By Trish Svoboda/Image courtesy Canva

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act passed the U.S. Senate with an 89–10 vote. Senator Jerry Moran says the bill will help improve housing in rural communities. The legislation now moves to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.

The package includes Sen. Moran’s Streamlining Rural Housing Act. This bill would make it easier for developers to build housing in rural areas. According to a release, it requires the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to work together and use similar housing standards. Supporters say this could lower building costs and help projects move forward faster.

The package also includes the Rural Housing Service Reform Act. This measure would strengthen USDA rural housing programs and help increase the supply of affordable homes in rural areas.

Another part of the package is the Choice in Affordable Housing Act. It would reduce delays and paperwork in federal housing programs by speeding up inspections and making it easier for landlords to take part in housing voucher programs.

“There is growing demand for affordable housing in rural communities in Kansas and across the country, underscoring the importance of practical and innovative solutions to help meet that need,” said Sen. Moran. “This legislation will streamline rural housing programs, reduce unnecessary bureaucratic barriers and help expand access to affordable housing for rural families. I urge the House of Representatives to pass this legislation and send it to the President to be signed into law so we can continue to strengthen rural America and improve access to affordable housing.” The bill aims to expand affordable housing and reduce regulations that can slow development in rural communities.