WASHINGTON, D.C. — A bipartisan coalition of U.S. senators and representatives has introduced the Housing Supply Frameworks Act (S.1299), a legislative effort to address the growing affordable housing crisis in the United States. Led by Senators John Fetterman (D-PA), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Mike Crapo (R-ID), and Thom Tillis (R-NC), the bill seeks to provide state and local governments with resources and frameworks to reform outdated zoning and land-use regulations, thereby increasing housing availability across income levels.
“We are currently facing a housing crisis in Pennsylvania and across the country. We must increase our housing supply to meet Americans’ needs – but excessive regulatory red tape and restrictive zoning requirements are getting in the way,” said Senator Fetterman. “The Housing Supply Frameworks Act will help address this crisis by providing assistance to states and localities to enact zoning reforms.”
The proposed legislation draws inspiration from the 1920s Standard State Zoning Enabling Act, offering a modernized approach to help communities meet the demands of 21st-century housing. Its introduction follows extensive discussions with local leaders, highlighting restrictive zoning as a key barrier to affordable housing development.
“The affordable housing crisis is squeezing too many Americans out of the dream of homeownership,” noted Senator Crapo. “Equipping cities and states with tools to change their zoning and land use policies…is a good place to start in mitigating this crisis.”
The bipartisan bill is also championed in the House by Representatives Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) and Mike Flood (R-NE). “The rising cost of housing is putting the American Dream out of reach for working families across our country,” said Representative Flood, emphasizing the need for “an all-of-the-above approach to addressing America’s housing crisis.”
The measure has garnered endorsements from over 140 housing advocacy organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, the National Association of Realtors, and the National Low Income Housing Coalition. If passed, the Housing Supply Frameworks Act aims to remove regulatory barriers, foster innovation, and accelerate the development of affordable homes nationwide.
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