REPORT: Senate sends massive bipartisan, Trump-backed housing package back to House

March 12, 2026

From Fox News: A massive bipartisan swell advanced a Trump-backed affordable housing package out of the Senate on Thursday, but its fate in the House is up in the air.

The bill, renamed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act to incorporate a previous Senate housing bill that stalled last year, easily sailed through the upper chamber, given that many lawmakers support the wide-ranging slate of measures designed to increase the supply of affordable housing.

In its original form, the legislation was primarily intended to help first-time homebuyers and lower-income Americans enter the housing market or gain access to more affordable housing options.

The Senate tweaked the legislation, adding a ban on institutional investors sought by President Donald Trump, who earlier this year signed an executive order barring the practice. During his State of the Union address last month, Trump urged Congress to codify the ban and said, “We want homes for people, not for corporations.”

The added ban is intended to stop the practice of large corporations buying up thousands of homes and then renting them out, driving up real estate costs and preventing individuals from purchasing the homes.

Some House members are complaining that the bill forces owners of 350 or more units to sell after seven years, claiming it would kneecap the build-to-rent market and harm the supply of rentals throughout the country.

Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) announced Wednesday, “This week, the Senate is advancing my 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act to build more homes, support workers, and keep our state competitive.”

South Carolina employers are ready to grow. Housing shortages are holding them back.

This week, the Senate is advancing my 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act to build more homes, support workers, and keep our state competitive.

— Senator Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) March 11, 2026

Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) wrote Thursday, “GOOD NEWS: We just passed one of the biggest housing reform packages in years and it could actually bring down the cost of buying a home. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, including several of my bills, just passed the Senate. Now let’s get it through the House and signed into law!”

GOOD NEWS: We just passed one of the biggest housing reform packages in years and it could actually bring down the cost of buying a home.

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, including several of my bills, just passed the Senate. Now let’s get it through the House and signed… pic.twitter.com/qurtXqxaNj

— Senator Ruben Gallego (@SenRubenGallego) March 12, 2026