Bucks Co. Congressman Pushes Forward Bill To Boost Housing Supply

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Bucks County Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) this week pushed forward new legislation, the Housing for the 21st Century Act, a sweeping bipartisan reform package aimed at increasing housing supply, modernizing federal housing policy, strengthening community banking, and restoring affordability for working families in Pennsylvania’s First District and across the nation.

The legislation represents one of the most comprehensive federal housing reform efforts in years. It directly addresses the structural drivers of America’s housing shortage — outdated regulations, duplicative inspections, financing bottlenecks, and barriers that slow responsible local development.

The bill includes more than 20 targeted reforms, including updates to the HOME Investment Partnerships Program and directives for the Government Accountability Office to examine gaps in federal housing programs and improve efficiency and accountability.

The Housing for the 21st Century Act includes several Fitzpatrick-led provisions that will deliver for PA-1, including:

• H.R. 5907: Authorizes HUD to award competitive grants to local governments and tribal entities to adopt pre-reviewed, ready-to-use housing designs for mixed-income developments of up to 25 units. By shortening permitting timelines and reducing costly delays, this reform accelerates responsible homebuilding with 10 percent of funding reserved for rural communities.
• Choice in Affordable Housing Act (H.R. 1981): Modernizes the Housing Choice Voucher program by eliminating duplicative inspections and allowing remote reviews in rural and small jurisdictions. By reducing red tape and encouraging landlord participation, this reform expands housing access for working families.
• VA Home Loan Awareness Act (H.R. 2362): Requires mortgage applications to clearly notify eligible applicants that they may qualify for a VA Home Loan — ensuring veterans and service members are fully informed of benefits they have earned.

“Housing affordability is one of the defining economic challenges of our time, and families are feeling the pressure every single day. When supply falls behind demand, costs climb and opportunity slips further out of reach. In our community, I have sat down with realtors, home builders, lenders, local officials, and families who are navigating this reality firsthand, and we have worked together to turn those conversations into real action," said Fitzpatrick.

He added, “The Housing for the 21st Century Act marks a significant step forward. It reflects two-party, patriotic, common-sense leadership focused on expanding supply, modernizing outdated federal barriers, and restoring balance to the housing market. The House has acted. Now it’s time for the Senate to do the same. I will continue leading this effort and working alongside our community and my colleagues to deliver real relief and confront the broader affordability crisis facing working families.”

Among those on the front lines of the housing crisis every day is Chris Beadling, a broker with Quinn & Wilson Realtors and past president of the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors and the Bucks County Association of Realtors.

"We see young families priced out of starter homes, seniors unable to downsize, and working households competing in markets where supply has simply not kept pace with demand. When housing production slows, affordability slips further out of reach — and communities feel it," he said.

"This Act takes meaningful steps to remove unnecessary barriers, modernize federal housing programs, and strengthen the ability of community banks to finance responsible local development," he said. "By expanding supply and empowering local lenders, this legislation will help increase housing opportunities and bring affordability back with reach for Pennsylvania families."