Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) joined the U.S. House of Representatives in passing the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, landmark legislation to modernize federal housing programs, cut burdensome regulations, expand housing supply, and help lower housing costs for families and communities across the country.

“Everywhere I go in North Dakota, I hear about the need for more housing,” Fedorchak said. “Whether it is a growing community trying to support its workforce, a young family looking for their first home, or a rural area working to attract and retain people, housing is one of the biggest challenges facing our state. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is historic bipartisan reform to cut red tape, expand supply, and make it easier for communities to build the housing they need. Importantly, this bill recognizes that housing challenges look different in every community, especially in rural states like North Dakota. By giving local leaders, builders, and lenders more flexibility, we can help bring the American Dream within reach for more North Dakotans.”

The United States is currently facing a housing shortage of up to 5.5 million units. Rising construction costs, regulatory delays, outdated zoning constraints, and financing challenges have made it harder for communities to keep pace with demand.

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act would help address these challenges by:

• Reducing unnecessary regulatory barriers to streamline housing development and affordability.
• Strengthening community and rural banks so they can lend locally and support home construction, small businesses, farmers, and households.
• Allowing the use of ready-to-use, pre-approved home designs so builders can get permits faster and build homes more quickly.
• Modernizing HUD programs, including the HOME Program, to help states increase the supply of affordable housing.
• Updating rules for manufactured housing to expand affordable housing options.
• Exempting small-scale housing developments from burdensome federal environmental reviews and giving local jurisdictions more flexibility.

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