Sen. Risch Introduces Senate Companion to House-Passed Affordable HOMES Act

U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) has introduced the Senate companion to Representative Erin Houchin’s House-passed Affordable Housing Over Mandating Efficiency Standards (HOMES) Act.

While the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act reaffirmed HUD as the primary regulator for manufactured housing standards, some conflicting statutory overlap with the Department of Energy remains. The Affordable HOMES Act would make an important technical correction by removing the remaining conflicting authority and further clarifying HUD’s role as the federal regulator for manufactured housing energy standards.

“Homeownership is central to the American dream, and I am committed to making that a reality attainable for every hardworking Idahoan,” Senator Risch said in announcing the bill. “My Affordable HOMES Act will cut unnecessary federal regulations to help lower the price of manufactured housing as we continue to fight to keep the American dream within reach.”

Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) joined Risch in introducing the legislation.

“We thank Senator Risch for his leadership and his fellow co-sponsors for their support for manufactured housing and helping the millions of Americans seeking affordable homeownership,” said MHI CEO Lesli Gooch. “This bipartisan approach is a critical complement to the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. It restores the regulatory clarity needed to improve access to and build more attainable homes.”

With the House already having passed Representative Houchin’s Affordable HOMES Act, introduction of the Senate companion marks another important step toward resolving the duplicative federal energy standards that have increased costs and created uncertainty for manufactured housing.

MHI will continue urging the Senate to act quickly and advance the legislation.