National Housing Emergency Act of 2026 | ChamberLight
Bills · S 3600
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 3600Housing and Community Development
National Housing Emergency Act of 2026
INTRO JAN 8· LAST ACTION JAN 8
READING
7MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it tries to tackle the rising cost of housing and the severe shortage of homes across the country, which many people find difficult to afford. If it becomes law, it could lead to a faster increase in housing construction by cutting down on regulations and using presidential powers to prioritize housing materials, potentially making it easier for more people to find homes and reducing rental costs.
Without this bill, the current housing trends—like rapidly increasing prices, declining homeownership rates for younger generations, and a growing deficit of available homes—are likely to continue, worsening a major economic burden for many families. By linking federal funding to local housing growth and regulatory reform, it aims to force changes at all levels of government to address the crisis, which could dramatically reshape local development and housing markets.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Requires the President to declare a national housing emergency and use the Defense Production Act (DPA) to boost housing material production.
This gives the President extraordinary powers to direct industries and resources towards increasing the supply of U.S.-made housing materials, potentially speeding up construction significantly.
PROVISION 02
Temporarily removes or streamlines several federal environmental review requirements and other housing-related regulations during the emergency.
This aims to reduce the time and cost associated with building and rehabilitating housing by cutting down on bureaucratic hurdles.
PROVISION 03
Establishes a "Pro-Growth Requirement" that ties federal block grant funding for states and localities to their efforts to increase housing supply and remove local development barriers.
This creates a strong incentive for state and local governments to reform their zoning laws and permitting processes, which are often cited as major obstacles to housing construction.
PROVISION 04
Sets minimum residential building code standards (e.g., 2009 International Residential Code) for all housing constructed or rehabilitated during the emergency period.
This ensures a baseline quality and safety standard for new construction while also potentially streamlining design and approval processes across different jurisdictions.
This bill matters because it tries to tackle the rising cost of housing and the severe shortage of homes across the country, which many people find difficult to afford. If it becomes law, it could lead to a faster increase in housing construction by cutting down on regulations and using presidential powers to prioritize housing materials, potentially making it easier for more people to find homes and reducing rental costs.
Without this bill, the current housing trends—like rapidly increasing prices, declining homeownership rates for younger generations, and a growing deficit of available homes—are likely to continue, worsening a major economic burden for many families. By linking federal funding to local housing growth and regulatory reform, it aims to force changes at all levels of government to address the crisis, which could dramatically reshape local development and housing markets.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Requires the President to declare a national housing emergency and use the Defense Production Act (DPA) to boost housing material production.
This gives the President extraordinary powers to direct industries and resources towards increasing the supply of U.S.-made housing materials, potentially speeding up construction significantly.
high
Temporarily removes or streamlines several federal environmental review requirements and other housing-related regulations during the emergency.
This aims to reduce the time and cost associated with building and rehabilitating housing by cutting down on bureaucratic hurdles.
high
Establishes a "Pro-Growth Requirement" that ties federal block grant funding for states and localities to their efforts to increase housing supply and remove local development barriers.
This creates a strong incentive for state and local governments to reform their zoning laws and permitting processes, which are often cited as major obstacles to housing construction.
med
Sets minimum residential building code standards (e.g., 2009 International Residential Code) for all housing constructed or rehabilitated during the emergency period.
This ensures a baseline quality and safety standard for new construction while also potentially streamlining design and approval processes across different jurisdictions.
Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act
Establishment of the "Pro-Growth Requirement" by HUD and DOT Undersecretaries.
Within 30 days of publishing a written justification
HUD Secretary and OMB Director must complete Buy America, Buy America Act waiver process.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Defense Production Act of 1950 (DPA)
A law that gives the President broad powers to influence domestic industry in the interest of national defense, including prioritizing contracts and controlling materials. This bill expands its use to housing.
National Emergencies Act
A law that allows the President to declare a national emergency, which then enables the use of various special powers and authorities granted by other laws.
Environmental Review
A process required by federal laws (like NEPA) to assess the potential environmental impacts of a proposed project before it can be approved or funded.
Block Grant Funding
Federal money given to states and local governments for broad purposes with fewer strings attached than traditional grants, allowing recipients more flexibility in how they use the funds.
Zoning
Local government laws that divide a city or county into areas where specific types of land use are allowed or restricted, such as residential, commercial, or industrial.
Manufactured Homes
Homes built in a factory to federal standards and then transported to a site for installation, distinct from traditional 'site-built' homes.
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
JAN 8
Introduced in Senate
INTROREFERRAL
JAN 8
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
A smaller, independent residential unit located on the same property as a single-family home, such as a backyard cottage or an apartment above a garage.
