Republican housing chief outlines next steps after landmark bipartisan bill
Rep. Mike Flood said work continues on housing policy despite the passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.
After the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act became law by default, Rep. Mike Flood said his agenda still includes loosening restrictions on the Federal Home Loan Banks and reforming the Build America, Buy America (BABA) rules that he believes hinder affordable-housing projects. He and Democrat Rep. Maggie Goodlander have introduced the Build Housing Affordably Act, which would require HUD to assess BABA’s effect on housing and pause its enforcement for certain projects.
Flood also wants to promote artificial-intelligence tools in mortgage underwriting to expand credit access beyond traditional FICO scores. He praised the bipartisan bill’s provisions that simplify environmental reviews, support manufactured-home construction, and incentivize localities that permit more housing. While the legislation avoids federal mandates on zoning, Flood expects HUD guidance to help cities increase density. He reported strong positive feedback from constituents at a recent town hall.
Why it matters
The story shows how Congress plans to build on a major housing law to further improve affordability and financing.
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