NDAA Passage Includes Housing Bill

October 21, 2025

While the ongoing government shutdown has kept the House out of town, the Senate advanced the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included bipartisan housing legislation. 

Why it matters: On July 29, the Senate Banking Committee unanimously advanced the ROAD to Housing Act of 2025, which includes a host of bipartisan provisions aimed at boosting housing supply. 

  • The bill was added to the NDAA, which passed the Senate 77-20 on Oct. 9.
  • A host of other policy amendments were included in NDAA, though not all of them are likely to be included when the House takes up the legislation. 

Go deeper: The ROAD to Housing Act incorporates many bipartisan priorities to reduce regulation and boost housing supply. However, the banking committee bill does not add funding for programs and will require the White House and congressional appropriators to deliver funds on key programs. 

  • Increasing Housing in Opportunity Zones: Enables the HUD Secretary to give added weight to applicants for competitive HUD grants that are located in, or primarily serve, designated Opportunity Zones to support housing preservation and construction.
  • Build More Housing Near Transit Act: Amends the Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program in the Federal Transit Administration to provide an optional increased rating in the Federal Transit Administration’s evaluation process for projects in areas that establish pro-housing policy near public transportation routes.
  • Revitalizing Empty Structures into Desirable Environments (RESIDE) Act: Creates a competitive pilot discretionary program within the HOME Investment Partnerships program if the annual appropriation exceeds $1.35 billion to convert vacant and abandoned buildings into attainable housing. However, the White House had proposed eliminating the HOME program in its budget. 
  • Housing Affordability Act: Requires the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to study multifamily loan limits and then grants HUD rulemaking authority, with FHA input, to adjust those limits to better match housing market costs and enhance affordability.

What’s next: While the House Financial Services Committee is making housing a priority, it is unlikely the House will pass the ROAD to Housing Act as is.

  • The overall House strategy on NDAA is not yet clear, but certain provisions could be excluded when the House considers the bill.
  • House lawmakers will want to put their own stamp on any housing bill. Committee action has been delayed due to the shutdown. 
  • Housing legislation could eventually be included in a 2025 NDAA, but if the House significantly differs on a housing bill, the Senate may add it to other must-pass legislation. 

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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