their hard work.
Throughout southwest Michigan, I hear about housing challenges--from a young family's inability to buy their first home to lack of available workforce housing.
Sadly, more than 70 percent of Michigan households do not earn enough to afford a median-priced new home, which costs over $398,000.
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is a bipartisan solution to address this problem by lowering prices and improving affordability.
Additionally, this legislation will increase the supply of housing by removing barriers to development and expanding local financing options to help bring more housing to market, which is key to addressing this issue.
I have fought passionately and, frankly, sometimes stubbornly, as this chairman will tell you, for this bipartisan legislation because it helps restore the American Dream by making housing more affordable and available.
Let's send this cost-saving legislation to the President's desk and deliver for the American people.
Maxine Waters (D-CA)5:30 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Lynch), who is a strong advocate for affordable and public housing.
Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA)5:30 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, as someone who grew up in the Old Colony Housing Projects in South Boston, Massachusetts, and as a cofounder of the Affordable Housing Caucus along with Reverend Emanuel Cleaver, Greg Meeks, and Ritchie Torres, I am proud to join my colleagues, French Hill from Arkansas; the gentlewoman from California, Maxine Waters; Chairman Flood; and Reverend Emanuel Cleaver from Kansas City in rising in support of this bill, which while it does not solve every issue we have today with housing in this country, it does a lot.
It stops the commoditization of housing by real estate companies and private equity firms that would compete with families in acquiring their first home.
I realize it took a lot of work across the aisle. I congratulate our colleagues in the Senate, as well, for the work that they have done. We have got to do a lot more. We have got to bring the cost of housing down, and we have got to increase the supply of housing. We are about 7 million units short here--7 million homes short in the United States.
This is a good start. It is a good start, and it is a collaboration between Republicans and Democrats on one of those elements of the American Dream that is undeniable and that is shared in red States as well as blue States.
Again, I congratulate all of my colleagues on working together on this. It shows you what we can do in this country when we work together. I look forward to the next iteration of this bill, as well.
J. French Hill (R-AR)5:40 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Barr).
Andy Barr (R-KY)5:40 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, let me first start by applauding Chairman Hill for his leadership in advancing this landmark legislation. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is exactly the kind of commonsense housing reform needed to increase housing supply and help lower costs for American families.
As the chairman of the Financial Institution Subcommittee, I want to address Title IX of this bill. It deals with regulatory relief for community banks. Community banks represent the backbone of the housing industry, providing home loans for many first-time home buyers and serving as critical lenders to homebuilders.
For years, Federal regulators have written rules as if every bank in America is a trillion-dollar global institution and then act surprised when community banks disappear and housing costs skyrocket.
For Kentucky, this is personal. Community banks are the financial infrastructure of housing in rural America. When they thrive, small towns thrive. When they are regulated out of existence, capital dries up and the opportunity for homeownership disappears.
This legislation changes that. By streamlining de novo formation, increasing supervisory transparency, and strengthening access to deposits, community banks can better serve their communities and remain a key contributor to the home loan market, expanding opportunities not just for Kentuckians but for Americans to become homeowners.
Maxine Waters (D-CA)5:40 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Sherman).
Brad Sherman (D-CA)5:40 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, this is a good day. The American people think we are hopelessly divided, and often, we are. Today, dozens of pieces of legislation folded into the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will become law, with overwhelming bipartisan support and overwhelming bicameral support, and will address not all the things we should do but important things we should do to make homeownership available for many American families.
I thank the chair and the ranking member for proving to us that Congress can work and, of course, Emanuel Cleaver, the ranking member of the relevant subcommittee.
There is nothing more shameful for our country than a homeless disabled veteran. My bill, included in this package, will make it plain that those who are receiving disability benefits because they were injured while fighting our Nation's wars will not have that disability payment held against them when it comes to qualifying.
J. French Hill (R-AR)5:40 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Lawler).
Michael Lawler (R-NY)5:40 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. We are 8 million units underbuilt nationwide.
Under the prior administration, 30-year mortgage rates hit a 30-year high. The average age of a first-time home buyer is 40 years old.
The bottom line is, we need more housing. This bill, working together, does just that. It eases regulations. It creates greater access to capital. It provides more accountability at HUD. Ultimately, it increases supply, which will have a profound impact on Americans across this country.
I am proud to have coauthored six pieces of legislation that are in the final deal. I look forward to its passage today and President Trump signing it into law tomorrow.
This is a positive step forward for the American people to increase access to housing, to cut regulatory burdens, and to reduce overall costs. I urge everyone to vote "yes."
Maxine Waters (D-CA)5:40 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Green), who authored several bills in this legislation, including H.R. 8291, the Reforming Disaster Recovery Act, and H.R. 3716, the Systemic Risk Authority Transparency Act.
Al Green (D-TX)5:40 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Ms. Waters and Mr. Hill for honoring their commitment to make sure that H.R. 8291, the Reforming Disaster Recovery Act, was a part of this legislation.
I believe that there are many ways that it could have been done, but I also believe that there are only two people who could have gotten it done. That would be Mr. Hill and Ms. Waters, of course, working with our colleagues in the Senate, Mr. Scott and Ms. Warren.
This is a historic piece of legislation. It does what has never been done before. I am talking about H.R. 8291. It will authorize Community Development Block Grant disaster recovery for 3 years and reform the program to help the most marginalized persons. It provides flexible funding, primarily for low- and moderate-income communities recovering from major disasters.
Again, I thank the ranking member and the chairman. I am most appreciative that this bill will contain this legislation.
J. French Hill (R-AR)5:40 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Kim).
Young Kim (R-CA)5:40 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.
There is nothing more central to the American Dream than homeownership. Unfortunately, thanks to Gavin Newsom and leadership in Sacramento, that American Dream is slipping away, and hardworking families are being left in the dust.
After years of inaction, my home State of California has earned an F in housing affordability. That is why I am taking action, working closely with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, to help address that crisis for my constituents in Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties.
We have already worked closely with President Trump to secure historic SALT relief for southern Californians. That relief, combined with the provisions in the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, will bring the dream of homeownership closer to reality for working families in my district.
For the first time since 2006, we are unlocking new capital that financial institutions can invest in affordable housing and community development projects. Additionally, we have fortified programs that will aid rebuilding efforts and help mitigate potential wildfires.
Under this administration and Republican leadership in Congress, we are making it easier for builders to build, lenders to lend responsibly, and families to save. Hopefully, this legislation will deliver results for American families, as promised.
Maxine Waters (D-CA)5:40 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Himes).
James A. Himes (D-CT)5:40 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I want to start by thanking Chairman French Hill and Ranking Member Maxine Waters for doing a remarkable thing. In this polarized and angry Congress, we are actually getting something done, and we are getting something done that is really important.
Throughout my district, from Greenwich to Bridgeport, from Ridgefield to Oxford, I don't spend a day where I don't hear somebody say: I can't afford the rent. I can't afford to buy.
We have a crisis of housing in this country. While this won't fix everything, this is a huge step in the right direction.
There is a lot of work that remains to be done. Our colleagues at the State and municipal levels need to take a hard look at the regulations, at the land use policies, and at the zoning. It continues to inhibit the ability to build housing and, therefore, offer affordable rent and affordable mortgages to America.
What we are doing right here is big. I was delighted to be able to contribute a couple of things to this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues at this point in time: Let's listen to the American people. Let's do something for them. Let's make housing more affordable.
J. French Hill (R-AR)5:40 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. De La Cruz).
Ms. De La CRUZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6644, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which will make the American Dream of homeownership affordable again for countless Texas families.
By expanding housing supply, restoring efficiency to outdated HUD programs, supporting our veterans seeking homeownership, and protecting families from corporations unfairly competing with them to purchase homes, this legislation brings homeownership back within reach for all Americans.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in support of H.R. 6644.
Maxine Waters (D-CA)5:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. Beatty).
Mrs. Beatty authored H.R. 2031, the HOME Investment Partnerships Reauthorization and Improvement Act, and H.R. 3709, the Advancing the Mentor-Protege Program for Small Financial Institutions Act.
Joyce Beatty (D-OH)5:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Housing for the 21st Century Act.
First, let me thank Ranking Member Waters and Chairman Hill for their leadership.
This landmark, bipartisan package represents a major step forward in addressing the Nation's challenges in housing, and I am especially proud that six of my bills are included in this legislation.
My HOME Investment Partnerships Reauthorization and Improvement Act will make it easier for local organizations to fund affordable housing projects, while another provision strengthens coordination between the Departments of Housing, Agriculture, and Veterans Affairs.
The package also includes key banking measures that will help community banks and minority depository institutions grow and compete.
I started my professional career in public housing and working as a consultant for HUD, so I know too many families are being priced out of the housing market. This legislation delivers practical solutions that expand opportunity and increase homeownership.
Again, let me thank Chairman Hill and Ranking Member Waters for their support. It is time to make homeownership more than a dream. It must be a reality.
J. French Hill (R-AR)5:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Haridopolos), who is our vice chairman and whip of the committee.
Mike Haridopolos (R-FL)5:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, there is one way to reduce prices: You increase supply. That is exactly what this bill will finally do. The package focuses on the simple idea of building more homes which means lower costs and more expanded opportunities for all Americans.
I want to say this: I think it is really nice to see in my first term here people working together. I consider politics the art of the possible, and our chairman has done a remarkable job of bringing everyone together, even the Senate, in order to pass this landmark legislation. I could not be more proud of their effort. I have learned a ton by working under their leadership.
We are on the right path to finally reduce costs and empower the public once again and prove that homeownership is, once again, attainable. Supply and demand laws do work, especially when you increase supply.
Maxine Waters (D-CA)5:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Tlaib), who authored H.R. 6768, the Housing Our Communities Act, which is included in this bill.
Rashida Tlaib (D-MI)5:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, from Detroit, Michigan, to Little Rock, Arkansas, every single one of our families deserves to be able to afford a home. We know we talk about how gas prices, groceries, and insurance are constant sources of stress for our families, but we know that housing costs can be the worst of them all.
The housing crisis has been many years in the making and it will take years to overcome, but this package is an important step toward addressing the affordability crisis. I am thrilled that our package includes the Housing Our Communities Act which is creating a competitive grant program to support a wide range of affordable housing planning and implementation activities for our local communities.
These grants will help increase affordable housing by supporting them in crafting housing plans, updating zoning codes, or speeding up housing inspections.
Cities like Detroit need zoning reform to create affordable housing and protect our neighborhoods from polluters, but that often doesn't happen without Federal financial support. The Housing Our Communities Act moves us closer to that.
Mr. Speaker, I urge our colleagues to support this and make affordable housing a reality for all of our communities.
J. French Hill (R-AR)5:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Moore), who is a distinguished member of our committee.
Tim Moore (R-NC)5:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, many parts of this country are facing a major housing affordability issue. In my home State of North Carolina, there is an estimated housing shortage of 750,000 units. With over 100,000 more people moving into North Carolina every year, that gap is only going to grow.
One way--in fact, the way to solve the housing affordability issue is to build more houses. It is really that simple, and the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act does exactly that. Instead of piling on new mandates or subsidies, it removes the burdens that are standing between American families and an affordable home.
Building more homes is only half of the equation, though. That is why the banking reforms in this bill are so critical.
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act expands mortgage access for working families and includes my bill, the TRUST Act, which also lifts unnecessary regulatory burdens off of well-managed community banks. These reforms will help banks provide more construction loans that get shovels in the ground and opportunities for first-time buyers as well as those buying a second home.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation, and I, too, thank the chairman for his excellent leadership on this.
Maxine Waters (D-CA)5:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Horsford), who is a strong advocate for affordable housing and a former member of our committee.
Steven Horsford (D-NV)5:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, and I am casting my vote for people, not for corporations.
Across the United States and in my home State of Nevada, the dream of homeownership has been slipping further out of reach for working families. In fact, Las Vegas is ranked second in the Nation for corporate homeownership. Thirty percent of the residents in Nevada have been impacted by institutional investors.
Last year, I listened when my constituents throughout southern Nevada told me that the issue of housing was their greatest concern. That is why, working with the ranking member, we were able to build a housing platform that could really address the problems that people are facing.
Today, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will finally address these problems and make the dream of homeownership attainable.
This bill creates greater accountability in the housing market, increases housing supply, and places new restrictions on large, institutional investors from buying up single-family homes.
It ensures veterans are not penalized for receiving disability benefits when qualifying for housing vouchers, a commonsense change that I am sure that we can all support.
I am proud that we are putting homeowners over hedge funds, Mr. Speaker, and I urge my colleagues to vote "yes" on this bill.
J. French Hill (R-AR)5:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I want to say that the work has been extraordinary between the majority and the minority in this House in answering the call for solutions from the American people. I think Mr. Cleaver said it best talking about his own experience within his own family in east Texas: We always had a home, but we just didn't always have a house to put it in.
Let that hang in this room, Mr. Speaker, because that is the spirit in which both sides of the aisle have worked to find solutions today.
We couldn't do it without our staff. I thank the majority and the minority staff from both sides of the aisle who helped us get to where we are today.
Mr. Speaker, as referenced in the previous colloquy that I had with the ranking member when we were on the floor a few weeks ago, we believe there are several points the Treasury should consider as it evaluates the congressional intent in implementing section 1001 of this bill, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.
Entities organized as nonprofits under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code that are exempt from taxation under section 501(a), as well as community land trusts, as defined in the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act and amended by our bill today, should not be included in the definition of a large institutional investor.
It is also Congress' intent that nothing in the act should be construed to require a large institutional investor to divest or sell any home purchased before or after enactment.
The term, Madam Speaker, "single-family home" was also not intended to include property that when occupied is rented to a member of the Armed Forces or a member of the National Guard as defined in section 101 of title 10 of the U.S. Code.
Similarly, section 1001 should not reduce the supply of essential rental housing in our communities and should exclude student housing leased by bedroom to unrelated individuals under separate agreements.
Similarly, homes purchased by mortgage servicers for loss mitigation reasons following a foreclosure, not as long-term investments, should remain permissible when the mortgage is federally backed, as defined in section 4022(a) of the CARES Act, and the servicer first offers a first-look period to the owner-occupant or a nonprofit approved by the relevant Federal agency.
However, the bill prohibits large institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes by participating in homeownership programs that do not meet the criteria under the act.
For build-to-rent programs, this exemption should apply when an investor purchases, constructs, or constructs and retains a single-family home for rental use, whether in a community comprised entirely of renter-occupied single-family homes or in a mixed community of owner- and renter-occupied homes. Clarifying this distinction is essential to carrying out the intent of the House and Senate in this bill.
Additionally, purchases of homes used to provide residential care for individuals with disabilities or developmental disabilities or in senior living communities should be exempt as these are unrelated to the problem being addressed by the act.
The same is true for the exemption of homes purchased with support from programs described in section 42 of the IRS code or participating in Federal or other affordable housing programs where rents are restricted.
Congress also intended exemptions for homes acquired as a part of a community of five or more contiguous rental units, and homes planned, permitted, financed, and constructed as a part of a unified rental community on a single platted parcel that are not intended for individual sale, as well as properties that are made up of multiple rental homes or units constructed on a single parcel of property that cannot be legally sold as individual homes or the units without further subdividing the property.
The ranking member and I recognize that these regulations issued by the Treasury will be necessary to implement various aspects of the act that we debate today.
The overall reaching goal of section 1001 is to expand the number of single-family homes available for purchase by individual households.
Regulations that do not meet that objective will fall short of congressional intent and risk reducing, not increasing, the availability and affordability of housing across our great country.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Maxine Waters (D-CA)6:00 p.m.
Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. Hill for working with me to clarify the intent behind this section. I agree with what Mr. Hill has described on the congressional intent for section 1001.
Madam Speaker, for years I have fought hard to make housing affordable, but for many years, it was hard to prioritize housing in both Democratic and Republican-led Houses.
It is for that reason, I am deeply grateful for Chairman Hill who worked so closely with me to write H.R. 6644 and prioritize it in our committee and in this House. Together, we found compromise that had previously proven so difficult. I hope that this partnership can continue to deliver for America because we still have a lot of work to do.
Madam Speaker, I also thank both of our staffs on the committee because without their hard work, this bill would not likely be here before us today.
This legislation must serve as a foundation for continued action, not the final step in addressing our Nation's housing crisis. We must build on this progress and continue to advocate and secure the resources our communities critically need.
Madam Speaker, I dedicate our work to some of the people in public housing who will have an opportunity now to help understand how their communities can be improved. In my district, Nickerson Gardens, Jordan Downs, Gonzack Village, Imperial Courts, and Avalon Gardens, I thank them for what I have learned. To my home in St. Louis, Missouri, where I was born, I thank those who lived and died in bond projects in Pruitt-Igoe and those projects where they had a difficult time many years ago. We are now leading to a point where we will be able to make all of those projects more livable. We will be able to have the constituents in those projects understand how their lives can be bettered.
Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
J. French Hill (R-AR)6:00 p.m.
Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Madam Speaker, I thank the ranking member for her partnership on this housing bill that is groundbreaking, historic, and that is the first time in decades that the two Chambers have come together to make measurable, accountable changes that will benefit the American people in both accessibility, the construction of more units, and the affordability that our families so richly need and deserve over these past years of recently high inflation, particularly. I thank her for her partnership.
Madam Speaker, I will also say that I have talked to community development and housing refinancing people in Little Rock, and they all tell me that this is so overdue. I thank the gentlewoman for her passion in getting this done. Whether it is in Cotton Plant, Arkansas, or Helena, Arkansas, or St. Louis, Missouri, or Los Angeles, California, or Little Rock, Arkansas, we are also, in this bill, holding HUD accountable.
HUD has a responsibility for safe, clean, and effective housing for the tenants dependent on their programs. Not only are we building supply and improving affordability, we are also in a bipartisan, bicameral basis holding the Department of Housing and Urban Development accountable.
Madam Speaker, I urge a "yes" vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Kim)6:00 p.m.
The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) that the House suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 6644.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore6:00 p.m.
In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
J. French Hill (R-AR)6:00 p.m.
Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore6:00 p.m.
Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this motion will be postponed.
Recess
Page H4192 · Official textThe SPEAKER pro tempore
Pursuant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair declares the House in recess until approximately 6:30 p.m. today.
Accordingly (at 6 o'clock and 8 minutes p.m.), the House stood in recess.
After Recess
Page H4192 · Official textThe recess having expired, the House was called to order by the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. Newhouse) at 6 o'clock and 30 minutes p.m.
Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore
Page H4192 · Official textThe SPEAKER pro tempore
Proceedings will resume on motions to suspend the rules previously postponed.
Votes will be taken in the following order:
S. 629; and
Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 6644.
The first electronic vote will be conducted as a 15-minute vote. Pursuant to clause 9 of rule XX, the remaining electronic vote will be conducted as a 5-minute vote.
Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act of 2025
Pages H4192–H4193 · Official textThe SPEAKER pro tempore
Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, the unfinished business is the vote on the motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 629) to amend the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 to remove barriers to agricultural producers in accessing funds to carry out emergency measures under the emergency conservation program, and for other purposes, on which the yeas and nays were ordered.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Lucas) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill.
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 368, nays 19, not voting 44, as follows:
Text printed in the Record (3,733 characters)
Adams Aderholt Aguilar Alford Allen Amo Amodei (NV) Ansari Auchincloss Babin Bacon Baird Balderson Balint Barr Barragan Barrett Bean (FL) Beatty Begich Bell Bentz Bera Bergman Beyer Bice Biggs (AZ) Bilirakis Bishop Bonamici Bost Bresnahan Brown Brownley Budzinski Bynum Calvert Cammack Carey Carson Carter (GA) Carter (LA) Casar Case Casten Castor (FL) Castro (TX) Chu Ciscomani Cisneros Clark (MA) Cleaver Cline Clyburn Cohen Cole Collins Comer Conaway Correa Costa Courtney Craig Crane Crank Crawford Crockett Crow Cuellar Davids (KS) Davis (IL) Davis (NC) De La Cruz Dean (PA) DeGette DeLauro DelBene Deluzio DeSaulnier DesJarlais Dexter Diaz-Balart Dingell Doggett Donalds Downing Edwards Elfreth Ellzey Emmer Escobar Estes Evans (CO) Evans (PA) Ezell Fallon Fedorchak Feenstra Fields Figures Finstad Fischbach Fitzgerald Fitzpatrick Fleischmann Fletcher Flood Fong Foster Foushee Foxx Frankel, Lois Franklin, Scott Friedman Frost Fry Fulcher Fuller Gallagher Garamendi Garbarino Garcia (CA) Garcia (IL) Garcia (TX) Gill (TX) Gillen Gimenez Goldman (TX) Gomez Gonzalez, V. Gooden Goodlander Gosar Gottheimer Graves Green, Al (TX) Griffith Grijalva Grothman Guest Guthrie Hageman Hamadeh (AZ) Harder (CA) Haridopolos Harrigan Hern (OK) Hill (AR) Himes Hinson Horsford Houchin Houlahan Hoyer Hoyle (OR) Hudson Huffman Huizenga Hunt Hurd (CO) Issa Ivey Jack Jackson (TX) Jacobs Jayapal Jeffries Johnson (GA) Johnson (LA) Johnson (SD) Johnson (TX) Jordan Joyce (OH) Joyce (PA) Kamlager-Dove Kaptur Keating Kelly (IL) Kelly (MS) Kelly (PA) Kennedy (NY) Kennedy (UT) Khanna Kiggans (VA) Kiley (CA) Kim Knott Krishnamoorthi Kustoff LaHood LaLota Landsman Langworthy Larsen (WA) Larson (CT) Latimer Latta Lawler Lee (FL) Lee (NV) Lee (PA) Leger Fernandez Letlow Levin Liccardo Lieu Lofgren Loudermilk Lucas Luttrell Lynch Mackenzie Magaziner Malliotakis Maloy Mann Mannion Mast Matsui McBath McBride McClain McClellan McClintock McCollum McCormick McDonald Rivet McDowell McGarvey McGovern McGuire Mejia Menefee Menendez Messmer Meuser Miller (OH) Miller (WV) Miller-Meeks Mills Min Moolenaar Moore (AL) Moore (NC) Moore (UT) Moore (WI) Moore (WV) Moran Morrison Moskowitz Mrvan Mullin Murphy Neal Neguse Nehls Newhouse Norcross Obernolte Ocasio-Cortez Olszewski Omar Onder Owens Pallone Palmer Panetta Pappas Patronis Pelosi Perez Peters Pettersen Pfluger Pingree Pocan Pou Pressley Quigley Ramirez Randall Raskin Reschenthaler Riley (NY) Rivas Rogers (AL) Rogers (KY) Ross Rouzer Ruiz Rulli Rutherford Salinas Sanchez Scalise Scanlon Schmidt Schneider Scholten Schrier Schweikert Scott (VA) Scott, Austin Sessions Sewell Sherman Shreve Simon Simpson Smith (MO) Smith (NE) Smith (NJ) Smith (WA) Sorensen Soto Stanton Stauber Stefanik Steil Steube Stevens Strickland Strong Subramanyam Suozzi Sykes Takano Taylor Tenney Thanedar Thompson (CA) Thompson (MS) Timmons Titus Tlaib Tokuda Tonko Torres (CA) Trahan Tran Turner (OH) Underwood Valadao Van Drew Van Duyne Van Epps Van Orden Vargas Vasquez Veasey Vindman Wagner Walberg Walkinshaw Wasserman Schultz Waters Watson Coleman Weber (TX) Webster (FL) Westerman Whitesides Wied Williams (GA) Williams (TX) Wittman Womack Yakym Zinke
Arrington Biggs (SC) Boebert Burchett Burlison Cloud Clyde Fine Harris (MD) Harris (NC) Harshbarger Higgins (LA) Luna Massie Miller (IL) Norman Perry Roy Self
Baumgartner Boyle (PA) Brecheen Buchanan Carbajal Carter (TX) Clarke (NY) Crenshaw Davidson Dunn (FL) Espaillat Golden (ME) Goldman (NY) Gray Hayes Jackson (IL) James Kean Mace McCaul McClain Delaney McIver Meeks Meng Mfume Morelle Moulton Nadler Nunn (IA) Ogles Rose Ryan Salazar Schakowsky Smucker Spartz Stansbury Stutzman Thompson (PA) Tiffany Torres (NY) Velazquez Wilson (FL) Wilson (SC)
Ms. KAPTUR and Mr. CRANE changed their vote from "nay" to "yea." So (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed. The result of the vote was announced as above recorded. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. Stated for:
Melanie A. Stansbury (D-NM)6:58 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 223.
Housing for the 21st Century Act
Page H4193 · Official textThe SPEAKER pro tempore
The unfinished business is the vote on the motion to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 6644), a bill to increase the supply of housing in America, and for other purposes, on which the yeas and nays were ordered.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) that the House suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 6644.
This will be a 5-minute vote.
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 358, nays 32, not voting 41, as follows:
Text printed in the Record (3,733 characters)
Adams Aderholt Aguilar Alford Allen Amo Amodei (NV) Ansari Arrington Auchincloss Babin Bacon Baird Balderson Balint Barr Barragan Barrett Beatty Begich Bell Bentz Bera Bergman Beyer Bice Bilirakis Bishop Bonamici Bost Bresnahan Brown Brownley Budzinski Bynum Calvert Carey Carson Carter (GA) Carter (LA) Casar Case Casten Castor (FL) Castro (TX) Chu Ciscomani Cisneros Clark (MA) Cleaver Cline Clyburn Cohen Cole Collins Comer Conaway Correa Costa Courtney Craig Crank Crawford Crockett Crow Cuellar Davids (KS) Davis (IL) Davis (NC) De La Cruz Dean (PA) DeGette DeLauro DelBene Deluzio DeSaulnier DesJarlais Dexter Diaz-Balart Dingell Doggett Downing Edwards Elfreth Ellzey Emmer Escobar Estes Evans (CO) Evans (PA) Ezell Fallon Fedorchak Feenstra Fields Figures Finstad Fischbach Fitzgerald Fitzpatrick Fleischmann Fletcher Flood Fong Foster Foushee Foxx Frankel, Lois Franklin, Scott Friedman Frost Fry Fulcher Gallagher Garamendi Garbarino Garcia (CA) Garcia (IL) Garcia (TX) Gillen Gimenez Goldman (TX) Gomez Gonzalez, V. Gooden Goodlander Gottheimer Graves Green, Al (TX) Griffith Grijalva Grothman Guest Guthrie Hageman Hamadeh (AZ) Harder (CA) Haridopolos Harrigan Hern (OK) Hill (AR) Himes Hinson Horsford Houchin Houlahan Hoyer Hoyle (OR) Hudson Huffman Huizenga Hunt Hurd (CO) Issa Ivey Jack Jackson (IL) Jackson (TX) Jacobs Jayapal Jeffries Johnson (GA) Johnson (LA) Johnson (SD) Johnson (TX) Jordan Joyce (OH) Joyce (PA) Kamlager-Dove Kaptur Keating Kelly (IL) Kelly (MS) Kelly (PA) Kennedy (NY) Kennedy (UT) Khanna Kiggans (VA) Kiley (CA) Kim Knott Krishnamoorthi Kustoff LaHood LaLota Landsman Langworthy Larsen (WA) Larson (CT) Latimer Latta Lawler Lee (FL) Lee (NV) Lee (PA) Leger Fernandez Letlow Levin Liccardo Lieu Lofgren Loudermilk Lucas Lynch Mackenzie Magaziner Malliotakis Maloy Mann Mannion Mast Matsui McBath McBride McClain McClellan McCollum McCormick McDonald Rivet McDowell McGarvey McGovern McGuire Mejia Menefee Menendez Messmer Meuser Miller (OH) Miller (WV) Miller-Meeks Mills Min Moolenaar Moore (NC) Moore (UT) Moore (WI) Moore (WV) Moran Morrison Moskowitz Mrvan Mullin Murphy Neal Neguse Nehls Newhouse Norcross Nunn (IA) Obernolte Ocasio-Cortez Olszewski Omar Owens Pallone Palmer Panetta Pappas Patronis Pelosi Perez Peters Pettersen Pfluger Pingree Pocan Pou Pressley Quigley Ramirez Randall Raskin Reschenthaler Riley (NY) Rivas Rogers (AL) Rogers (KY) Ross Rouzer Ruiz Rulli Rutherford Salinas Sanchez Scalise Scanlon Schmidt Schneider Scholten Schrier Scott (VA) Scott, Austin Sessions Sewell Sherman Shreve Simon Simpson Smith (MO) Smith (NE) Smith (NJ) Smith (WA) Sorensen Soto Spartz Stansbury Stanton Stauber Stefanik Steil Stevens Strickland Strong Subramanyam Suozzi Sykes Takano Taylor Tenney Thanedar Thompson (CA) Thompson (MS) Timmons Titus Tlaib Tokuda Tonko Torres (CA) Trahan Tran Turner (OH) Underwood Valadao Van Drew Van Duyne Van Epps Van Orden Vargas Vasquez Veasey Vindman Wagner Walberg Walkinshaw Wasserman Schultz Waters Watson Coleman Webster (FL) Westerman Whitesides Wied Williams (GA) Williams (TX) Wittman Womack Yakym Zinke
Bean (FL) Biggs (AZ) Biggs (SC) Boebert Burchett Burlison Cammack Cloud Clyde Crane Davidson Donalds Fine Fuller Gill (TX) Harris (MD) Harris (NC) Harshbarger Higgins (LA) Luna Luttrell Massie McClintock Miller (IL) Moore (AL) Norman Onder Perry Roy Schweikert Self Steube
Baumgartner Boyle (PA) Brecheen Buchanan Carbajal Carter (TX) Clarke (NY) Crenshaw Dunn (FL) Espaillat Golden (ME) Goldman (NY) Gosar Gray Hayes James Kean Mace McCaul McClain Delaney McIver Meeks Meng Mfume Morelle Moulton Nadler Ogles Rose Ryan Salazar Schakowsky Smucker Stutzman Thompson (PA) Tiffany Torres (NY) Velazquez Weber (TX) Wilson (FL) Wilson (SC)
So (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 6644 was concurred in. The result of the vote was announced as above recorded. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. Stated for:
Marlin A. Stutzman (R-IN)7:25 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 224.
LaMonica McIver (D-NJ)7:25 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I was absent from floor proceedings. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 223 and YEA on Roll Call No. 224.
Remembering Eight Individuals Lost in B-52 Stratofortress Crash at Edwards Air Force Base
Page H4193 · Official textREMEMBERING EIGHT INDIVIDUALS LOST IN B-52 STRATOFORTRESS CRASH AT EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE (Mr. FONG asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.)
Mr. Speaker, our hearts are heavy as we honor and remember the eight individuals lost in the B-52 Stratofortress crash at Edwards Air Force Base on Monday, June 15, in Kern County, California:
Colonel Gregory Watson
Lieutenant Colonel Gabriel Estrella
Retired Lieutenant Colonel Miles Middleton
Major Alexander Davis
Major Robert Dee
Major Brad Hovey
Jeromy Smith
Christopher Rischar
These brave men dedicated their lives to this Nation's defense, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Behind each of these heroes are family, friends, and loved ones facing an unimaginable loss. They represent the very best of our community and our country: Americans willing to give everything in defense of the United States of America.
I ask our Nation to join us in lifting up the Edwards community and everyone grieving this devastating loss.
May God grant them strength and peace during this difficult time. May He forever bless the memory of those we lost.
Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Whitesides), my colleague and friend.
Mr. Speaker, I join my colleague in solemn remembrance today, standing here on behalf of the Edwards Air Force Base community and all those across the Nation who feel this loss so profoundly.
The eight crewmembers who lost their lives last week were heroes. They were performing work that was essential for the national security of our great country, work that is deeply woven into the fabric and history of the Antelope Valley.
Our prayers are with their families, friends, and loved ones.
Mr. Speaker, I ask that the House observe a moment of silence for these eight great Americans.
Permission for Member to Be Considered as First Sponsor of H.r. 2323
Pages H4193–H4194 · Official textPERMISSION FOR MEMBER TO BE CONSIDERED AS FIRST SPONSOR OF H.R. 2323
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered to be the first sponsor of H.R. 2323, a bill originally introduced by Representative Gonzales of Texas, for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Hurd of Colorado)
Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Texas?
There was no objection.
Celebrating Emergency Conservation Program Relief for Nebraskans
Page H4194 · Official text(Mr. SMITH of Nebraska asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the House passage of the Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act, and I thank Congresswoman Letlow and Senator Fischer for their leadership in sending this important legislation to the President's desk.
Wildfires have wreaked havoc across Nebraska's Third District, with more than 860,000 acres burned this year alone.
Now more than ever, Nebraskans deserve relief, not additional burdens.
I was proud to cosponsor this commonsense piece of legislation, which will ensure that Emergency Conservation Program eligibility can be triggered faster in response to a natural disaster, like the wildfires in my district, and provide much-needed flexibility for producers as they begin to rebuild.
Nebraskans are resilient, but they shouldn't have to navigate unnecessary red tape while recovering from disaster.
Today, with final passage of this bill, we took a meaningful step toward providing producers with the timely support they need to rebuild, restore, and recover.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to seeing President Trump sign this into law.
Public Health Emergency in Boyle Heights
Page H4194 · Official text(Mr. GOMEZ asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the ongoing public health emergency caused by the Lineage Logistics warehouse fire in Boyle Heights.
What started off in Boyle Heights has now spread smoke and fumes across Los Angeles. Our neighbors can't go outside. They can't open their windows. They are worried about the air they are breathing.
This disaster demands answers, but more importantly, it demands accountability. For far too long, working-class immigrant communities and communities of color have been forced to bear the burden of industrial pollution and environmental hazards.
Firefighters have worked around the clock to put out the fire, but the response can't stop there. We need air quality testing, soil testing, and frequent health monitoring.
I will keep fighting to ensure every affected family gets the answers, accountability, and resources they deserve.
Access to Healthcare
Page H4194 · Official text(Ms. BYNUM asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, this past week, I kept running into Oregonians who are really upset about their healthcare.
One small business owner told me she dropped her family plan, which was costing about $36,000 a year, and she joined a cost-share plan to lower her bills. She still pays out of pocket.
Another constituent, who is caring for her ailing husband, told me: "I have been inundated with doctors' visits and advocating for him. Our medical system is extremely frustrating."
Then a rural constituent told me that a simple surgery was rescheduled four times because no doctor was available.
Then, last week, I talked with Silicon Valley executives and asked them what they could do. I told them: Help us solve America's problems: healthcare, wildfires, you name it.
Mr. Speaker, I urge you to do the same. Lead Congress to solve America's problems and not create more of them.
Caniacs Celebrating Stanley Cup Championship
Page H4194 · Official text(Ms. ROSS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a victory that North Carolinians have waited years to see: The Carolina Hurricanes are Stanley Cup champions for the first time in 20 years.
From the first puck drop of the season to the final horn, the Hurricanes showed the grit and teamwork that define our State. They proved that success isn't built overnight. It is earned through discipline, perseverance, and trust in one another.
Today, we celebrate the players, coaches, staff, and the hundreds of thousands of Caniacs who never stopped believing, especially Head Coach Rod Brind'Amour, who first led our team to victory in 2006 as team captain.
The Canes have shown the hockey world that North Carolinians are hockey fans, and hockey belongs in the South. Of course, the championship belongs in North Carolina. The Stanley Cup is finally home.
Civil Engineering Plan for Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
Page H4194 · Official text(Ms. KAPTUR asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool requires a civil engineering plan.
First, replace the fractured subterranean pipes: Underground, the pool's 12-inch supply and return lines are deteriorated. They leak an estimated 16 million gallons of water every year. The Mall site actually sits in a floodplain related to drainage into the Potomac River. Water pressure pushes upward against the floor, forcing paint and sealant to blister, pop, and peel off.
Second, stabilize the lateral soil movement. While the 2012 overhaul stopped the pool sinking downward, it did not solve the side-to-side shifting. The pool sits on the Potomac River mudflats that continuously ooze and shift laterally.
Third, reengineer the expansion joints for shifting. A 2,000-foot concrete pad naturally expands and contracts like an accordion in freezing winter weather. Engineers have to install heavy, flexible water stops that seal gaps while letting slabs move without tearing.
Finally, there is drainage. Proper drainage and soil stabilization are required to manage runoff and prevent groundwater from seeping through the basin and compromising the concrete.
It isn't a vandalizing problem. It is an engineering problem. It can be solved.
Honoring St. Rita High School Baseball Team
Pages H4194–H4195 · Official text(Mr. GARCIA of Illinois asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a proud alumnus of St. Rita High School in Chicago to celebrate their baseball team's first championship victory.
In a historic night of eight innings, the St. Rita Mustangs persevered and made history with a 12-11 score.
If you are a baseball fan, I encourage you to find a video of the end of this wild game and watch it. This was one for the books. The game had it all. There was suspense and shock when the Mustangs thought they had won, but the umpire ruled that the catcher had dropped the ball. It had anxiety when the game resumed. With the State title on the line, the rival team tied it, forcing it to extra innings. It had relief and joy when St. Rita secured the victory.
The Mustangs gave it their all. Their determination and hard work got them the victory that they had been chasing for 4 years in a row.
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Mustangs. They deserve this victory.
Celebrating New York Knicks
Page H4195 · Official text(Mr. LATIMER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and celebrate with the New York Knicks on their historic NBA finals win.
After 53 years of hoping each season would be the one, the Knicks are officially the 2025-2026 NBA champions.
From watching their 1973 championship when I was a teenager to sharing this moment with my family, like many New Yorkers and fans across the world, we have waited a long time for this moment.
I am proud that my home area has a special connection to this team. New York CD-16 is home to the Knicks' practice facility in Tarrytown, their Westchester Knicks G-League team, and many players, coaches, and families who live in my district, including the great Jalen Brunson. The heart of Knicks fans, coupled with the team's determination, charisma, and hard work on the court, represents the best of our district and the best of New York.
Mr. Speaker, from the floor of the House of Representatives, I say: Go New York, Go New York, Go. Go Knicks. I congratulate them on a historic championship win.
Recognizing Simone Kelly
Page H4195 · Official text(Ms. MEJIA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the courage and selflessness of Simone Kelly of South Orange, New Jersey.
During the New York Knicks championship parade, amongst a crowd of 2 million fans, Simone noticed a man climbing onto a roof of a subway station entrance. He was wobbling and swaying until he fell unconscious.
Simone immediately sprung into action. An off-duty EMT with the South Orange Volunteer Rescue Squad, Simone climbed onto that roof, assessed the situation, and administered Narcan, helping to revive the unconscious man until emergency responders arrived.
Her quick thinking, training, and commitment to serve others saved a life that day.
Just as important, Simone reminded us that public service is not confined to a shift, a uniform, or a title. It is a calling that guides people.
New Jersey is proud of Simone Kelly. Her actions embody the very best of our communities, and I thank her for her remarkable service.
Juneteenth
Page H4195 · Official text(Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. Speaker, Juneteenth reminds us of the importance of strength, faith, and perseverance.
Across eastern North Carolina, from our smallest towns to our most rural communities, we celebrated Juneteenth, honored history, and remembered the generations who kept believing in a brighter future.
Juneteenth reminds us that we must keep the American Dream within reach for everyone, which is possible when we stand together, work together, and believe together. We must remain committed to building communities where every child, every family, and every neighbor has the opportunity to succeed.
It is up to us to allow freedom to ring.
Gun Violence Awareness Month
Pages H4195–H4200 · Official text(Under the Speaker's announced policy of January 3, 2025, Ms. McClellan of Virginia was recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the minority leader.)
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of this Special Order.
The SPEAKER pro tempore
Is there objection to the request of the gentlewoman from Virginia?
There was no objection.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to anchor this Congressional Black Caucus Special Order hour to speak directly to the American people about Gun Violence Awareness Month.
We are here to address the public health crisis facing not only the constituents of the Congressional Black Caucus but all Americans. Gun violence is an everyday reality that robs loved ones, erodes our sense of security, and shortens too many bright futures.
Every year, roughly 44,000 people in the United States die of gun-related injuries. In 2023, the most recent year for which the CDC provided complete data, 46,728 people died from gun-related injuries.
Black men ages 15 to 34 are most at risk, with firearm homicide rates at 22.6 per 100,000.
White males, particularly those who are 65 and older, have been disproportionately impacted by firearm suicides at a rate of 17.8 per 100,000.
In my own State of Virginia, gun violence kills over 1,200 people and wounds over 1,600 people. Suicides are 66 percent of those deaths.
In Richmond alone, where I live, 221 people were shot in 2025. While that number is the lowest on record since 2015, it is still too high.
These statistics are jarring, but they are more than just statistics. Each number is a personal tragedy--mothers, fathers, sons and daughters, friends, and loved ones whose lives were cut short due to gun violence, like 23-year-old Genesis Jones of Petersburg, Virginia, who was killed while celebrating her brother's 25th birthday when a large altercation in the area led to gunfire that killed her and 42-year-old Dominic Antoine Jackson. They died because too many people resort to gun violence to resolve what was once done by fists.
Barbie Perez, 28 years old, was shot multiple times by the father of her child during an argument. He reportedly pushed Perez, and then the argument moved outside. He went to his car and then came back, pulled out a shotgun, and shot Perez in the leg and chest. Perez' mother saw him press the gun against her back and fire more rounds before putting the car in reverse and leaving the neighborhood.
Sierra Jenkins, a 25-year-old journalist at the Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press, was one of three people killed and five people shot in a shooting in downtown Norfolk after an argument broke out.
Increasingly, gun violence takes our children, becoming the number one cause of death for teens and children, like Zion Terry, the 18-year-old John Marshall student just weeks away from graduating, and his 14-year-old sister from Henderson Middle School, Sadie Terry, both killed by Sadie's father in a fit of rage.
Marquan Mitchell-Nash, my son's classmate, 1 week after I stood on this floor and took my oath of office, was killed accidentally by a gun he and his friends were using as a prop while filming a music video.
Shawn Jackson, an 18-year-old Huguenot High School student, and his stepfather, Lorenzo Smith, were killed moments after Shawn received his high school diploma because of a beef that started on Instagram and ended at that ceremony.
Samiyah "Mimy" Yellardy, a 17-year-old George Wythe High School student, was shot and killed in her own home on early Sunday morning during spring break.
McKenna Young, an 11-year-old, and 1-year-old Landrie Harris were both found with apparent gunshot wounds inside their Memphis home, where their mother was found with stab wounds.
These deaths impact families, but they impact entire communities. We cannot allow this violence to become normalized. We must stand together to advance commonsense gun safety legislation, invest in gun community violence intervention programs, and address the root causes that perpetrate this cycle of harm.
Year after year, we go back to our districts, and we talk to community leaders, faith leaders, and families about the real threats that they face. The overwhelming consensus is that Congress must pass comprehensive, commonsense gun safety legislation if things are ever going to get better, because standing in the well for a moment of silence and thoughts and prayers after each death is not enough.
As a State legislator, I was proud to take action to address this crisis, championing investment in the Firearm Violence and Intervention and Prevention Fund, which provided a pathway to research, demographics, and trends and implemented evidence-based solutions to address the root causes of gun violence, because those causes in the city of Richmond may be different than in Chesterfield, Norfolk, Roanoke, or anywhere else.
I led the senate to pass a bill to establish a center that takes a comprehensive approach by empowering communities to address those root causes in all its forms, and now I am working at the Federal level. We had a similar program that the White House set up under the Biden-Harris administration to work with communities to address the root causes of gun violence in those communities through evidence-based research. Now, it is gone.
I don't even know if the CDC is still tracking the data necessary on these deaths, but as a member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force and as a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, I am committed to keeping our communities safe with these commonsense gun reform policies like universal background checks and gun trace data. Yet, the majority has failed to bring a single piece of gun violence legislation to the floor for a vote this Congress, even when there is bipartisan support for investing and addressing root causes of gun violence.
We are working against the backdrop of an administration whose Federal funding cuts actively prevent us from doing our jobs to reduce such violence.
Last year, the Trump administration terminated nearly 400 grants from the Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, which provided supported for everything from victim services to substance use and mental health treatment to juvenile justice and child protection.
These grants were initially valued at $820 million over multiple years. And when the administration rescinded the remaining balances for these awards, they cost our communities an additional $500 million and more lives.
The Trump administration then made deep cuts to OJP's Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative, the largest source of Federal funding for community violence intervention, even though it is popular on a bipartisan basis.
This funding was authorized by Congress and the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022. Since then, over $300 million was invested in addressing community violence intervention programming and research. Now, half of those investments have been cut.
The President's latest budget cuts more than $500 million in funding to the DOJ's State and local grant programs, including restorative justice programs, community-based approaches to advancing justice, including zeroing out the community violence intervention programs. These programs are necessarily vital if we are going to intervene in the public health crisis of gun violence.
The Trump administration has also moved to rapidly and effectively reshape American gun policies, loosening restrictions, and putting more lives in danger.
This past April, ATF released 34 proposed and final rules that would severely deregulate the firearm industry. Last year's, you call it the big, beautiful bill, I call it the big ugly law, removed the $200 silencer suppressor tax even though silencers and suppressors were outlawed decades ago on a bipartisan basis.
All this does is invite tragedy back into our communities. Again, we cannot allow violence to become normalized and an acceptable part of our daily lives. So I call on my colleagues to let this June, this Gun Violence Prevention Month, serve not only as a moment of awareness but a call to action to pass meaningful reform that will save lives, support survivors, and build safer communities for the next generation.
I thank each of my colleagues who will speak tonight. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Illinois' Second District (Ms. Kelly).
Robin L. Kelly (D-IL)7:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the Congresswoman for convening us tonight on this extremely important topic. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because, as we all know, there is a gun violence epidemic in our country. It is a public health crisis.
Yet, our President is actively making this crisis worse. I don't know if the Congresswoman realized this, but 10 years ago yesterday, Katherine Clark, the late, great John Lewis, John Larson, David Cicilline, and myself led the sit-in on the floor because we could not get any movement to deal with gun violence prevention. I am proud to say the Democrats all participated in that sit-in that lasted almost 24 hours.
Nothing happened right away, but we were making a statement that needed to be made, and, eventually, we did get a Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. But we all know more needs to be done.
This past Juneteenth weekend, nearly 40 people were shot in Chicago, and 7 people died. What should have been a celebration of freedom turned into a horrific reminder that we are not free from gun violence. President Trump responded on Truth Social by claiming that he can make Chicago a safe city in one month.
Mr. President, you do have the power to make Chicago safer. Release the funding that you froze to provide support for community violence intervention organizations. You stole $16 million that should have gone to CBI organizations in Chicago. Those closer to the problem are closest to the solution. Give those funds back to our city.
You can also reopen the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. You can tell the ATF to overturn their 30 new rules that make it easier to traffic illegal guns and harder for law enforcement to investigate gun crimes.
I know that the President will not put forward any of these real solutions to gun violence because, frankly, he really doesn't care. Instead, he once again threatened the deployment of the National Guard to Chicago.
The National Guard will not make our cities safer, but it will cost taxpayers millions and millions and millions of dollars like it is doing in D.C.
Let's be truthful about the real reason why President Trump wants to deploy the National Guard. It is not to reduce crime. It is to instill fear and abuse his power. It is to reinforce ICE agents who have terrorized our city and targeted people based on the color of their skin.
For generations, Black communities have been burdened with the consequences of being underinvestigated and overpoliced. While gun violence became the leading cause of death for all children and teenagers in 2020, it has been the leading cause of death for Black children since 2006.
We talk about the death, but how many people and families have survived, and the mental and physical damage--everybody doesn't die, but the mental and physical damage of those survivors is vast.
Chicago has worked to reduce these efforts, and last summer, murders were at the lowest rate since 1965.
We have seen success because of our local efforts, our CBI programs, and our local police rebuilding trust with the community. We know there is more to be done: ban on assault weapons, safe storage, resources that help those organizations on the ground, and I can go on and on and on.
People deserve the right to be able to play in a park, ride on a bus, come out of choir practice, get off the bus, and get tea from Starbucks.
This is the only country in the developed world that has issues so severe as this.
We need a President and more Members of Congress to realize no one is truly safe until we are all safe, and we need to do more around gun violence prevention.
Jennifer L. McClellan (D-VA)7:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I said that gun violence is more than just statistics. Every death is someone's loved one.
Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Georgia, (Mrs. McBath), the Representative for Georgia's Seventh District and someone touched by gun violence directly.
Lucy McBath (D-GA)7:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Virginia so very much for holding this Special Order hour on behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus, but more so, because this is National Gun Violence Awareness Month, and I am very, very aware of this month.
I make time and effort every single year during this month to continue to highlight the scourge of gun violence in America as a public health crisis. I thank the gentlewoman very much for hosting this Special Order hour.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today during National Gun Violence Awareness Month to address a crisis that continues to devastate our families and communities all across our Nation.
For far too many Americans, especially Black Americans and other marginalized groups, gun violence is not an abstract policy debate. Gun violence is a daily threat, a lived reality, and, too often, a source of unimaginable pain and loss.
For me, this mission is deeply, deeply personal. Nearly 14 years ago, my son, Jordan, was taken from me by senseless gun violence. I know that I have told the story a thousand times on this floor to this body, and I will continue to do so because his life and his story do matter.
My son was simply going shopping with his friends, from one mall to the next. They stopped at a convenience store gas station to get chewing gum because my son Jordan said: If we are going to pick up girls at the next mall, we have to have fresh breath.
They stopped at a convenience store gas station in Jacksonville, Florida. Within 3\1/2\ minutes, a man drives up next to them and parks next to them, on the passenger's side. He labels the boys gangbangers and thugs, and racially profiles them because of the music that they were playing. He started a verbal altercation with the boys, in particular, my son, Jordan.
My son, as I had trained him to do, defended himself. He basically said: We are not bothering you. We are not doing anything wrong. We are just playing music. Can you just roll up your window?
This man proceeds to tell him: You can't talk to me that way.
He took his gun out of his glove box, got out of his car, and took a shooter's stance. As the boys were trying to move out of the line of fire and backing out of the parking lot, he took a shooter's stance and shot 10 bullets into their car.
Three of those bullets hit my son, and he lay dying in the back seat of the car, in his friend's arms. Thank God, the other boys were not hurt.
I recount this story over and over and over and over again because there is no measure of time that can dull this open wound and this pain. My son Jordan's memory inspires me to ensure that there is no other parent in this country who will ever have to endure what I have endured and what so many families in the United States continue to endure.
We often talk about the lives of people who are lost. We rarely acknowledge the lives saved and people who are still with us because someone intervened or because a program worked. As my colleague has expressed, all the work that we did with the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act has saved lives. That is because the community stepped in before a trigger was actually pulled.
We can't quantify those victories, but we know that they matter. We know that they worked. They remind us that prevention is possible, but more so that prevention is absolutely necessary.
The pandemic revealed just how quickly gun violence can escalate. In 2020, the United States experienced the largest single-year increase in homicides in modern history. That spike was not inevitable. It was a warning about what happens when communities' safeguards and resources are strained, taken away, or diminished.
In 2021, we passed the American Rescue Plan Act. We delivered $350 billion to State and local governments, including $15 billion specifically for public safety and violence prevention.
These dollars helped cities hire crisis responders and people who were doing work for gun violence intervention on the ground. They were targeting those elements in our communities that precipitated a lot of the gun violence. They were expanding community violence intervention programs in America.
In 2022, we passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. It is the most significant, comprehensive gun violence legislation we have ever enacted in this country. It strengthened our background checks, cracked down on gun trafficking, and invested in mental health and community safety initiatives. These were meaningful steps forward. They were making a difference.
Yet, instead of building on these protections, the Trump administration has used the last 18 months to dismantle these safeguards and make it easier for dangerous individuals to have access to firearms.
These choices have put American lives at risk, and they undermine the progress the communities fought so hard to achieve.
Our work is far from finished. Gun violence remains one of the most urgent public health crises of our day. It is a public health crisis. We cannot allow the voices of our survivors, our families, and frontline communities to be drowned out or to be dismissed.
I remain committed to advancing legislation that protects our children, strengthens our neighborhoods, and prevents the next tragedy from happening. I am so proud to continue to fight alongside my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus and gun sense champions here in Congress who have long led the charge for justice and equity.
Shortly after my son was murdered, I, along with other mothers of the movement, as we were called--it was the mother of Trayvon Martin, the mother of Hadiya Pendleton, the mother of Eric Garner, the mother of Michael Brown, the mother of Dontre Hamilton, and, of course, my son, Jordan. We had the very rare opportunity to travel around the country with Secretary Clinton, who was then running in the 2016 campaign for President. We were allowed to campaign alongside her as the face of gun violence in America.
That is the first time in the history of any campaign that gun violence survivors and victims were allowed to tell their stories, were allowed to remind Americans of the scourge of gun violence, and that no one in this country, at any point in time, is immune from being hurt by unnecessary gun violence.
In this country, the industrialized United States of America, you are 25 times more likely to die by gun violence. In this country, our children are dying by gun violence, because it is the leading cause for them to die by unsecured firearms in households.
We are the most violent industrialized nation in the world. Our children suffer from the trauma of lockdown drills, not drills for tornadoes or hurricanes. They are traumatized by those alone, even if there is not an incident in their schools.
There is violence in every corner of the United States, in every district. Every Member in this body has constituents who have been hurt, maimed, affected, or influenced by gun violence.
We have domestic violence by gun, suicide by gun, child deaths by gun, and homicide by gun. Gun violence in America is a public health crisis, and it should be dealt with as such.
Gun violence prevention is not about infringing upon people's Second Amendment rights. It is about sensible gun ownership, about law-abiding citizens having access to firearms to hunt and to be gun enthusiasts, but also having a balance to make sure we are preventing people from being hurt, maimed, and suffering from gun violence.
We owe it, I owe it, to every family member touched by gun violence and to every family that we can still protect to meet this moment with courage and conviction.
People are crying out, and how dare we, this body, be deaf to it?
If we say we are going to be pro-life, pro-life isn't just about what happens in the womb. Pro-life is about existing life and people having the ability to live in their communities and their homes and our children to go to their schools and live in their neighborhoods without being afraid of being gunned down. That is pro-life.
So as a survivor of gun violence, I have vowed to my deceased son and to every survivor that I have met over the years to never ever let this body forget and to never let anyone forget our responsibility to keeping them safe.
Mr. Speaker, I will do my part, and I pray that this body has the courage to do theirs.
Jennifer L. McClellan (D-VA)8:10 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Georgia for sharing her story and turning tragedy into action.
Mr. Speaker, it is every parent's worst nightmare that when your child leaves home, whether to go to school, the mall, to worship, to a park, to a birthday party, to a friend's house, walking down the street, jogging, riding a bike, bird watching, driving and turning into the wrong driveway, when you send them off, you never see them again because of the scourge of gun violence.
It is every parent's worst nightmare when the alert goes out about a mass shooting and you wonder: Is my child there?
It is every parent's worst nightmare when their child is in the middle of a mental health crisis and because it is all too easy for them to get access to a gun, that rather than getting the help they need from medical providers, they end their suffering with a gun.
Mr. Speaker, it is every parent's worst nightmare that when you marry off your child and the marriage goes wrong or the relationship, if they are not married, and in the midst of that conflict the person who professed to love your child the most takes their life in the ultimate act of betrayal and control.
I want to thank Congresswoman McBath for having the strength to turn her nightmare into action so no other parent has to live through it.
Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Ivey).
Glenn Ivey (D-MD)8:10 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Virginia for her powerful words and for hosting this Special Order, and I thank the Congressional Black Caucus. I certainly want to thank my colleague from Georgia (Mrs. McBath). I had the chance to serve with her on the Judiciary Committee, and I know she feels this very deeply and very passionately and rightly so.
I think it is important for all of us to try to make sure that even if we haven't suffered a great loss like that, that we try to understand and remember the importance of the impact of what that kind of an event can do to a family, to a community, and what it has done to the country.
I am blessed with six kids, and they all live in the D.C. area. We meet together frequently on weekends. I am a grandfather, too. A few months back, my granddaughter was in a heated argument with her cousin. They are not the arguing type, so I kind of paused and started listening. I was trying to figure out: What are you all arguing about?
She looked at me and said: Well, we are trying to figure out the best way you should respond when an active shooter comes into your school.
She had her version of it, and he had his version. I just remember being sort of stunned by the whole thing because I am 65. I grew up in a different era, obviously. I am originally from Rocky Mount, North Carolina, and Dale City, Virginia. They are two quiet towns, especially back in the sixties and seventies, at least on this kind of front. I went to schools where we had fire drills, but we didn't have active shooter drills. We are now at the point where schools are being approached and they are selling bulletproof blackboards, and they are selling bulletproof backpacks and the like. That is where our schools have come.
There have been debates about whether teachers should be armed or not. Although we have seen that having armed personnel at a school during an active shooter drill doesn't necessarily fix that problem, but that is kind of where we went with that.
I came up and didn't really know much about gun violence until I became a prosecutor, first here in Washington, D.C., at the U.S. Attorney's Office. It just happened that I started that job in 1990, which was in the middle of the crack wars. D.C. was averaging somewhere in the neighborhood of 450 to 500 homicides per year. The numbers have jumped from when I was a kid. Murder was a front-page story, but it got so prevalent during that timeframe that sometimes they didn't report on a homicide. They didn't even make the paper. There were just so many coming in day after day after day after day. It was young people killing young people, young males in particular, usually over drug disputes, but sometimes not even that.
When I later became elected prosecutor in Prince George's County, I had cases that were kind of the same ilk. A guy cut in front of another guy in line. He was looking at my girl. He disrespected me. All of that was sufficient to kill somebody on the spot.
Those were young boys. Well, young men in some instances, late teens, early twenties. That is where we were as a country. That is where we, in some ways, remain as a country.
Just before I was elected State's attorney and was sworn into office, we had a double murder that took place in our community. What was special about this one was that these were two deputy sheriffs who had been killed, gunned down. They had been called to a family's house. A mother and a father were having trouble with their son, and they called because it was a mental health call.
The two officers, Arnaud and Magruder, came into the house, and they said: Well, he is down the hallway. So they walked down the hallway towards the bedroom not knowing that he had hidden the gun in his bedroom inside the speaker of the stereo system. As they came down the hall, he grabbed the gun, confronted them and shot both of them to death. Then he ran out of the house.
I had not even become State's attorney yet. I hadn't been sworn in yet, but going to that funeral was my first official act as State's attorney. Sadly, there were hundreds of more murders to come. We still have them. Crimes are coming down in Prince George's County, and crimes are coming down in Washington, D.C. Crimes are coming down across the country, but any murder is too many. As we just heard from our colleague from Georgia, that mother and that father never stopped grieving over the loss of that child, and rightly so.
When I got to Congress 3 years ago, one of the things I started trying to figure out was: What are the things that we can do to try and address this problem?
I recognize that Democrats and Republicans are in different places. We had an assault weapons ban in the United States in the nineties. It expired. Evidence seemed to show that there was some success from that, but our Republican colleagues then and Republicans across the country opposed it.
It has never been re-enacted. Are there common ground approaches to try and address this problem? Are there ways in which we can find a common ground approach to deal with some of these issues?
I looked around and thought if we can't do assault weapon bans, what about ghost guns? Ghost guns came out maybe not even 10 years ago. For those of you that don't know, ghost guns are guns that do not have serial numbers on them. They can't be identified. The reason they are popular, especially among criminals, is because you can use the gun and drop it. If you don't leave any fingerprint or DNA on it, they sure can't trace back through the gun to figure out who had it and who committed the murder.
Guess what happened. The use of ghost guns surged. Between 2017 and 2023, there was a 1,600 percent jump in the use of ghost guns at crime scenes. It went from 1,629 to 27,490 in a 6-year period.
What can we try and do about that? We can try to do legislation. We do legislation here in Congress, right? Let's try and do the legislation piece.
Democrats offered two bills to ban ghost guns and do it in different ways. Hundreds of Democrats signed on, not one Republican signed on to either bill, either piece of legislation to ban ghost guns.
That didn't work, but the crime, as you heard, continued to go up. The use of ghost guns in crimes continued to go up. It skyrocketed, really. The Biden administration said to the ATF, issue a regulation, base it on the Gun Control Act, which is the longstanding law that covers gun usage and the regulation of guns in the United States, and maybe that will help.
They issued the regulation about 2, 3 years ago at this point. My Republican colleagues--I was on the Judiciary Committee at the time--railed against it. It is a horrible overreach, they said, by the Biden administration. It is an infringement on our constitutional rights, our Second Amendment rights. Of course, there were challenges. It was taken to court and worked its way up to the Supreme Court. Guess what happened at the Supreme Court: 7-2 margin in Bondi v. Vanderstok.
The Supreme Court said: We are going to uphold this regulation. We don't think it violates the Constitution. We are going to let it stand. That opinion was written by Justice Gorsuch. In fact, all three Trump Supreme Court appointees joined in the majority of that opinion. I thought, well, maybe that is a big step in the right direction.
Now I am on the Appropriations Committee, and guess what. Just a few weeks ago, the Republicans put out a bill and the bill contains language to undercut the enforcement of that regulation.
Now, why would they do that? We know that only criminals want to use ghost guns. There is no other purpose. If you are a law-abiding citizen, it doesn't matter if you have an identification number on it. It is just like a car. Cars have VIN numbers. Why can't guns have identification numbers? It is certainly useful for law enforcement. It can't be on those grounds, and it can't be constitutional grounds because the Trump Supreme Court by 7-2 vote just told them this does not violate the Second Amendment. They put out this reg, quietly.
I hope it doesn't pass in the Senate, but that is where it is now. They are trying to undercut it, even though it is constitutional. It is not just the ghost guns piece. It is other issues, too. One that I thought we would be able to find common ground on was suicide.
In 2026, we have 27,600 suicides by gun, 4,600 were veterans. Whether Democrats or Republicans, we all love veterans, right? Why wouldn't we want to support efforts to try and bring down suicides among veterans?
As you just heard a few minutes ago, many of the programs that are aimed at reducing gun violence, including for suicides, have been cut by the Trump administration. Matter fact, one of the first things the Trump administration did when they came into office was to eliminate grants that helped reduce gun violence across the country that had been proven to work over the past few years. Not only that, the President issued an executive order that removed the Surgeon General's advisory report on firearm violence because it used the term "public health crisis in America," I guess, which could it be any more obvious that this is a public health crisis. It is the number one cause of death in young people.
I remember having a debate with my Republican colleagues on the Judiciary Committee one time about whether it was number one or number two, and I paused and said: Does it really matter? Is it okay if it is only the number two cause of death in the United States for our children? Isn't that sufficient for us to want to try and do something on this front?
The Trump administration also cut funding to address gun violence prevention, $66 million for assistance for gun violence victims, $82 million for law enforcement support and training and safety. Why would we cut those? The training piece, if you didn't know how important it was, you should really know after watching ICE in action in Minneapolis. The killings of Good and Pretti, among other acts of violence that took place at the hands of ICE agents in Minnesota and across the country, I think clearly demonstrate that those agents were not prepared for the type of policing that they were put out there to do, not at all.
They certainly weren't trained in things like the force continuum. In fact, many of them didn't even have the tools that you would use other than guns along the force continuum, no tasers and the like.
It is the same thing when they put the National Guard on the street. President Trump put them out in D.C., and I remember being out at dinner with my wife one day when they first came out. They were walking around in groups of four and five with M4s.
We were eating outdoors at a restaurant, so there were crowds of people all along the walkways. I thought about it and I said: M4s are so powerful that even if they shot the right guy and hit him, the bullet would keep going.
Now, when you are in warfare and you guys are facing each other, the soldiers are facing each other, that is one thing because if it goes through that guy, it is going to hit another bad guy behind them. But when you are in a crowded street like I was on the waterfront here in Washington, D.C., the last thing you want to have to use is an M4 because the collateral damage is not just collateral damage. It is human beings whose lives could be taken, even though they weren't doing anything but just walking along the waterfront enjoying the evening.
Let me say this, as well. I think that the goal, at least that I came here with, was to try and find ways to address gun violence. I thought ghost gun restrictions would be one way to go. Clearly, that was wrong. Let me try another angle on this. We put out a bill called Raise the Age, and the thinking on that was, if we raise the age from 18 to 21 for people purchasing assault weapons, they will be okay with that because it moved from 18 to 21 when Reagan was President.
He supported it for handguns.
If we are going to have 21 for handguns, shouldn't we also have it for assault weapons? Why allow them to buy an AR-15, but they can't buy a 9 millimeter? I got zero cosponsors from the Republican side on that bill, this Congress and last Congress. I can't get any of them to support it.
Mr. Speaker, I get it. I know there is a lot of political challenges here and, frankly, we will keep working at it, but I knew when Republican colleagues were shot and Democratic colleagues have been shot, when we have been victimized by gun violence and we still can't move on legislation to address gun violence, then I don't know that there is enough to make it happen. When it is people outside of this Chamber, other than us getting shot, is enough. I just don't know if that is ever going to be the case.
I think we have to continue to keep fighting and keep working to address this problem because the homicides keep happening, the bodies keep falling, the chalk lines around them keep being drawn, and the pools of blood oozing out of their bodies until the police get there to try to fix the problem that, in many instances, these guns are too powerful to allow them to be fixed.
Let's try to find a way to address this. Let's try to find a way to work together. Mr. Speaker, I know you are not going to agree to all the legislation that I would propose. I certainly don't agree with a lot that has been done by my Republican colleagues--surely, in the cuts and especially to the ghost gun regulation. I can't figure it out.
I can't figure out why we would want to restrict information from being gathered so that researchers and scientists can try to figure out other approaches to reduce gun violence, other than just enforcement.
We have seen intervention and prevention programs work. Why shouldn't we study them to see if we can expand them to see if we can find ways to combine enforcement with intervention and prevention efforts and reverse gun violence even more? Why can't we do that?
We will see how it goes. I can't say I am super-hopeful right now, but I truly believe that we can find a way to protect people's Second Amendment rights and also protect second graders. We have to find a way to make sure that they can be safe in school, on the streets, and in their homes. We have to find a way to bring down the suicides for veterans who serve this country and, in many instances, were broken because of their service to this country, because of what we had them do. We also have to find ways to protect law enforcement officers, who put their lives on the line out there on the street and are particularly at risk from gun violence, as well.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Virginia for putting this together. I thank my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus. I hope we can find a way to work together across the aisle, this Chamber and the other Chamber on the other side of the building, and even with the Trump administration, to get something done on this front.
I know the routine mantra that we just have to lock them up. We need more penalties, more enforcement, no bail, and all of that. The problem is that all of these first-time shooters, many of them mass shooters, we didn't have a chance to keep them in jail because they never went. We didn't have a chance to withhold bail because they didn't have to pay bail to be out on the street.
Let's not wait. Let's address this problem. Let's work together. Let's save lives here in the United States.
Jennifer L. McClellan (D-VA)8:30 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Bell).
Wesley Bell (D-MO)8:30 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the St. Louis region, my constituents, and all the families across the country who have been impacted by the gun violence epidemic, an epidemic forgotten by some, intentionally ignored by others, that still ravages my home and our Nation.
As a former prosecutor, sadly, I have had a firsthand view of what families go through after losing a loved one to gun violence. I truly have no words for the heartbreak and devastation I have witnessed these families shoulder.
What is worse is that this isn't a complex equation. Gun violence is the leading cause of death of children in America. Despite this, my colleagues across the aisle have repeatedly failed to act to keep our children safe.
Mr. Speaker, we must continue championing legislation and programs that address the root cause of this disease plaguing our country. There is simply too much at stake.
Jennifer L. McClellan (D-VA)8:30 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned when I started, gun violence doesn't just impact those who lose their lives and their loved ones. It impacts entire communities.
Now that gun violence is the number one cause of death of children--and I think about when I was a child, for some reason, as a member of Gen X, I was terrified of quicksand. Now, the likelihood of my being killed by quicksand was pretty low. Yet, everybody that I know who is a member of Gen X, who was a kid in the eighties, was terrified of quicksand. Now, my children are terrified of gun violence.
The anxiety they feel--particularly my son when they have an active-shooter drill, the anxiety they feel when a loud pop occurs in a public place--my son, who in the middle of his seventh grade year, after the excitement of standing on this floor as I was sworn in to office, a week later was mourning the death of his classmate, Marquan Mitchell-Nash, who was killed when a gun that he and his friends were using as a prop in a music video fired accidentally and killed him.
His school year ended a day early when Shawn Jackson, moments after receiving his high school diploma, and his stepfather, Lorenzo Smith, were killed due to gun violence that started as beef on Instagram. Something that, in my generation, high school students would have settled with their fists is now being settled permanently through guns that can cause massive damage in a small amount of time and that are all too easy to access because the root causes that lead them to pick up that gun go unaddressed.
Every time there is a shooting, whether at a grocery store, a house of worship, a school, a park, someone's home, while driving down the street, a concert, a nightclub, a movie theater--no place is immune. Every time there is a shooting, whether it is a mass shooting or the unreported, often overlooked day-to-day domestic violence or individual crimes, my son asks me a question: "Mom, am I next?" I look him in the eye and say, "I am doing everything within my power to ensure that you are not."
Mr. Speaker, I can't do it alone. Our communities can't do it alone. We are about to celebrate 250 years of the remarkable idea that all people are created equal and endowed by their creator with the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The purpose of government is to help them achieve those ends, or at least get out of the way.
I came here to help people and solve problems. The number one problem plaguing our communities right now, and especially our children, is gun violence. Yet, even when there is bipartisan support, we can't get a vote on anything that will make a difference.
I am tired of having to see that look of fear on my son's face when he hears of another shooting and having to hear that question. I am tired of the pit in my chest when my kids leave the house, and I wonder if they will come back, not because of anything that they do but because of the public health crisis of gun violence.
So let's do something about it. At a minimum, let's address the root causes, but thoughts and prayers aren't enough.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back.
America Celebrating 250 Years
Pages H4200–H4205 · Official text(Under the Speaker's announced policy of January 3, 2025, Ms. Hageman of Wyoming was recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the majority leader.)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about something spectacular, something worthy of a year-long celebration, and something that will shortly be lighting up the skies from sea to shining sea: the 250th anniversary of the creation of the greatest country that has ever existed.
On July Fourth, we will be celebrating our collective birthday, and I am honored to stand on the floor of the United States House of Representatives, in this beautiful Capitol, in this glorious and dynamic city, to describe what that means to me, the lone Representative of the least populated State in our country.
Our experimental Republic, having been born from the ashes of a Middle Ages monarchy, has survived 2\1/2\ centuries and is today stronger than ever, with all of us being a testament to what our forefathers envisioned, being a free people, participating in self-governance, with an understanding of the vision and divine intervention that created this country 250 years ago.
Mr. Speaker, 250 years that at times has involved struggle, hardship, discrimination, and war, while also yielding 250 years of freedom, opportunity, respect, compassion, and unprecedented prosperity.
It was 250 years of building a truly inspirational legacy that warrants a generational celebration to confirm that Americans have the right to be proud of our country, to celebrate what it means to be an American.
Now this right to celebrate our 250th milestone does not mean that we should ignore or rewrite our history, but that we should look upon that history with a full and accurate understanding of what it means, both in terms of our dark periods and our incredible accomplishments.
I will say it again because it bears repeating: America is the greatest country in the history of the world.
Despite that fact, there are many individuals, including some who serve in this very body and who are running for office, who claim otherwise, and who seek to tear us apart from within so that they can replace this Republic with the same type of failed states that exist elsewhere in the world.
They claim that we have no American culture. They argue that slavery is our original sin and that we should be forever and only defined by that history. They claim that our forefathers, the Founders of this country, are not worth honoring, but should instead be excised from our collective consciousness.
So, while American pride has historically been part of the fabric of our society, there has been an organized move afoot since at least the 1960s to undermine our reverence for this great country. Those actions have taken several forms, such as with claims that America was never great; with the retelling of our history; or with slanderous accusations about who we are, what we believe in, and the contributions that we have made to the world.
Considering the fact that we are celebrating 2\1/2\ centuries of America's existence this year, I think it is high time that we confront those sentiments head-on and expose those narratives for what they are--an effort to destroy our republican form of government to make way for the implementation of failed policies, moral bankruptcies, and the human suffering found in socialism and Marxism.
Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to remind everyone as to what has made us such a great country, why our history is worth defending, and to emphasize that the future of America is bright indeed.
It is time that we celebrate America and everything that it means to be American.
Just this last summer, we learned that the number of American adults who claim to be very proud of their country reached another record low.
In Gallup's 25-year patriotism survey, just 17 percent, or less than one in five American adults, reported that they were very proud of being an American.
The number of adults who claimed to be extremely proud reached a 25-year low and has now fallen to below 60 percent.
I hope that by focusing on America's 250th anniversary and looking back over our history with honesty and accuracy, we will reverse these declines.
I am, in fact, optimistic that these festivities we have already enjoyed are currently inspiring a new sense of purpose in our national identity, and I believe that we are on the right track to making America proud again. Watching the soccer sports revelers who are discovering the United States for the first time should make us all proud. I know it does me.
Gallup's survey should cause us to take notice of what a lack of pride in our country portends in the long term, while forcing us to confront what the sustained attacks on our American identity have done in the past and are doing to us now.
Many of our neighbors are asking why patriotism appears to be on the decline when there is so much to celebrate about the United States of America. What is behind this self-hatred that has permeated many of our institutions? What is the ultimate destination of this downward spiral into despair? What does intentional disparagement mean for our younger generations?
The answers to these questions are not a mystery. They lie within the deep, dark caverns of our political divisions and are boiling up into the public square by those individuals and organizations who seek to turn us into yet another failed state.
Our excitement for America has been dimmed by accusations of an unacceptable morality, and our self-image has been tarnished by a novel self-flagellation as part of a new revolution. It is a familiar revolution; a color revolution; a digital revolution illuminating a national dysphoria; a rapid onset extortion of American identity.
Mr. Speaker, our 250-year quest to become a more perfect union has always involved asking hard questions and self-reflection:
How do we fulfill the promises of our founding documents in the context of governing this vast country from east to west and north to south?
How are we maintaining our core values of freedom, justice, and equality?
How do we couple self-autonomy and liberty with civic responsibility?
How are we lifting up and caring for our most desperate citizens in need?
We must continuously ask these questions because we must never lose sight of the promise of America. We know that there are aspects of our history during which our ancestors failed to live up to what this country stands for, and I am not standing here today to pretend that there is no shame in parts of our past. Like so many countries around the world, the barbarism and shame of slavery is a stain on our early identity. Slavery is, in fact, an indelible part of the history of almost every country, from Western nations to the Middle East, to South America, to Africa, and beyond.
But how we ultimately eradicated that stain is what sets America apart. We overcame slavery's horror to eliminate this demon in our national spirit. We tore our country apart with the Union fighting to abolish slavery from our shores.
The ultimate victory was a great triumph, and by fighting to uphold our own standards as set forth in the Declaration of Independence and our Constitution, we have had a moral redemption of the American character. Unlike the other countries around the world who had slavery or continue to practice it to this day, we endured the exorcism of a Civil War, and we emerged to secure a stronger, more equal, more just, and more determined union.
Over 150 years ago, our ancestors fought fathers against sons and brothers against brothers to eradicate slavery. Through the focus, leadership, and determination of the great men and women, such as Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, and Harriet Tubman, righteousness prevailed.
Americans are rightfully proud of our demand for justice, freedom, and liberty. These characteristics are part of our national identity.
But what do these words mean? Do we define them differently today than in years past? Have we evolved? What does it mean to be proud to be an American? I think that we all know, but we have allowed numerous malign influences to take control of the dialogue and to try and convince us that our history is not worth celebrating.
That is why I am on the floor of the United States House of Representatives today, to remind all of us as to who and what we are and, perhaps just as importantly, what we are not, despite what has been claimed as of late.
In my opinion, America 250 is the perfect moment to restore our sacred pride and to challenge the slander of those who despise the freedom of personal responsibility and self-governance, and we have an obligation to be honest about what America is and what it isn't as we enter the golden age of America's next 250.
Harriet M. Hageman (R-WY)8:50 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I stand here to remind Americans about how our united history, culture, language, literature, art, music, traditions, and innovations that define us as a nation long predate our independence.
I start by being unequivocally clear: America was born with the very best ideas put forth and memorialized by some of the very best minds. I want to emphasize, however, that our country itself is far from a mere idea or a state of mind. America is a nation of people who share common values, traditions, history, and fate.
We have been a charitable people from the beginning. We have long been a blessing to the world because of our culture of giving, hope, perseverance, and redemption. We are united by the Judeo-Christian values that compelled our first ancestors to come to America to pursue their destiny and to create a country based on freedom--freedom of the individual, of religion, and of family.
Our Founders articulated the philosophy of what America is in so many different ways.
John Jay wrote in Federalist Paper No. 2: "Providence has been pleased to give this one connected country to one united people--a people descended from the same ancestors, speaking the same language, professing the same religion, attached to the same principles of government, very similar in their manners and customs, and who, by their joint counsels, arms, and efforts, fighting side by side throughout a long and bloody war, have nobly established general liberty and independence."
That is a message of unity, of brotherhood, of a shared humanity, and we must be careful to always remember those characteristics that we share as our common denominator. This is what makes America, America. The fact that we have a unique shared culture, one that is worth acknowledging, defining, preserving, and protecting.
This does not mean that we reject other cultures or traditions. America has, in fact, been one of the most gracious countries in history to welcome people from across the globe to our shores.
By inviting those who seek to make our country home, however, we are not obligated to subjugate our American history, culture, and traditions for theirs. We instead welcome them here to partake in and succeed in the American way of life.
We must stop pretending that America is just an idea or that we have no shared culture worth fighting for.
The moment we give up on America by believing it merely exists as an abstract concept is the moment we forfeit our shared culture as a nation. America has been the most potent force for good in human history. The erasure of the very culture that underlies our success as a country will be a dark moment for all of Western civilization if we allow it to happen.
What better time to celebrate our history, culture, and traditions than on this 250th anniversary, being optimistic that in 2026, while looking both backwards and forwards since Ronald Reagan professed it to be "morning again in America," we will realize that it is a bright, golden sunrise shining over the new horizons of a novel American Pax Romana, the dawn of a truly golden age of America.
Harriet M. Hageman (R-WY)8:50 p.m.
The existence of America to those who came before this country was willed into existence by our forefathers and those willing to die for their noble cause was a dream: a paradise of freedom away from religious persecution and in harmony with neighbors, a place united by the Christian values that championed the family and preserved individual liberty.
One of the Nation's most famous civil rights heroes later articulated what that meant in a speech for the ages in 1963. He shared a dream just 2 miles west of this Capitol on the grand steps to the monument of the Great Emancipator.
He dreamed " . . . that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."
Dr. King was assassinated just 5 years later, but his words carry his legacy as a living memory. A memory which to be both proud and careful of as a warning about our present decade.
The United States is experiencing many of the same stress tests today that we survived through the 1960s.
We are locked in a competitive space race with a nuclear rival.
Our foreign policy is wrapped around countering rival communist, fascist, and totalitarian regimes across the world who have no respect for human life, value, or dignity.
Our university campuses are hotbeds of unrest and disunity with calls to destroy the social contract that has allowed differing groups, religions, and philosophies to not only exist in harmony but to actually thrive, and for our people to love each other like brothers.
We are facing historic divisions in our cities where anarchy, race riots, and political assassinations have returned.
We have faced these trials before.
They are the familiar currents of cultural upheaval with a frightening future, an anxious uprising inspired by the demonic impulses of envy and greed embedded in racial, classist, and sexual resentment. These weaponized emotions threaten to divide us further and represent yet another obstacle to conquer on our crusade to deliver a more perfect union.
This effort to divide us into ever smaller subcategories of humans, to slice and dice us into the smallest subset possible to further a victim mentality, isn't designed to strengthen our core as a country but to conquer us as a united people and to sully our shared society.
Despite these efforts, the same common denominators that unite the American nation have always been our salvation, and it will be the resurgence of our shared Judeo-Christian values on this 250th anniversary that will save us again.
I come from the mountain west. Being born and raised in Wyoming is one of the greatest blessings of my life. There are six generations of my family who have called Wyoming home, and we, along with our extended family, have worked tirelessly to build the State to represent the heart and soul of America's destiny and legacy.
We are the Nation's least-populated State, but we are a mighty herd at the frontier of the American march forward.
Prairie populism carried the banner of progress forward, a new land of opportunity for freedom's endeavor, as we united this country from shore to shore.
Wyoming was the first State to give women the right to vote, passing the Women's Suffrage Act on December 10, 1869, a full 50 years prior to the passage of the 19th Amendment, granting this right to women nationwide.
Wyoming was a haven for free African Americans who enriched our cowboy and Western heritage, coming to Wyoming to homestead and create communities. We are proud to be the home of the Northern Arapahoe Tribe and the Eastern Shoshone Tribe of the Wind River Indian Reservation, whose cultures and traditions have enriched our cultural history.
Our pristine national parks and monuments stand as temples of a shining exceptionalism to our respect for the environment, beauty, serenity, and the sublime. The pulsing geysers at Yellowstone beat the heart of a humble people whose character defines the mission-driven stoicism within the American spirit.
The West has always embodied the ultimate destiny of the American people with its story being told by a proud, bold, patriotic clan in pursuit of prosperity and autonomy. The individual's birthright to self-determination declared in our founding documents characterizes our unapologetic crusade for justice, liberty, and expanding what is possible.
We reached for freedom westward first, piercing the barriers of distance, wilderness, weather, and hostile conditions. Our ancestors survived against harsh elements, and they connected a continent.
As we moved westward, we took our culture and traditions with us, including those promises embodied in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, thereby establishing a country that spans North America from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, where all people are created equal and endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights.
The American Dream took root in the homestead on our ancestors' Western crusade for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The promise of private land ownership became a uniquely American ambition, available to the calloused hands of hungry settlers who built a nation and a culture shaped by shared trials and a common destiny.
Today, the American Dream stretches coast to coast, united by our heritage to create and sustain a free and just society.
It is this history that draws people from around the world to pursue that American Dream.
The world comes to America not because we are corrupt but because we are not. The world comes to America not because we are racist or sexist but because we are not. The world comes to America not because of the tired mantra that "diversity is our strength" but because of our shared culture and history. The world comes to America not because we have nothing to offer but because we are exceptional.
We enjoy a degree of freedom and opportunity like nowhere else on Earth, including in the very European country that birthed America, whose leaders are currently openly renouncing the Magna Carta's civil contract in order to push policies that will ultimately destroy Western civilization if they are not reined in.
There is no German dream or French dream. There is no Guatemalan dream or Haitian dream, and there has never been a Somali dream. It is the American Dream: the idea that anyone can realize success regardless of their circumstances, where race, sex, ethnicity, and background are not barriers to harnessing someone's full potential.
I am an example of that American Dream. When I was born, I was my parents' fifth child, and my oldest sister was just 5 years old. When they brought me home from the hospital, they had just recently bought a ranch, were over $200,000 in debt in 1962, and had $35 in the bank. This is the home where they brought me as a new infant, and our family continued to grow even after that, with more brothers being added later.
We all worked to make that operation a success. I learned to drive when I was 4 so I could help my father feed cows. We were on horseback working cows almost before we could count them. We fixed fences, irrigated, did the chores, and milked cows. I graduated from Lingle-Ft. Laramie High School with a class of around 30 students. We were taught English, literature, history, science, social studies, calculus, and trigonometry. We built pig barns and learned how to weld, although I was not very proficient at the latter.
I had brilliant and compassionate educators who taught me to think and presented we with the rich mosaic of the real world so I could succeed in the real world.
Mr. Speaker, I realized fairly early that I probably was not going to make it in the welding field, so I chose to go to a community college on a livestock judging scholarship. I then attended the University of Wyoming where I have to confess I drank a lot of beer, played a lot of pool, and had more fun than was probably legal. I worked highway construction to help pay for school. I lived in a truck stop one summer. I later obtained both my bachelor's degree and my law degree and practiced law for 34 years representing farmers, ranchers, businessowners, gravel pits, municipalities, oil and gas companies, and most anyone who was being persecuted by the Federal Government.
I have always wanted to be a long-haul truck driver when I grow up so I could travel every mile of this beautiful country and relish being an American. In the meantime, here I am.
Why is my history important when discussing why we should be proud of our heritage? Because I am absolute proof of what our forefathers sought to implement in showing that it has come to pass.
We are a government of, by, and for the people. I am everyman U.S.A. My history and my story are the history and story of tens of millions of people in this country.
I came from the most humble of beginnings living in this house on the Cheyenne to Deadwood Stage Trail with no telephone and limited access to the outside world, and I am today standing on the floor of the United States House of Representatives speaking on behalf of the millions of my brothers and sisters everywhere. Only in America is my story possible, and I celebrate that every day.
America 250 marks the milestone of a nation born out of grit, a desire for improvement, and a quest for innovation that are ingrained in our pioneer DNA. Our evolution is guided by an unrelenting passion for liberty's progress, 250 years of being guided by our instincts to confront new frontiers.
In 1776, our forefathers had already recognized that it was time to throw off the limits of arbitrary boundaries previously established by a European monarch. The first Americans had already begun pushing West on the eve of our national independence.
Daniel Boone captured the Nation's divine early hunger for exploration with a trailblazing expedition across the Cumberland Gap. The millions who followed over the subsequent 250 years have done so in Boone's footsteps chasing prosperity by conquering the elements and mapping their own future.
By 1826, our country had already developed a strong taste for expansion after having doubled the land mass before turning even 50 years old. The Louisiana Purchase unleashed the budding ambition of American frontiersmen defining a new era of self-determination by driving further westward.
Mountain men like Jim Bridger, John Colter, and Jedediah Smith carried Boone's legacy into the wilderness. Beaver trappers pioneered the first global economy. The next 50 years featured a mass migration to settle the continent. Farmers, builders, artists, intellectuals, gold miners, businessowners, dreamers, second sons, and even some storied outlaws moved West to claim their future in the new frontier.
By 1876, a new national hero emerged to represent the truest form of American individualism, as our Nation settled the West. The lone cowboy riding on the distant horizon staked his claim in the American identity, a male model of resilience epitomizing strength, integrity, and stoicism. The image of his determined drive stays with us as a defining character in American culture, an aspirational figure of self-sufficiency and adventure to guard his herd, his Nation, and his neighbor.
My own great-grandfather joined a cattle drive in 1878, heading north from Texas, eventually settling in Wyoming where he lived for the next 60-plus years and leaving a legacy as an honest cowboy and rancher that continues to impact our State to this day. There are many like him in Wyoming and elsewhere, yet another layer in the glorious traditions and history of our great Nation.
By 1926, the American frontier was transformed by the exponential industrialization of a united continent. New networks of transportation and communication collapsed distance by using innovation. Our expansion reached far beyond our shores.
Hawaii and Alaska represented the ripe new territories beyond the edge of the Western frontier.
America's desire for exploration and conquering far-distant frontiers escaped into orbit as we approached our 200th birthday. The mission to the Moon had just been accomplished by the bicentennial of 1976. The Apollo landings became an instant legacy to our pioneering endeavors, delivering the next generation of frontiersmen in the form of a new American hero defying gravity: the astronaut.
His horse of steel and rocket fuel propelled a high-octane expression of American exploration into the future. The new path forward is a trail blazed upward, unlocking space-based industry and a colony on the Moon as America reaches 250.
It was by the will of a collective people, united by a cultural desperation to determine their own story and achieve the impossible that we conquered the first Moon landing--250 years of a nation reaching forward, westward, and upward, escaping gravity, breaking previous realities, and unleashing endless new possibilities. Our national compass stopped pointing West. It started pointing up into the heavens. Our celestial neighbors marked the latest boundary of the American frontier. The sky is no longer the limit. In America, Mr. Speaker, it never has been.
We now choose to go back to the Moon not because President Kennedy said we should 60 years ago but because the Moon represents the next stop as we continue to realize our manifest destiny.
The stars taunt us as the next mythical paradise beyond our horizon to carry the banner of our cowboy legacy, an otherworldly wilderness for American frontiersmen to tame for God and for country.
These stars have been on our national flag since our ancestors went to battle for our freedom. They fly again on the wings of heroes blasting themselves to convey America further than we have ever gone before. Deep human space flight is the ambition of our generation.
We plant our values on triumphant territory in the name of American glory, the banner that waved over Fort McHenry, the flag our heroes raised amid the costly battle at Iwo Jima, the Stars and Stripes planted by the astronaut cowboy on a distant crater.
For 250 years, the flag has been an early symbol of American vigilance, an emblem of our pride and heroism.
In the 1860s, the Gettysburg flag waved among the unbearable noise of wars as our ancestors fought to keep the Union together and abolish slavery. Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong would plant the flag in the vast lunar mare known as the Sea of Tranquility, in almost total silence a century later.
This year, the flag returned to alien gravity, and the Stars and Stripes that draped our most famous 1980 hockey team waved once again at an Olympic triumph over Canada, a miracle on ice in the year of our 250th.
The American flag is the ultimate unifier. We wear them. We hang them, and we pledge allegiance to them as the declaration of commitment to our country, our neighbors, our heroes, our culture, and our history. The colors conceptualize our gratitude for those who are willing to lay down their lives for our great country and for what it means to be connected to each other as Americans.
They cover the caskets of the brave men and women who paid for our freedom.
We honor each other when we honor those servicemembers. The flag has always been the reminder throughout our 250 years of how far we have come, how much it cost, and how much is possible.
It is a reminder to be proud of our American heritage, the freedoms we all share, and a how a price has always been paid, willingly so, by those who believe in everything that America stands for.
Thirteen men and women have now paid the ultimate dues of American liberty this year in Iran. They join the more than 1 million men and women who gave their lives for our country since 1775.
On Veterans Day, we thank those who served and survived. On Memorial Day, we honor those who died, making the ultimate sacrifice. It is because of them that we are able to celebrate Independence Day.
They are why we made it to America 250. They did not die for a mere idea. They died for the values embedded in our flag, the ultimate representation of pride, love, and commitment to our great American Nation, free and united by the best ideas.
We recently celebrated Flag Day, a day to salute the most common banner of our character, the symbol of our shared identity as Americans in pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness, a star-spangled emblem for hope and harmony.
Now, for some reflection on where we are and what ails us, Mr. Speaker, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have worked mightily to weaponize our history to indict our Nation as irredeemable. Radical academics glorify The 1619 Project so that they may dismiss the miracle of 1620, when our ancestors planted the seeds of our country on their historic voyage aboard the Mayflower, the inaugural expedition westward that would define the direction of American destiny.
It was they who sailed into existence a Nation inspired by our Judeo-Christian values and who began the construction of the shining city on the hill.
The Pilgrim crusade for the right to self-determination reached a new milestone just 167 years after they arrived on our shores, when the Founders kicked off 250 years as an independent nation.
Thirty-five million Americans trace their lineage to the Mayflower. What a legacy, and what a history. What they began based on faith, freedom, and hope has now evolved into a miracle, the miracle of our forefathers creating a country based not on government control, but on individual freedom.
Today, the left reveres 1619 as what they say is the year of America's true founding. The year the first slaves were imported to America has become the defining moment for a new generation of cultural revolutionaries hellbent on tearing our society apart. They lionize past pain to drape themselves in a toxic form of victimhood, antithetical to America's true values.
The perpetual hoax that demands that we view ourselves entirely through the lens of racial injustice, however, dismisses our great legacy and history, as does their characterization that America was built for the sole purpose of oppression.
That is simply not true. Acknowledging the horrors of slavery does not justify ignoring the greatness of America or counsel against celebrating the accomplishments of Americans from all walks of life.
Twisted theories designed to disgrace American exceptionalism come in spite of everything we have done. Yet, it takes very little imagination to recognize that the world would be a dark place, indeed, were it not for America. I mean that both figuratively and literally.
In 1879, Thomas Edison lit up the night when he invented the light bulb in New Jersey, soon after visiting Wyoming to witness the total eclipse of the Sun and enjoy our world-famous fishing.
Alexander Graham Bell made the first successful telephone call just 3 years earlier in Boston.
In 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright changed our reality with the first powered flight across the Carolina sky. American aviators would pioneer jet age travel within just half a century thereafter.
In 1908, Henry Ford rolled the first Model T out of the garage. His assembly line would unleash the American car as the ultimate freedom machine to explore our wide-open country, while also changing the very nature of manufacturing and, thereby, altering the world forever.
Today, LED smartphones connect places around the globe in a nanosecond. You can charge them in the car or while flying in an airplane.
Mr. Speaker, my mother is 102 years old. I want you to just think of the changes that she has seen in her lifetime. Having grown up on a farm in Minnesota, they spent their days tending the garden, working in the fields, taking care of the animals, chopping wood, and canning food.
Because of American ingenuity and the commercial production of affordable and reliable energy, the last 100 years have seen changes unrivaled in human history: an increase in life expectancy, a decrease in the infant mortality rate, central air, warm homes, and abundant food sources produced right here.
American innovation and freedom are at the center of these advances that my mother has experienced, and we should be forever grateful for those who have dedicated their lives to making our lives better, both with regard to incredible technological and medical advances, as well as creating the arts and music that we so enjoy.
The world's most consequential technologies are products of Americans' advancements. Computers, the internet, GPS, flight, fracking, and vaccines have been delivered from the laboratory of American democracy.
Our form of a republican democracy itself has always been America's best innovation. American free market capitalism has done more to relieve human suffering than any other system in human history, making every invention I just mentioned even a possibility.
Today, Americans enjoy a level of prosperity and equality like nowhere else on Earth and like no time in human history. I encourage any skeptics to look at Iran if there is any doubt, where women are barbarically abused and gays are thrown off roofs.
Marxist countries are no better, with the Cuban people having now been oppressed for over 60 years, while their government overlords have become filthy rich by exploiting their suffering.
America 250 is a reminder of America's world-changing contributions. Our ideas lifted more people out of poverty than any other civilization that has ever existed. Our heroism and bravery saved the world from two global wars. Our values inspired hundreds of millions to rise up for liberty.
The leftist dogma through which today's revolutionaries write off history is a national tragedy and must be exposed as the intellectually lazy pablum that it is.
The left dons the crown of victimhood to erase what it means to be a country of citizens pursuing a common cause. They flood the Nation with third-world immigrants who do not assimilate into our culture, with their militant refusal to do so tearing the American spirit while feeding waste, fraud, and abuse.
The left cheers for the breakdown of the nuclear family, while then using the resulting misery as a way to bolster their own power.
America has a choice on this anniversary, and we should choose to rally around the same glorious flag that we all recognize in the year of our 250th. The Star-Spangled Banner reminds us how there is more that unites us as a nation than there is to drive distrust, envy, and anger among neighbors.
I challenge every American to wrap themselves in our national colors throughout our historic anniversary. Reject the rainbow banners of identity politics and division. Embrace tradition. Embrace America.
The American flag is the banner of our crusade under a shared destiny, a call sign to conquer the frontier, and a symbol of our national redemption.
Harriet M. Hageman (R-WY)9:10 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, I am calling on all Americans to embrace this once-in-a-generation chance to be a part of this historic celebration. Honor our war heroes. Practice gratitude for their service. Make patriotism contagious. Redouble your efforts to make your own communities places of wholesome, caring, productive, and embracing enjoyment.
Mr. Speaker, celebrating everything we made possible everywhere is impossible because there is simply too much to be proud of. In fact, our national anniversary cannot even fit into a single day on July Fourth. America 250 has become a yearlong celebration, coinciding with the kickoff of a decade of global sports on American soil.
In 2 years, the Los Angeles Olympics will follow the World Cup, welcoming spectators from around the world to experience America as we begin another chapter in our 250-year journey.
Europeans who have traveled here for the World Cup have flooded social media with expressions of wonder and amazement about all of the greatness that is America, including the abundance of resources and the benefits of a high-trust society. It is sad when some of our own neighbors fail to see it, but our visitors can.
This summer, Washington, D.C., will host the INDYCAR series to race the Freedom 250 Grand Prix through our Nation's Capital. This high-octane expression of American patriotism joins the endless parade of cross-country events as an encore for our Independence Day celebrations.
While Americans commemorate our historic anniversary with the unapologetic and bombastic celebrations characteristic of our shared identity, there are countless ways that we can celebrate with our neighbors every single day--most importantly, celebrating America and being an American and continuing to break bread with our families and neighbors.
Our history has not been perfect, Mr. Speaker, but there is so much to be proud of as a nation and as Americans.
Our achievements are like the scope and size of the universe barely scratched by the Artemis program: They are simply too great for us to fully appreciate unless we are willing to actually study who we are, what makes us different, why America has succeeded as a beacon of hope and renewal, and why we must fight every day to make sure that the next 250 years are even more spectacular than the last.
America is almost too big and too beautiful to understand the reach of our exceptionalism, but we can do it when we put our mind to it by reminding ourselves of the glorious things that have been wrought over the last 250 years because America exists.
America has exceeded the limits of the imagination and expanded beyond the wildest dreams of our forefathers and Founders when they began to put together a country that would ultimately become the American Dream.
We are one big, beautiful Nation, united under one God, invisible, with liberty and justice for all.
In less than 2 weeks from today, the Sun will rise on the first day of America's next 250 years.
God bless America.
Yes, thank You, God, for blessing America.
Mr. Speaker, in gratitude for being able to serve in this august body of men and women dedicated to protecting and defending our Republic, I yield back the balance of my time.
Adjournment
Page H4205 · Official textMr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.
The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 9 o'clock and 21 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 10 a.m. for morning-hour debate.
Executive Communications, Etc.
Page H4205 · Official textUnder clause 2 of rule XIV, executive communications were taken from the Speaker's table and referred as follows:
Text printed in the Record (3,087 characters)
EC-3883. A letter from the Secretary, Department of Energy, transmitting a letter submitting proposed legislation to amend section 4706 of the Atomic Energy Defense Act; to the Committee on Armed Services.
EC-3884. A letter from the Secretary, Department of Energy, transmitting a proposal to amend section 3141 of the FY 2019 National Defense Authorization Act; to the Committee on Armed Services.
EC-3885. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, Department of War, transmitting legislative proposals that the Department requests be enacted during the second session of the 119th Congress; to the Committee on Armed Services.
EC-3886. A letter from the Associate Administrator, Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's Office of Inspector General's Semiannual Report to Congress; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
EC-3887. A letter from the Associate Administrator, Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency's report titled "Implementation Status of the Innovative Water Technology Grant Program October 2025", pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 300j-1a(g); Public Law 115-270, Sec. 2007(g); (132 Stat. 3845); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
EC-3888. A letter from the Chairman and CEO, Farm Credit Administration, transmitting the Administration's semiannual and management reports for the period covering October 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026; to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
EC-3889. A letter from the Associate General Counsel for General Law, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Department of Homeland Security, transmitting three notifications of an action on nomination, and nominations, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 3349(a); Public Law 105-277, Sec. 151(b); (112 Stat. 2681-614); to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
EC-3890. A letter from the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Legislative Affairs, Department of the Treasury, transmitting the semiannual report to Congress from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration; ; to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
EC-3891. A letter from the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, transmitting the Bank's 2025 management report, pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 9106(a)(1); Public Law 97-258 (as amended by Public Law 101-576, Sec. 306(a)); (104 Stat. 2854); to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
EC-3892. A letter from the Senior Advisor, Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, transmitting two notifications of a designation of acting officer and vacancy, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 3349(a); Public Law 105-277, Sec. 151(b); (112 Stat. 2681-614); to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
EC-3893. A letter from the Executive Secretary, Public Interest Declassification Board, transmitting the Board's Annual Report to Congress for FY 2025; to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Reports of Committees on Public Bills and Resolutions
Page H4205 · Official textUnder clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of committees were delivered to the Clerk for printing and reference to the proper calendar, as follows:
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Mr. JACK: Committee on Rules. House Resolution 1377. Resolution providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1181) to prohibit payment card networks and covered entities from requiring the use of or assigning merchant category codes that distinguish a firearms retailer from general-merchandise retailer or sporting-goods retailer, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 9022) making appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 8595) making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 9237) to amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, and other Federal laws, to improve benefits for veterans and the administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs (Rept. 119-707). Referred to the House Calendar.
Public Bills and Resolutions
Pages H4205–H4207 · Official textUnder clause 2 of rule XII, public bills and resolutions of the following titles were introduced and severally referred, as follows:
Text printed in the Record (11,827 characters)
By Mr. GIMENEZ (for himself and Mr. Carter of
Louisiana):
H.R. 9388. A bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to authorize an extension of a program to permit screened passengers and their property arriving on direct flights or flight segments originating at certain foreign last point of departure airports to continue on additional flights or flight segments originating in the United States without additional screening, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security.
By Mrs. HARSHBARGER:
H.R. 9389. A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize funding for nutrition education and chronic disease prevention at federally qualified health centers, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
By Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS:
H.R. 9390. A bill to amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act to require certain facilities to post prices on the walls; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
By Mr. GARBARINO (for himself and Ms. Pou):
H.R. 9391. A bill to authorize an extension and expansion of the reimbursable screening services program of the Transportation Security Administration, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security.
By Ms. DeGETTE (for herself and Mr. Joyce of
Pennsylvania):
H.R. 9392. A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require the inclusion of certain information in Medicare Advantage encounter data; to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
By Mr. GUTHRIE (for himself and Mr. Pallone):
H.R. 9393. A bill to promote price transparency in the health care sector; to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
By Mr. STRONG:
H.R. 9394. A bill to require the Department of Homeland Security to conduct an exercise related to agroterrorism, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security.
By Ms. OCASIO-CORTEZ:
H.R. 9395. A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require certain reporting with respect to agents and brokers of Medicare Advantage organizations; to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
By Mr. GOLDMAN of Texas:
H.R. 9396. A bill to amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require the displaying of claim denial rates; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
By Mr. PFLUGER (for himself and Mr. Moran):
H.R. 9397. A bill to amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act and title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure health insurer accountability through publishing of overhead costs and claim payments, and to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue guidance on the provision of certain insurance information; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
By Mr. CAREY:
H.R. 9398. A bill to provide an election to resolve certain open partnership controversies involving donations of conservation easements; to the Committee on Ways and Means.
By Mr. CASTEN (for himself and Ms. Norton):
H.R. 9399. A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to provide for criminal penalties for a person who provides fire arms to juveniles if such firearms are thereafter used for the commission of a criminal offense; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Ms. CHU (for herself, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Gottheimer, Mr.
Raskin, Ms. Schrier, Mr. Suozzi, Ms. Bonamici, Mr.
Carbajal, Ms. Friedman, Mr. Goldman of New York, Ms.
Norton, Ms. Jacobs, Mr. Landsman, Ms. Lee of
Pennsylvania, Mr. Levin, Mr. Moskowitz, Mr. Sherman,
and Ms. Wasserman Schultz):
H.R. 9400. A bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to Americans who were active in rescuing and aiding Jews and other refugees during the period of Nazi Germany's genocidal "Final Solution" policy to murder every Jew in Europe, in recognition of their contributions, which resulted in tens of thousands of Jews and others being spared from almost certain death; to the Committee on Financial Services.
By Mr. COHEN (for himself, Mr. Bacon, Ms. Barragan, Ms.
Budzinski, Mr. Castro of Texas, Ms. Clarke of New
York, Ms. Craig, Ms. Davids of Kansas, Ms. Dean of
Pennsylvania, Mr. Fitzpatrick, Mr. Golden of Maine,
Mr. Goldman of New York, Mr. Gottheimer, Mrs. Hayes,
Mr. Horsford, Ms. Hoyle of Oregon, Mr. Jackson of
Illinois, Mr. Johnson of Georgia, Mr. Larson of
Connecticut, Mr. Lynch, Mrs. McBath, Ms. McBride, Ms.
McClellan, Ms. McCollum, Ms. Moore of Wisconsin, Mr.
Morelle, Mr. Moulton, Mr. Mullin, Mr. Neal, Mr.
Panetta, Ms. Pingree, Ms. Salinas, Ms. Scholten, Ms.
Simon, Mr. Smith of Washington, Mr. Soto, Ms.
Stansbury, Ms. Strickland, Mr. Thompson of
Mississippi, Mr. Tonko, Ms. Underwood, Mrs. Dingell,
Mr. Van Drew, Mr. Van Orden, Mr. Vargas, Ms.
Wasserman Schultz, Mrs. Watson Coleman, Ms. Williams
of Georgia, and Ms. Wilson of Florida):
H.R. 9401. A bill to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities who need long-term services and supports, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
By Mr. DELUZIO (for himself and Ms. Bonamici):
H.R. 9402. A bill to prohibit, or require disclosure of, the surveillance, monitoring, and collection of certain worker data by employers, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Government Reform, and House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
By Ms. ESCOBAR (for herself and Mr. Alford):
H.R. 9403. A bill to require the Secretary of Defense to update guidance for the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program to evaluate the effects of the JROTC instructor pay scale on recruitment and retention; to the Committee on Armed Services.
By Ms. ESCOBAR (for herself and Mr. Bergman):
H.R. 9404. A bill to amend chapter 37 of title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide support services to veterans in navigating housing loan benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
By Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida (for herself and Ms.
Kamlager-Dove):
H.R. 9405. A bill to establish, at the Department of State, the Esther Coopersmith Award in recognition of a distinguished diplomat advancing sustainable peace and security; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
By Mr. HARDER of California (for himself and Mr. Wied):
H.R. 9406. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to eliminate the cap on the number of waivers to certain pay limitations that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may issue for critical health care personnel of the Department of Veterans Affairs; to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
By Mr. HURD of Colorado (for himself and Ms. Tokuda):
H.R. 9407. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish the small distiller domestic sourcing credit; to the Committee on Ways and Means.
By Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia (for himself, Mr. Cohen, Mr.
Deluzio, Mr. Krishnamoorthi, Ms. Norton, Mrs.
Ramirez, and Mr. Thanedar):
H.R. 9408. A bill to amend chapter 15 of title 28, United States Code, with respect to documentation requirements for a meeting of certain conferences and councils; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Mr. KENNEDY of New York (for himself and Mr.
Lawler):
H.R. 9409. A bill to prohibit certain operations of remote control locomotives, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
By Mr. MACKENZIE:
H.R. 9410. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide additional authorities to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and State Approving Agencies with respect to third-party contractors of educational institutions, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
By Mr. MANNION (for himself and Mr. LaLota):
H.R. 9411. A bill to direct the Secretary of Defense to provide grants to entities that provide services that supplement the Transition Assistance Program of the Department of Defense, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Armed Services.
By Ms. McBRIDE (for herself and Mr. Lawler):
H.R. 9412. A bill to amend the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to modify and improve that Act; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
By Ms. MENG (for herself and Mr. Fitzpatrick):
H.R. 9413. A bill to direct the Secretary of Defense to carry out the Military Family Limb Loss and Limb Difference Support Program; to the Committee on Armed Services.
By Mr. POCAN (for himself, Mr. Scott of Virginia, Ms.
Barragan, Mrs. Beatty, Ms. Bonamici, Mr. Davis of
Illinois, Ms. DelBene, Mr. DeSaulnier, Mrs. Dingell,
Mr. Evans of Pennsylvania, Mr. Figures, Mr.
Garamendi, Mr. Garcia of Illinois, Mr. Garcia of
California, Mrs. Grijalva, Mr. Hernandez, Mr. Jackson
of Illinois, Mr. Kennedy of New York, Ms. Lee of
Pennsylvania, Mr. Magaziner, Mr. Mannion, Ms. Matsui,
Mrs. McBath, Ms. Moore of Wisconsin, Mr. Moulton, Mr.
Mrvan, Mr. Norcross, Ms. Norton, Ms. Pingree, Mr.
Quigley, Ms. Ross, Ms. Sanchez, Ms. Schakowsky, Ms.
Simon, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, Ms. Tlaib, Mr.
Vargas, Ms. Wilson of Florida, Ms. Adams, Mr.
Doggett, and Mr. Takano):
H.R. 9414. A bill to improve the structure of the Federal Pell Grant program, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
By Ms. SIMON:
H.R. 9415. A bill to improve the retirement security of American families by increasing Social Security benefits for current and future beneficiaries while making Social Security stronger for future generations; to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
By Mr. YAKYM:
H. Res. 1378. A resolution honoring and celebrating National Boys and Girls Club
Week of 2026; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
By Mr. GOTTHEIMER (for himself, Mr. Lawler, Mr. Bacon,
Mr. Schneider, Mr. Moskowitz, Mr. Golden of Maine,
and Mr. Suozzi):
H. Res. 1379.
Text printed in the Record (1,226 characters)
A resolution condemning Lebanese Hezbollah's repeated violations of ceasefire agreements and calling for the Lebanese Government to ensure Lebanese Hezbollah immediately ceases all attacks and disarms, in accordance with the ceasefire; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
By Ms. HOULAHAN (for herself, Ms. Goodlander, Mr. Ryan,
Ms. Elfreth, Mr. Smith of Washington, Mr. Bishop, Ms.
Norton, Mr. Menefee, Ms. Strickland, Mr. Mullin, Ms.
Wasserman Schultz, Ms. Randall, Mr. Deluzio, Ms.
Ansari, Ms. Budzinski, Ms. Pelosi, Mrs. Beatty, Mr.
Carbajal, Mr. Carter of Louisiana, Ms. Barragan, Mr.
Cisneros, Ms. Escobar, Mr. Davis of Illinois, Ms.
Dean of Pennsylvania, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi,
Mr. Moulton, Ms. Kaptur, Mr. Johnson of Georgia, Mr.
Courtney, Ms. Clarke of New York, Mr. Stanton, Mrs.
Grijalva, Ms. Leger Fernandez, and Ms. Garcia of
Texas):
H. Res. 1380. A resolution commemorating 50 years of women at the service academies; to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Constitutional.authority Statement
Page H4207 · Official textPursuant to clause 7 of rule XII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the following statements are submitted reqarding the specific powers granted to Congress in the Constitution to enact the accompanying bill or joint resolution
Text printed in the Record (4,308 characters)
By Mr. GIMENEZ:
H.R. 9388.
Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following:
Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 of the Constitution stating that Congress has the authority to "make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by the Constitution".
By Mrs. HARSHBARGER:
H.R. 9389.
Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following:
Article I, Section 8 of the United States Constitution
By Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS:
H.R. 9390.
Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following:
Article 1, Section 8 of the United States Constitution
By Mr. GARBARINO:
H.R. 9391.
Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following:
Article I, Section 8, Clause 3
By Ms. DeGETTEI:
H.R. 9392.
Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following:
Article I Section 8
By Mr. GUTHRIE:
H.R. 9393.
Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following:
Article 1, Section 8 of the United States Constitution
By Mr. STRONG:
H.R. 9394.
Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following:
Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution of the United States
By Ms. OCASIO-CORTEZ:
H.R. 9395.
Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following:
clause 1 of section 8 of article I of the Constitution and clause 18 of section 8 of article I of the Constitution.
By Mr. GOLDMAN of Texas:
H.R. 9396.
Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following:
Article 1, Section 8
By Mr. PFLUGER:
H.R. 9397.
Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following:
Article 1, Section 8
By Mr. CAREY:
H.R. 9398.
Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following:
Article I Section 8
By Mr. CASTEN:
H,R. 9399.
Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following:
section 8 of article I of the Constitution
By Ms. CHU:
H.R. 9400.
Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following:
Article I, Section 8, clause 5
By Mr. COHEN:
H.R. 9401.
Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following:
Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution
By Mr. DELUZIO:
H.R. 9402.
Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following:
Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18
By Ms. ESCOBAR:
H.R. 9403.
Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following:
Article I, Section 8
By Ms. ESCOBAR:
H.R. 9404.
Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following:
Article I, Section 8
By Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida:
H.R. 9405.
Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following:
Artile I, Section 8
By Mr. HARDER of California:
H.R. 9406.
Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following:
Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution
By Mr. HURD of Colorado:
H.R. 9407.
Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following:
Article I, Section 8, Clause 1
By Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia:
H.R. 9408.
Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following:
Article I Section 1
By Mr. KENNEDY of New York:
H.R. 9409.
Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following:
Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constituion
By Mr. MACKENZIE:
H.R. 9410.
Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following:
Article 1, Section 8
By Mr. MANNION:
H.R. 9411.
Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following:
Article I, Section 8
By Ms. McBRIDE:
H.R. 9412.
Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following:
Article I Section 8 Clause 18 of the U.S. Constitution
By Ms. MENG:
H.R. 9413.
Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following:
Article I, Section 8
By Mr. POCAN:
H.R. 9414.
Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following:
Article I Section 8
By Ms. SIMON:
H.R. 9415.
Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following:
Section 8 of Article 1 of the U.S. Constitution
Additional Sponsors
Pages H4207–H4209 · Official textUnder clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors were added to public bills and resolutions, as follows:
Text printed in the Record (11,686 characters)
H.R. 12: Ms. Mejia.
H.R. 40: Mr. Veasey.
H.R. 210: Mr. Vasquez.
H.R. 439: Mr. Kennedy of New York.
H.R. 491: Ms. Dean of Pennsylvania.
H.R. 492: Mr. Casar.
H.R. 515: Ms. DeLauro, Mr. Moulton, Ms. Dexter, Mr. Lieu, and Mr. Vargas.
H.R. 516: Mr. Diaz-Balart and Mr. Hunt.
H.R. 537: Mr. Vindman.
H.R. 563: Mrs. Miller of Illinois.
H.R. 643: Mr. Lawler.
H.R. 645: Mr. Baumgartner.
H.R. 685: Mr. Downing.
H.R. 891: Ms. Wasserman Schultz.
H.R. 935: Mr. Sorensen and Mr. Lawler.
H.R. 999: Mr. Jackson of Illinois and Mr. Whitesides.
H.R. 1138: Ms. Williams of Georgia.
H.R. 1189: Mr. Horsford.
H.R. 1197: Mr. Lawler and Ms. Salazar.
H.R. 1241: Ms. Fedorchak and Mr. Baumgartner.
H.R. 1277: Mr. Conaway.
H.R. 1288: Mrs. McIver.
H.R. 1291: Mr. Carson.
H.R. 1340: Ms. Castor of Florida and Mr. Hurd of Colorado.
H.R. 1423: Ms. Pelosi.
H.R. 1477: Mr. Fitzpatrick.
H.R. 1492: Mr. Moskowitz.
H.R. 1614: Mr. Owens.
H.R. 1616: Ms. Goodlander.
H.R. 1695: Mr. Tran.
H.R. 1726: Mr. Vasquez.
H.R. 1787: Mr. Sessions.
H.R. 1810: Mr. Bishop, Ms. Williams of Georgia, Ms. King-Hinds, and Ms. Houlahan.
H.R. 1849: Mr. LaHood.
H.R. 2048: Mr. Soto, Mr. Menendez, Ms. Adams, Ms. Williams of Georgia, and Ms. Titus.
H.R. 2086: Ms. Mejia and Ms. McCollum.
H.R. 2089: Mr. Haridopolos, Ms. Williams of Georgia, and Mr. Downing.
H.R. 2120: Mrs. Foushee.
H.R. 2150: Mr. Moylan.
H.R. 2165: Mr. Weber of Texas.
H.R. 2234: Ms. King-Hinds.
H.R. 2253: Ms. Craig.
H.R. 2333: Ms. McClellan.
H.R. 2352: Ms. Omar, Ms. Pressley, and Mr. Garcia of California.
H.R. 2368: Mr. Espaillat.
H.R. 2369: Mr. Fitzgerald and Mr. Norcross.
H.R. 2485: Ms. McBride.
H.R. 2512: Ms. Ross.
H.R. 2527: Mr. Bacon, Ms. Ross, Mrs. Foushee, and Ms. Goodlander.
H.R. 2618: Ms. Chu, Ms. Mejia, Ms. Simon, Ms. Ross, Mr. Landsman, Ms. Moore of Wisconsin, and Mr. Scott of Virginia.
H.R. 2657: Mrs. Harshbarger.
H.R. 2705: Ms. Fedorchak.
H.R. 2728: Mrs. McClain Delaney.
H.R. 2736: Mr. Vasquez.
H.R. 2767: Mr. Mfume.
H.R. 2790: Ms. Simon, Ms. Bynum, Mr. Amo, Mr. Walkinshaw, Ms. McBride, Mr. Horsford, and Mr. Scott of Virginia.
H.R. 2881: Mr. Conaway.
H.R. 2902: Mr. Pocan and Mr. Alford.
H.R. 2936: Mr. Bacon.
H.R. 3000: Mr. Bacon.
H.R. 3011: Mr. Ezell.
H.R. 3045: Ms. Mejia, Mr. Pallone, and Mr. Stanton.
H.R. 3104: Mr. Deluzio.
H.R. 3164: Ms. Salazar, Mr. Bacon, and Mr. Mackenzie.
H.R. 3184: Mr. Figures and Mr. Moskowitz.
H.R. 3226: Mr. Conaway and Mr. Mackenzie.
H.R. 3248: Mr. Mackenzie and Ms. Bynum.
H.R. 3269: Ms. Craig.
H.R. 3277: Mr. Vargas and Mr. Hunt.
H.R. 3360: Mr. Vindman.
H.R. 3376: Mr. Figures.
H.R. 3415: Ms. Stansbury.
H.R. 3469: Mr. Pappas.
H.R. 3514: Mr. Turner of Ohio, Mr. Mills, Ms. De La Cruz, Mrs. Luna, and Mr. Crank.
H.R. 3522: Mrs. McBath.
H.R. 3526: Mr. Kennedy of New York, Mr. Gallagher, Ms. Pingree, and Ms. Castor of Florida.
H.R. 3624: Ms. Moore of Wisconsin.
H.R. 3670: Mr. Carbajal.
H.R. 3694: Mr. DeSaulnier.
H.R. 3696: Mr. Kennedy of New York, Ms. Pingree, and Ms. Castor of Florida.
H.R. 3757: Mr. Meeks.
H.R. 3808: Ms. Ross.
H.R. 3930: Ms. Scanlon.
H.R. 4099: Ms. Jayapal and Mr. Ryan.
H.R. 4153: Ms. Castor of Florida.
H.R. 4167: Mr. Keating.
H.R. 4191: Mr. Bacon.
H.R. 4265: Ms. Schrier and Ms. Balint.
H.R. 4282: Mrs. Ramirez.
H.R. 4299: Mr. Bean of Florida.
H.R. 4382: Mr. Collins, Mr. Baird, Mr. Smith of Nebraska, Mr. Ellzey, Mr. McDowell, Ms. Pressley, Ms. Scholten, Mr. Vargas, Mr. Johnson of Georgia, Mr. Espaillat, Mr. Babin, and Mr. Thompson of Mississippi.
H.R. 4398: Mr. Lieu.
H.R. 4477: Ms. Goodlander.
H.R. 4486: Mr. Vindman.
H.R. 4548: Mr. Carbajal.
H.R. 4602: Mr. Schneider and Mr. Bacon.
H.R. 4669: Ms. Davids of Kansas.
H.R. 4681: Mr. Bacon.
H.R. 4763: Mr. DeSaulnier.
H.R. 4768: Mr. Vindman.
H.R. 4796: Mr. Vasquez.
H.R. 4821: Ms. Clarke of New York, Ms. McClellan, and Ms. Chu.
H.R. 4837: Mr. Ciscomani.
H.R. 4876: Ms. Davids of Kansas.
H.R. 4936: Ms. Bynum.
H.R. 4979: Mr. Bacon.
H.R. 5075: Mr. Lawler.
H.R. 5106: Mr. Mrvan.
H.R. 5115: Mr. Riley of New York.
H.R. 5168: Ms. Chu and Mr. Evans of Pennsylvania.
H.R. 5178: Ms. Adams.
H.R. 5267: Mr. Van Drew.
H.R. 5275: Mrs. Miller of West Virginia.
H.R. 5283: Ms. Bynum.
H.R. 5336: Ms. Mejia.
H.R. 5364: Mr. Wilson of South Carolina.
H.R. 5387: Mr. Kennedy of New York.
H.R. 5439: Mr. Vindman, Mr. Lawler, and Ms. Norton.
H.R. 5454: Ms. Castor of Florida.
H.R. 5509: Mr. Mackenzie, Mr. Raskin, and Ms. Mejia.
H.R. 5517: Mr. Mackenzie.
H.R. 5549: Mr. Fry and Mr. Onder.
H.R. 5589: Mr. Langworthy.
H.R. 5688: Mrs. Miller-Meeks.
H.R. 5741: Mr. Cohen.
H.R. 5775: Mr. Moore of North Carolina.
H.R. 6010: Mr. Gallagher.
H.R. 6069: Ms. Chu.
H.R. 6096: Mrs. Kim and Mr. Vindman.
H.R. 6130: Ms. Schakowsky, Mr. Finstad, Mr. Cuellar, Ms. DelBene, and Mr. Goldman of New York.
H.R. 6137: Ms. Dean of Pennsylvania.
H.R. 6151: Ms. Sewell, Mr. Foster, Ms. Clarke of New York, and Ms. Castor of Florida.
H.R. 6182: Mr. Van Drew.
H.R. 6199: Mr. Valadao.
H.R. 6213: Mr. Kustoff, Mr. Alford, and Mr. Fleischmann.
H.R. 6423: Mrs. Foushee.
H.R. 6459: Mr. Moore of Utah.
H.R. 6461: Ms. Crockett and Mr. Kean.
H.R. 6466: Mr. Downing.
H.R. 6468: Mr. Carbajal.
H.R. 6485: Ms. Craig.
H.R. 6576: Mr. Moolenaar.
H.R. 6666: Ms. Pou.
H.R. 6677: Mr. Krishnamoorthi, Ms. Jayapal, and Mr. Tonko.
H.R. 6799: Mr. Wittman.
H.R. 6806: Ms. Tokuda and Ms. Mejia.
H.R. 6832: Mr. Wied.
H.R. 6849: Mr. Aguilar and Mr. Ruiz.
H.R. 6856: Mr. Schneider and Mrs. Trahan.
H.R. 6895: Mr. McDowell.
H.R. 6997: Mr. Tonko.
H.R. 7016: Ms. Schakowsky, Mr. Johnson of Georgia, Ms. McClellan, and Mr. Vindman.
H.R. 7092: Ms. McBride and Mr. Lawler.
H.R. 7119: Mr. Cisneros.
H.R. 7137: Ms. Stevens, Mr. Thanedar, Mr. Neguse, and Mr. Suozzi.
H.R. 7210: Mr. Bacon.
H.R. 7247: Ms. Pressley, Ms. Moore of Wisconsin, Ms. Wilson of Florida, and Ms. Bonamici.
H.R. 7280: Mr. Vindman.
H.R. 7346: Ms. Waters.
H.R. 7352: Ms. Salazar.
H.R. 7363: Mr. McGovern.
H.R. 7371: Mr. Deluzio.
H.R. 7411: Mr. Davis of North Carolina.
H.R. 7466: Mr. Hunt, Mr. Crenshaw, and Mr. Cloud.
H.R. 7506: Mr. Kean.
H.R. 7521: Mr. Schneider.
H.R. 7549: Mr. Figures.
H.R. 7578: Mr. Gallagher.
H.R. 7602: Mr. Bacon and Mr. Landsman.
H.R. 7622: Ms. Lee of Florida and Ms. Mejia.
H.R. 7647: Ms. Bynum.
H.R. 7715: Ms. McDonald Rivet.
H.R. 7732: Mr. Lawler.
H.R. 7757: Mr. Pallone.
H.R. 7808: Mr. McDowell.
H.R. 7903: Mr. Doggett.
H.R. 7905: Mr. Fitzpatrick, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Miller of Ohio, Mr. Conaway, Mr. Suozzi, Mr. Vasquez, and Ms. McCollum.
H.R. 7931: Mr. Fields and Ms. Malliotakis.
H.R. 7954: Mr. Wied and Ms. Craig.
H.R. 7957: Mr. Case, Ms. McCollum, Mr. Lieu, and Mr. Tran.
H.R. 7960: Ms. Schakowsky.
H.R. 7961: Mr. Carbajal and Ms. Norton.
H.R. 7977: Ms. Davids of Kansas.
H.R. 8007: Mr. Rose.
H.R. 8016: Mr. Quigley.
H.R. 8028: Mr. Carter of Georgia.
H.R. 8056: Mr. Levin.
H.R. 8060: Ms. Williams of Georgia.
H.R. 8085: Ms. Dexter.
H.R. 8101: Mrs. Fischbach.
H.R. 8116: Mr. Bean of Florida.
H.R. 8163: Mr. Lawler, Mr. Barrett, Mr. Edwards, and Mr. Wittman.
H.R. 8245: Ms. Malliotakis.
H.R. 8271: Mr. Bentz.
H.R. 8330: Mrs. Miller of Illinois and Mr. Yakym.
H.R. 8375: Mr. Mann, Ms. Norton, and Mr. Lawler.
H.R. 8410: Mr. Kennedy of New York.
H.R. 8411: Mr. Carson, Mr. Hernandez, Mr. Krishnamoorthi, Ms. Stansbury, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, and Ms. Williams of Georgia.
H.R. 8414: Mr. Tiffany and Mr. Soto.
H.R. 8430: Ms. Castor of Florida.
H.R. 8433: Mr. Goldman of New York and Ms. McBride.
H.R. 8462: Mr. Harrigan.
H.R. 8476: Mr. Mills, Mr. Owens, Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania, Mr. Harris of North Carolina, and Ms. Foxx.
H.R. 8482: Mr. McDowell.
H.R. 8487: Ms. Goodlander.
H.R. 8582: Mr. Raskin, Mr. Castro of Texas, Mrs. Grijalva, Mr. Levin, and Mrs. Beatty.
H.R. 8596: Mr. Soto.
H.R. 8611: Mr. McDowell.
H.R. 8623: Mr. Patronis.
H.R. 8630: Mr. Weber of Texas.
H.R. 8667: Ms. Davids of Kansas.
H.R. 8707: Ms. Moore of Wisconsin, Ms. McBride, and Ms. Ansari.
H.R. 8730: Ms. Budzinski, Mr. Boyle of Pennsylvania, Mr. Suozzi, Mr. Barr, and Mr. Moore of West Virginia.
H.R. 8734: Ms. Williams of Georgia.
H.R. 8741: Mr. Van Drew.
H.R. 8744: Ms. Pingree.
H.R. 8756: Mr. Fry.
H.R. 8786: Mr. Keating.
H.R. 8806: Mr. Ciscomani, Mr. Carbajal, Mr. Mackenzie, and Mr. Harder of California.
H.R. 8817: Mr. Bell.
H.R. 8874: Mr. Gimenez.
H.R. 8875: Mr. Wittman.
H.R. 8891: Mr. Hern of Oklahoma and Mr. Edwards.
H.R. 8898: Mrs. Biggs of South Carolina and Mrs. Bice.
H.R. 8935: Mr. Horsford.
H.R. 8939: Mr. Thompson of Mississippi and Mr. Bell.
H.R. 8940: Mr. DeSaulnier and Ms. Bonamici.
H.R. 8964: Mr. Lawler.
H.R. 8967: Mr. Case.
H.R. 8978: Ms. Craig.
H.R. 8979: Ms. Craig.
H.R. 8987: Mr. Vindman.
H.R. 8988: Ms. Pingree.
H.R. 9016: Mr. Lieu.
H.R. 9036: Mr. Quigley and Ms. Lee of Pennsylvania.
H.R. 9043: Ms. Salazar, Mr. Timmons, and Ms. McBride.
H.R. 9048: Mr. Carbajal, Mr. Lieu, and Ms. Craig.
H.R. 9067: Ms. Hageman.
H.R. 9103: Mr. Harrigan.
H.R. 9112: Mr. Khanna and Mr. Owens.
H.R. 9127: Mr. Horsford.
H.R. 9129: Mr. Latta.
H.R. 9131: Mr. Begich, Mr. Norman, and Mr. McDowell.
H.R. 9132: Mr. Norman and Mr. McDowell.
H.R. 9144: Ms. Tlaib.
H.R. 9167: Ms. Bynum.
H.R. 9183: Ms. Bonamici, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Goldman of New York, Ms. Norton, Ms. Scanlon, Mr. Subramanyam, and Ms. Tlaib.
H.R. 9187: Mr. Bacon and Mr. Tran.
H.R. 9214: Mr. Carson.
H.R. 9229: Mr. Ezell.
H.R. 9231: Mrs. Grijalva.
H.R. 9241: Mr. McDowell and Mr. Davis of North Carolina.
H.R. 9242: Mr. Davis of North Carolina.
H.R. 9250: Mr. Fleischmann, Ms. Rivas, Mr. Haridopolos, Ms. Strickland, Mr. Finstad, Ms. Salinas, Mr. Moolenaar, Ms. Kamlager-Dove, Mr. Fine, Mr. Moulton, Mr. Turner of Ohio, and Mr. Lynch.
H.R. 9254: Mr. Crane.
H.R. 9255: Ms. Bynum and Mr. Rose.
H.R. 9259: Ms. Ansari and Ms. Norton.
H.R. 9282: Mr. Liccardo and Ms. Strickland.
H.R. 9289: Ms. Friedman and Mrs. Trahan.
H.R. 9300: Mr. Hernandez, Mrs. Grijalva, and Ms. Friedman.
H.R. 9320: Ms. Crockett.
H.R. 9339: Mr. Onder.
H.R. 9340: Mr. Van Drew.
H.R. 9347: Ms. Stansbury.
H.R. 9351: Mr. Wilson of South Carolina.
H.R. 9364: Mrs. Grijalva and Mr. Carson.
H.R. 9369: Ms. Hageman.
H.R. 9370: Mr. Larson of Connecticut.
H.R. 9373: Mr. Garcia of California.
H.R. 9374: Ms. Chu and Mrs. Dingell.
H.R. 9382: Mr. LaLota.
H.R. 9387: Mr. Harrigan.
H.J. Res. 54: Mr. Takano.
H.J. Res. 121: Mr. Whitesides.
H.J. Res. 122: Mr. Cleaver.
H.J. Res. 154: Mr. Garcia of California and Ms. Waters.
H.J. Res. 187: Ms. Waters and Ms. Castor of Florida.
H.J. Res. 192: Mr. Davidson.
H.J. Res. 193: Mr. Davidson.
H.J. Res. 195: Ms. Tlaib.
H.J. Res. 197: Ms. Wasserman Schultz and Mr. Schneider.
H. Con. Res. 4: Mr. Pfluger and Mr. Crank.
H. Con. Res. 108: Mrs. Grijalva, Ms. Pingree, Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, Mr. Castro of Texas, Mr. Johnson of Georgia, Mr. Mannion, Ms. Mejia, Ms. Stansbury, Ms. Velazquez, Ms. Waters, Mrs. Watson Coleman, and Mr. Quigley.
H. Res. 236: Mr. Lawler.
H. Res. 473: Ms. Ansari.
H. Res. 547: Mr. Keating.
H. Res. 843: Ms. Pelosi.
H. Res. 1087: Ms. McBride.
H. Res. 1204: Mr. James.
H. Res. 1219: Mr. Min.
H. Res. 1239: Mr. Kean.
H. Res. 1248: Mr. Carbajal.
H. Res. 1278: Mr. Vindman.
H. Res. 1279: Mr. Cohen.
H. Res. 1285: Ms. McBride, Mr. Morelle, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Gottheimer, Mr. DeSaulnier, Mrs. Sykes, and Mr. Cisneros.
H. Res. 1286: Mr. DeSaulnier.
H. Res. 1334: Mr. Allen.
H. Res. 1342: Mr. DeSaulnier and Mr. Magaziner.
H. Res. 1347: Mr. Bergman.
H. Res. 1357: Ms. Kamlager-Dove.
H. Res. 1362: Mr. Carson.
H. Res. 1372: Mrs. Trahan.
H. Res. 1374: Mr. Ogles and Mr. Harrigan.