05 Jun GAHBA takes trip to capitol hill to advocate on pressing issues
2019 Legislative Priorities – Housing For All
1. Trade Policy
2. Housing Finance Reform
3. Lasting Flood Insurance Solution
▪ More than 4 million Americans work in the residential construction industry, and millions more are engaged in businesses directly relating to home building.
▪ Given that home construction accounts for approximately 15 percent of GDP, it is imperative that Congress supports policies that will increase the production of quality, affordable housing to meet demand and keep the economy strong.
▪ Rising costs stemming from excessive federal regulations, a lack of skilled labor, tariffs, growing mortgage liquidity concerns are having a negative impact on housing affordability
Congress must address America’s Housing Affordability Challenge
Trade Policy Affects Housing Costs
Each year, the U.S. residential construction and remodeling industries rely on tens of billions of dollars in building materials sourced from Mexico and Canada. These materials are not merely the fundamental parts of a home; they also represent jobs for Americans building those homes.Take Action (Request):
▪ Congress must urge the administration to end tariffs on imports of softwood lumber, steel, aluminum, and a wide variety of other goods used by the home building industry
▪ Congress must work to ensure swift ratification of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)
Housing Finance Reform is Long Overdue
Some steps have been taken to address weakness in the mortgage market, but there has been no meaningful progress in implementing comprehensive reforms to the housing finance system to ensure that housing credit is available and affordable and is delivered through a sound and competitive system. Take Action (Request):
▪ The HBA urges Congress to reform the secondary market system for conventional mortgages. Such legislation must include a limited, explicit federal government backstop for catastrophic circumstances.
Seeking a Lasting Flood Insurance Solution
The National Flood Insurance Program has played a critical role in determining the use and development of flood-prone areas and managing the risk of flooding for residential properties. Take Action (Request):
▪ Senate: Urge Senate leadership and Banking Committee Chairman Mike Crapo to pass a long-term reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
▪ House: Urge House leadership and House Financial Services Committee Chairwoman Maxine Waters to pass a long-term reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)