Streamlining Rural Housing Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 4989
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Housing and Community Development
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-08-15: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-11T23:26:31Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H.R. 4989: Streamlining Rural Housing Act of 2025
Purpose
This legislation directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to coordinate on housing projects funded by both agencies. The goal is to improve efficiency in environmental reviews and inspections while preserving safety and environmental standards for residents.
Key Provisions
- Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): Requires HUD and USDA to create an MOU within 180 days of enactment covering:
- Evaluation of categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act for shared housing projects.
- A process to designate a lead agency and allow one agency's approved environmental reviews to be adopted by the other.
- Continued compliance with existing environmental regulations in 24 C.F.R. Part 58 as of January 1, 2025.
- Assessment of a joint physical inspection process for projects funded by both agencies.
- Advisory Working Group: Establishes a group within 180 days, including representatives from affordable housing nonprofits, state agencies, builders, property managers, public housing agencies, residents, and contract administrators to advise on the MOU.
- Report to Congress: Mandates a report within one year to the Senate Banking Committee and House Financial Services Committee with recommendations for legislative, regulatory, or administrative changes to improve project efficiency, provided they do not reduce resident safety, increase long-term resident costs, or weaken environmental standards.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new requirement for interagency coordination via an MOU but does not amend or repeal existing statutes. It builds on current environmental review processes under the National Environmental Policy Act and HUD regulations without altering their core standards.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: HUD and USDA would need to align their environmental review and inspection procedures, potentially reducing duplication in project approvals.
- Citizens: Residents in affected housing projects could see faster project development, though safeguards aim to maintain safety and environmental protections.
- International Relations: No direct effects identified.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Affordable housing nonprofit organizations.
- State housing and housing finance agencies.
- Nonprofit and for-profit home builders and developers.
- Property management companies and multifamily property owners.
- Public housing agencies.
- Residents of HUD- or USDA-assisted housing and their representatives.
- Housing contract administrators.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The bill emphasizes compliance with existing environmental laws and regulations, avoiding any reduction in standards. It has no apparent constitutional issues, as it focuses on administrative coordination between executive agencies. Politically, it promotes interagency efficiency in rural and affordable housing without shifting costs or risks to residents.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Stutzman, Marlin A. [R-IN-3]
Cosponsors (15)
Rep. Pettersen, Brittany [D-CO-7], Rep. McClain, Lisa C. [R-MI-9], Rep. Scott, David [D-GA-13], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. De La Cruz, Monica [R-TX-15], Rep. Nunn, Zachary [R-IA-3], Rep. Downing, Troy [R-MT-2], Rep. Harrigan, Pat [R-NC-10], Rep. Riley, Josh [D-NY-19], Rep. Moore, Tim [R-NC-14], Rep. Davidson, Warren [R-OH-8], Rep. Goodlander, Maggie [D-NH-2], Rep. Thompson, Glenn [R-PA-15], Rep. Bera, Ami [D-CA-6], Rep. Schrier, Kim [D-WA-8]
Recent Actions
- 2025-08-15: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- 2025-08-15: Introduced in House
- 2025-08-15: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Streamlining Rural Housing Act of 2025 — issued 2025-08-15 — PDF (4 pages)