The U.S. House of Representatives passed a major bipartisan housing bill Wednesday aimed at expanding homeownership, lowering costs, and curbing large investors from purchasing single-family homes. The amended 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act cleared the House with a 396-13 vote and now moves to the Senate for consideration. Lawmakers framed the measure as a response to rising housing costs affecting millions of Americans.
House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the urgency of addressing affordability and supply issues. “Increased housing costs and lack of quality supply are two issues that impact nearly every American family,” Johnson said. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise added that the legislation would benefit families nationwide by making homeownership more accessible.
A central provision of the bill targets institutional investors. The measure maintains a ban on large corporate buyers acquiring newly built single-family homes, a priority endorsed by the Trump administration. House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill noted the bill aligns with the administration’s housing agenda, promoting affordability, reducing regulatory barriers, and expanding housing supply while preventing corporate competition from outpacing individual buyers.
Some aspects of the bill remain contentious. House lawmakers rejected a Senate-backed provision that would have required large landlords already holding rental properties to divest them within seven years, a move favored by progressives such as Sen. Elizabeth Warren. Additionally, 13 Republicans voted against the legislation, largely over concerns regarding temporary language on central bank digital currencies included in the package.
The bill now faces an uncertain path in the Senate, which must decide whether to accept the House amendments, negotiate further, or stall the package. Observers say the legislation could deliver a politically significant win on housing affordability ahead of the midterm elections, while opposition from either party could carry potential political risks. The House vote, however, gives the measure strong momentum as lawmakers prepare for upcoming negotiations in the upper chamber.