HOUSING FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

On 2026-02-11, Representative Daniel Meuser (R-PA-9) delivered a floor speech titled "HOUSING FOR THE 21ST CENTURY" in the House. The speech addressed trade policy and also covered housing, veterans affairs.

HOUSING FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 29 (Wednesday, February 11, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 11, 2026)] [House] [Pages H2173-H2174] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HOUSING FOR THE 21ST CENTURY (Mr. MEUSER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Housing for the 21st Century Act, introduced by Chairman Hill and Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance Chairman Flood, which passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support. Housing affordability is a supply problem, and for too long, Federal policy has made it slow and expensive to build new homes. President Trump and Secretary Scott Turner advanced housing reforms that [[Page H2174]] cut blue tape, expanded supply, lowered the price of lumber, and brought mortgage rates below 6 percent. This legislation builds on that progress by removing Federal barriers so homes can be built faster and economically at scale without new Federal spending. Today, it can cost over $100,000 before a shovel ever hits the dirt to build a new home, and builders often cannot build a home for less than $250,000. This bill modernizes housing laws, improves coordination between HUD and USDA, expands manufactured housing in rural communities, reduces barriers for veterans, and increases access to small-dollar mortgages. Mr. Speaker, I was very pleased to support this important legislation. ____________________