Congressional Update: Housing Legislation in Flux

November 25, 2025

As we’ve previously covered, the ROAD to Housing Act passed the Senate after being tacked onto the annual National Defense Appropriations Act (NDAA). However, certain House leaders have indicated they may not accept the whole bill and would instead prefer negotiated package. 

Why it matters: While the housing legislation had unanimous support in the Senate Banking Committee prior to passage, the House had not been engaged in negotiations and not all the provisions have majority party support in that chamber. 

  • Legislation attached as an amendment to a larger, non-relevant bill usually requires sign-off from the “four-corners,” which includes the Republican and Democratic leadership of the relevant congressional committee. 
  • For the ROAD to Housing Act to be included in NDAA, the House Financial Services Committee (HFSC) and the Senate Banking Committee would need to sign off: HFSC Chairman French Hill (R-AR); Ranking Member Maxine Waters (D-CA); Senate Banking Chairman Tim Scott (R-SC); and Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).

What they’re saying: According to Politico, HFSC Chairman Hill rejected the housing legislation inclusion in the NDAA.

Hill has told his counterparts that he is hopeful about the prospects of a bicameral deal and supports some provisions of the Senate’s ROAD bill, according to a House GOP aide with knowledge of the matter. But he has said throughout the negotiations that some portions of the Senate plan are unpalatable to the majority of House Republicans and therefore cannot be tucked into the NDAA, the aide said. -Politico

Yes, but: Both parties remain committed to acting on housing legislation, and the HFSC will hold a hearing on housing supply on Dec. 3. The committee is expected to mark up legislation on housing in the near-term too. 

What’s next: The NDAA text is expected when Congress returns after Thanksgiving, but it is not likely to include housing provisions as of now. Still, lawmakers will have other opportunities to advance compromise legislation in 2026 with the January 30 spending deadline or on other must-pass priorities. 

Contact David McCarthy (dmccarthy@crefc.org) with questions.

Contact  

David McCarthy
Managing Director,
Chief Lobbyist, Head of Legislative Affairs
202.448.0855
dmccarthy@crefc.org
The information provided herein is general in nature and for educational purposes only. CRE Finance Council makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, validity, usefulness, or suitability of the information provided. The information should not be relied upon or interpreted as legal, financial, tax, accounting, investment, commercial or other advice, and CRE Finance Council disclaims all liability for any such reliance. © 2025 CRE Finance Council. All rights reserved.

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