The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) is celebrating the new 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which it calls the most consequential federal housing legislation in decades, as Congress heads into a short fall session.
The measure became Public Law 119-101 on July 11, after the House approved the final version 358-32 on June 23. NLBMDA said its dozens of provisions aim to expand housing supply, modernize federal programs, cut unnecessary development delays and widen access to financing.
Dealers raised the housing shortage with lawmakers at NLBMDA’s Legislative Conference. With agencies now preparing guidance, studies and pilot programs, and some steps requiring congressional funding, the association intends to track implementation closely.
Lawmakers return briefly in September before campaigning for the November 3 midterms. The House plans its last pre-election votes October 1, the Senate leaves after October 2, and both chambers return November 9.
NLBMDA also flagged the September 30 expiration of Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act programs. A House committee has approved the BUILD America 250 Act, including an NLBMDA-backed voluntary pilot letting up to 10 states allow six-axle trucks of up to 91,000 pounds on the Interstate Highway System.
The group still backs the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act. It also wants flexible heat rules and fair, enforceable trade rules.