Lawmakers from both parties focus on the HOME program to reduce housing expenses across the country

Congress Aims to Tackle Housing Affordability

Two members of Congress, working across party lines, are making efforts to improve housing affordability for middle- and low-income Americans nationwide.

House Main Street Caucus Chairman Mike Flood (R-Neb.) is collaborating with U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) on legislative initiatives that they hope will provide relief to millions struggling to achieve homeownership—something that feels increasingly out of reach for many.

Their approach focuses on the federal HOME Investment Partnership program, which allocates grants to state and local governments for the construction of affordable housing. Flood notes that this program has seen little change since the early 1990s.

He pointed out that traditional housing programs have largely supported multifamily options. “But apartments aren’t really the American Dream,” he remarked, adding that single-family homes embody that ideal. With proposed changes to this program, the aim is to utilize funds more effectively to create new housing and update older structures, thus increasing the appeal of multifamily housing as well.

In addressing the challenges faced by young couples trying to buy their first homes, Flood mentioned that high standards for infrastructure—like sewer systems and paved roads—have driven land costs up significantly, particularly with the inflation spike in recent years.

He suggested shifting some of these costs to state and local governments could help. Flood explained, “Before you buy the land, it’s a lot of money, $25,000 already sitting there. If Columbus, Nebraska, secures $2.5 million from the HOME program, the city can invest in necessary infrastructure. Suddenly, a $50,000 lot could drop to $20,000, and a house price might fall from $300,000 to $270,000 because the city covered the costs.”

The proposal also includes raising the median income threshold from 80% to 100% of the county average, enabling more communities to participate in affordable housing initiatives. “We’re ensuring that those with median incomes aren’t left out just because they aim to build affordable homes,” he said.

In a statement regarding the bill, Cleaver remarked, “By revitalizing the HOME program, we can significantly expand access to affordable housing for working-class families, making the American dream of homeownership achievable nationwide.”

Housing affordability issues have been escalating, culminating in rising home prices this year. Research from the National Association of Realtors revealed that the median age of first-time home buyers has now reached 40—a record high.

Only 21% of home sales this year pertained to first-time buyers, the lowest share since 1981, according to the same association.

Flood attributed some of the recent attention to housing issues to former President Trump’s focus on the topic, noting, “His strong advocacy this summer put housing affordability front and center, which has certainly helped propel our efforts.”