Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States must take urgent, coordinated action to address the national housing crisis through preservation and production of affordable housing.

Bill Number: H.Res. 493
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Housing and Community Development
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-06-10: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
Last Updated: 2026-01-22T09:06:13Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 493) expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States faces a severe national housing crisis and must take urgent, coordinated action to address it. The focus is on preserving existing affordable housing and increasing the production of new affordable units to ensure safe and stable housing for all.

Key Provisions

The resolution includes detailed "Whereas" clauses outlining the housing crisis and a "Resolved" section with specific affirmations and recommendations:

Description of the Crisis:
There is an estimated shortage of over 7 million rental homes affordable and available to extremely low-income households (those earning below 30% of the area median income).
Nearly half of renter households are "cost-burdened," meaning over 12 million spend more than 50% of their income on housing, limiting access to food, healthcare, and other essentials.
Rental prices have risen over 35% since 2020, compared to a 22% increase in median household incomes, worsening homelessness and instability.
High housing costs contribute to broader inflation, especially affecting low- and moderate-income families and hindering economic progress.
The private market cannot meet the needs of low-income renters without public support, and federal rental aid covers only 1 in 4 eligible households.
Much of the nation's subsidized housing is aging, poorly managed, or at risk of losing affordability protections.
The crisis affects all regions and groups but hits communities of color, seniors, people with disabilities, low-wage workers, and single-parent families hardest.
Affirmations and Recommendations:
Declares housing a basic human need and economic driver, labeling the crisis a national emergency.
Supports efforts by federal, state, and local governments to boost supply of deeply affordable rentals and protect existing units.
Urges Congress to prioritize funding for rental assistance, housing preservation, and new affordable housing development.
Encourages private businesses, nonprofits, and philanthropies to invest in community-driven housing solutions.
Calls for alignment of housing, zoning (local land-use rules), and infrastructure policies to promote affordability and preservation.
Commits the House to advancing policies ensuring safe, affordable housing nationwide.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution, meaning it does not create, amend, or repeal any laws. It serves as a formal statement of the House's position rather than enacting enforceable changes.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: May pressure federal agencies like the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to increase focus on housing programs, potentially leading to more funding requests in budgets. State and local governments could face expectations to reform zoning and infrastructure policies to support affordability.
On Citizens: Raises awareness of the housing crisis, potentially encouraging greater access to rental assistance and protections for vulnerable renters. Could indirectly reduce housing costs and homelessness over time if it influences future laws.
On International Relations: No direct impact, as the resolution is focused on domestic U.S. housing issues.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Low-Income Renters and Vulnerable Groups: Extremely low-income households, communities of color, seniors, people with disabilities, low-wage workers, and single-parent families, who face the greatest barriers to affordable housing.
Government Entities: Federal (e.g., Congress, HUD), state, and local governments responsible for housing policy, funding, and zoning.
Private and Nonprofit Sectors: Developers, businesses, nonprofits, and philanthropies encouraged to invest in and collaborate on housing solutions.
Broader Society: All U.S. households, as the crisis contributes to economic instability and inflation affecting everyone.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: As a "sense of the House" resolution, it has no legal force but can serve as a precursor to binding legislation, such as bills increasing HUD funding or reforming rental assistance programs.
Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's spending power under Article I (to appropriate funds for public welfare) and does not raise separation-of-powers issues, as it is advisory.
Political: Signals bipartisan or cross-aisle concern (introduced by Democratic representatives but addresses a widespread issue), potentially building momentum for housing reforms in future sessions. It emphasizes equity and emergency action, which could influence election platforms or public discourse on economic policy.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Brown, Shontel M. [D-OH-11]

Cosponsors (9)

Rep. Beatty, Joyce [D-OH-3], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Ansari, Yassamin [D-AZ-3], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Friedman, Laura [D-CA-30]

Recent Actions

2025-06-10: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
2025-06-10: Submitted in House
2025-06-10: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States must take urgent, coordinated action to address the national housing crisis through preservation and production of affordable housing. — issued 2025-06-10 — PDF (3 pages)