For Immediate Release:

June 24, 2026

Contact: MemberSupport@dealer.org

202-367-1169

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) applauds Congress for achieving final passage of H.R. 6644, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a historic bipartisan housing package aimed at increasing housing supply, reducing regulatory barriers, and improving housing affordability across the United States. 

The legislation, which passed with strong bipartisan support by a vote of 358–32 in the House and 85–5 in the Senate, represents the most comprehensive housing bill passed by Congress in several decades. At a time when communities across the country continue to face severe housing shortages and persistent affordability challenges, the 21s t Century ROAD to Housing Act advances practical reforms to help increase the production and availability of homes.

For more than a year, NLBMDA has consistently engaged with House and Senate offices on a number of pro-housing supply related provisions included in the final bill. NLBMDA members also advocated directly for the legislation during more than 100 meetings with congressional offices as part of NLBMDA’s 2026 Spring Meeting and Legislative Conference held earlier this year. Those efforts helped shape a final bill that removed provisions that could have undermined housing supply, while advancing policies that will support new construction, improve affordability, and create stronger conditions for growth across the LBM sector. 

Statement from NLBMDA President & CEO Jonathan Paine: 

“NLBMDA commends Congress for coming together in a bipartisan way to address one of the most pressing challenges facing American families and communities,” said Jonathan Paine, President & CEO of NLBMDA. “LBM dealers are on the front lines of the housing supply chain, and they see every day how regulatory delays, reduce construction activity, and rising costs affect builders, remodelers, and homeowners. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is a meaningful step toward removing barriers to construction, expanding housing opportunities, and supporting the local businesses that help make homebuilding possible.” 

Statement from NLBMDA’s Government Affairs Coordinator, Matthew Delaney:  

“Passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is the culmination of more than a year of engagement with lawmakers and their staff to advance legislation that delivers on a number of longstanding NLBMDA priorities,” said NLBMDA Government Affairs Coordinator Matthew Delaney. “Working alongside dealers who came to Washington earlier this year to advocate for the bill, as well as a number of our strategic coalition partners, the final package approved by Congress includes practical reforms that will help expand the housing supply, improve affordability, and strengthen conditions for growth across the LBM sector.” 



The President is expected to sign the bill into law at a signing ceremony on Capitol Hill later today.  

21st Century ROAD to Housing At A Glance:

• Reduces delays for federally supported housing projects by streamlining certain environmental reviews and expanding the use of categorical exclusions. 
• Provides new support for state and local governments to improve permitting, inspections, planning, and other processes that affect how quickly new housing can be built. 
• Encourages communities to use pre-reviewed housing designs, including accessory dwelling units, duplexes, townhomes, and other housing models that can help accelerate the preconstruction phase. 
• Creates incentives for local governments to pursue zoning, land-use, and permitting reforms that can increase housing supply. 
• Establishes a whole-home repairs pilot program to help preserve existing housing stock and support repairs, rehabilitation, and accessibility improvements. 
• Updates the HOME Investment Partnerships Program to give communities more flexibility to support housing production and related infrastructure needs. 
• Includes provisions aimed at expanding manufactured, modular, and off-site construction as part of a broader effort to increase housing supply. 
• Allows Community Development Block Grant funds to be used for new affordable housing construction, giving communities another tool to address local housing needs. 

NLBMDA appreciates the leadership of Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott, Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren, House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill, Ranking Member Maxine Waters, and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle who worked to advance this bipartisan package. Moving forward, NLBMDA will continue working with Congress and the Administration to support policies that strengthen the housing supply chain, reduce barriers to residential construction, and improve housing affordability for families across the country. 

Looking to learn more about the bill? Last month, NLBMDA hosted an action call providing an overview of the legislation and its key programs. A recording of the webinar can be viewed here. Stay tuned for more information on upcoming NLBMDA-hosted opportunities to learn more about the legislation and its implications for the industry.  

About NLBMDA

The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) is the recognized voice and resource of the Lumber and Building Material industry to federal legislators and regulatory agencies in Washington DC. NLBMDA provides its members the resources and education to comply with federal laws, codes and regulations. NLBMDA identifies challenges and growth opportunities to the industry and collaborates with its Federated Association Partners to develop solutions that require national implementation. Visit us at www.Dealer.org to learn more.