The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is now federal law after passing both chambers of Congress and receiving formal enactment without President Donald Trump's signature.
The bill has been hailed as the most consequential housing package in a generation and has featured input from Georgia congressmen such as Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Representative Nikema Williams (D-GA).
What exactly does the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act do? Also known as House Resolution 6644, this bill revises federal housing programs by expanding available financing for affordable housing and providing grants for planning and community development activities.
Notably, the bill also cracks down on large out-of-state companies that mass-purchase single-family homes and drive up housing costs.
What lawmakers are saying:
- Sen. Raphael Warnock: “I hear from Georgians across the state who have been clamoring for action from Washington on the affordable housing crisis, and this legislation is proof that when we center the people instead of the politics, we can get good policy done. I’m proud to have contributed to increasing our nation’s housing supply and lowering costs for hardworking Georgia families.”
- Rep. Nikema Williams: “This legislation is rightly called the ROAD to Housing Act because it is not the destination—it is the beginning. It puts us on a path toward ensuring that everyone has a fair shot at the promise of America and the security and dignity that come with having a place to call home. No one’s ZIP code or bank account should determine whether they can build wealth, put down roots, and thrive.”
Further Context: In addition to the ban on private equity, the 21st Century Road to Housing Act includes Sen. Warnock’s provisions to reform rural housing programs, penalize local governments for failing to meet housing goals, and incentivize local governments and banks to invest more in housing construction.
The legislation also includes two provisions from Rep. Williams: the Whole Home Repairs Act, which provides essential home repair assistance to low- and moderate-income homeowners, and a requirement for a federal survey on heirs properties based on the Congresswoman’s HEIRS Act.
