Ft Wayne Times

A bipartisan group of lawmakers, including Congressman Marlin Stutzman (IN-03), Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Congresswoman Lisa McClain (MI-09), and Congressman David Scott (GA-13), has introduced the Streamlining Rural Housing Act. The proposed legislation directs the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a memorandum of understanding to align housing standards for rural development projects.

Currently, developers working on rural housing projects that use both HUD and USDA programs must complete separate environmental reviews and inspections, even though these requirements are only slightly different. This duplication is seen as increasing costs and administrative hurdles, which in turn affects the supply of affordable housing in rural areas.

The bill would require HUD and USDA to assess whether a joint process for environmental reviews and inspections is feasible. Proponents say this could make it easier to build affordable homes in rural communities by reducing government procedures.

Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) have introduced similar legislation in the Senate.

Rep. Stutzman stated, "The purpose of HUD and USDA housing programs is to help Americans who need a home and cannot afford it. That is why we must remove the barriers that drive up costs and make it harder to build housing for Americans who need it most. I am proud to lead this common-sense effort in the House that will streamline government housing standards now and for the future."

Rep. Pettersen added, “Colorado continues to be one of the best places to live and raise a family, but too many lifelong residents are being pushed out – especially in rural communities – as more people choose to call our state home. This bipartisan bill streamlines regulations to expedite the affordable housing projects our communities desperately need. Every Coloradan should be able to stay in the place they grew up, live in the place they work, and raise a family in the community they love. I’m grateful for the bipartisan partnership of Congressman Marlin Stutzman in introducing this bill.”

Rep. McClain said, “Far too often, federal bureaucracy stands in the way of getting things done for hardworking Americans who rely on important services. The Streamlining Rural Housing Act cuts through red tape, lowers costs, and speeds up the homebuilding process to increase supply in rural communities. I’m proud to help lead this commonsense reform that delivers real solutions for Michigan families.”

Rep. Scott commented, "Rural housing construction has been facing a significant drop due to rising construction costs, labor shortages, and limited access to financing. The Streamlining Rural Housing Act is a commonsense, bipartisan solution that simplifies the building process without sacrificing critical environmental reviews. By modernizing inspections, Congress can get more housing built faster—helping rural communities grow stronger and giving more families a place to call home.”

Senator Moran remarked, “Across Kansas, the demand for rural housing has been on the rise, and it’s important that we find innovative solutions to address this issue. Aligning duplicative housing regulations between HUD and USDA will simplify the regulatory process for developers, allowing them to more efficiently address the growing rural housing needs in Kansas and across the country. I’m grateful to Rep. Stutzman for introducing this legislation in the House.”

Senator Shaheen stated, “To address the shortage of quality, affordable housing in rural areas, federal regulations need to work for communities rather than against them. I’m glad to join my colleagues on this bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would improve and streamline environmental reviews and housing unit inspections so that we can build more homes and lower costs where it’s needed most.”