High housing costs, shortages propel movement on reform in Congress

WASHINGTON — Republicans, Democrats and the White House are methodically, calmly inching toward a common goal: agreeing on a thick package of laws that would do something quickly about slowing housing costs and boosting supply.

There’s no talk of gridlock here. No partisan sniping. Just an under the radar effort to show constituents in an election year that their lawmakers realize there’s a big problem when it comes to buying homes.

That’s why the House earlier this month passed its version of housing reform with only nine dissenting votes. The Senate committee writing similar legislation approved it unanimously last year.

While there are still some obstacles ahead before anything reaches President Donald Trump’s desk, what’s happening is almost a throwback to the days when getting 80% of one’s plan was a big victory, a policy prize to tout back home as midterm elections near...

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Leo`s notes: Rare bipartisan alignment in Washington is advancing a sweeping housing package aimed at boosting supply and easing regulatory barriers. With provisions supporting manufactured housing, local production incentives, and streamlined financing, the effort signals broad recognition that housing affordability is an economic imperative. Federal action on supply-side reform is gaining traction—we’lll continue to monitor its progress closely...