Bills · HR 6957
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 6957Low- and moderate-income housingState and local government operations
Yes in God's Backyard Act
INTRO JAN 7· LAST ACTION JAN 7
READING
7MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it addresses the ongoing challenge of housing affordability across the country. Many communities face a shortage of affordable rental homes, leading to increased costs, homelessness, and economic insecurity for families. By encouraging faith-based groups and colleges to use their often underutilized land or buildings for housing, the bill aims to tap into new resources for development.
If this bill becomes law, it could lead to more affordable housing options being built or preserved, potentially easing the housing crunch in some areas. It would also incentivize local governments to streamline their rules and processes for such projects. If it doesn't become law, these organizations and local governments might continue to face significant barriers in developing affordable housing, and the supply of such housing may not increase as rapidly, leaving communities to grapple with existing affordability issues.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes a technical assistance program to help faith-based organizations, colleges, and local governments remove barriers to creating affordable rental housing on properties owned by faith-based groups and colleges.
This provides crucial guidance and resources to organizations that might not have the expertise to develop housing projects.
PROVISION 02
Creates a competitive Challenge Grant program for local governments and states that have policies in place to remove barriers to affordable housing development on properties owned by faith-based organizations and colleges.
This incentivizes local governments to update their rules to make it easier for these organizations to build affordable housing.
PROVISION 03
Defines "affordable rental housing" as rent not exceeding 30% of household income for covered households (up to 100% of area median income), and targets housing for various vulnerable populations.
This ensures that the housing created is truly affordable and specifically addresses the needs of low-income and special needs populations.
PROVISION 04
Authorizes $25 million for fiscal year 2026 and $10 million annually from 2027 through 2031 for the technical assistance program.
This provides the necessary funding for the federal government to offer support and resources to organizations pursuing affordable housing projects.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
D· California
YRS IN OFFICE
9
BILLS LED
41
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJAN 7
Introduced in House
JAN 7
Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 6957
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJan 7, 2026
Last actionJan 7, 2026
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 7, 2026
House BillHR 6957Low- and moderate-income housingState and local government operations
Yes in God's Backyard Act
INTRODUCED JAN 7, 2026· LAST ACTION JAN 7, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
7 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
