FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 12, 2026
Contact: Louisa Tavlas | ltavlas@niskanencenter.org
Washington, D.C. – The Niskanen Center welcomed the Senate’s passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, calling the legislation a significant federal response to the nation’s worsening housing shortage. Passed by a vote of 89-10, the package represents Congress’s most meaningful effort in 30 years to increase housing supply at a time when housing affordability has reached historic lows and more Americans feel left behind.
The legislation includes several provisions designed to reduce regulatory bottlenecks and realign federal incentives to encourage new housing construction. Measures such as the Build Now Act would create targeted incentives for cities to significantly expand housing construction and address persistent supply shortages. Other provisions would streamline permitting for preapproved building plans on vacant lots, helping to reduce construction timelines and cut costly red tape.
While these provisions are a meaningful first step for pro-housing advocates, the Niskanen Center expressed reservations about Section 901, which would impose restrictions on institutional ownership of single-family rental homes, including a requirement that certain Build-to-Rent homes be sold to individuals within seven years of construction. This provision will undermine investment in new suburban rental housing and limit an important source of housing supply.
As the legislation moves to the House of Representatives, Congress must remain focused on policies that expand housing supply across the entire market.
“We applaud Majority Leader Thune, Minority Leader Schumer, Chairman Scott, Senator Warren, Senator Kennedy, and the Senate for their bipartisan commitment to addressing America’s housing shortage,” said Kaj Gumbs, Niskanen Center’s Government Affairs Manager. “We look forward to working with lawmakers in both chambers to ensure the final package strengthens housing supply and approves affordability for American families.”
The Niskanen Center is a 501(c)(3) advocacy organization established in 2014 to change public policy through direct engagement in the policymaking process.
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