The National Housing Law Project on ROAD to Housing: A Step Towards Taking on America’s Housing Crisis

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The National Housing Law Project today released the following statement by Chief Executive Officer Shamus Roller in response to the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act passing both the Senate and House:

“The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is a step towards addressing America’s housing crisis. We applaud Sen. Scott, Sen. Warren, Rep. Hill, and Rep. Waters for their work to pass the first major housing bill in more than a decade. The reforms and innovations in 21st Century ROAD will spur new housing development and increase homeownership, specifically among rural Americans struggling to make ends meet, thanks to the inclusion of the Rural Housing Service Reform Act. The bill also permanently authorizes the CDBG-DR program, which will help jumpstart the recovery process and get tenants back in their homes by rebuilding affordable housing after disasters.

“This is progress but it is no silver bullet. We call on Congress to go further in addressing the housing crisis for poor and working people by making significant financial investments to build new housing, including new public housing, and to pass legislation that will protect and empower tenants. Until there is a whole-of-government approach to save our homes and protect the people who live in them, the crisis will continue.”

The National Housing Law Project has long advocated for the preservation, improvement, and expansion of USDA’s rural housing portfolio and testified before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Development in 2023 about the importance of rental housing provided by USDA’s Rural Housing Service.