Mr. President, I was necessarily absent for rollcall vote No. 44, on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 6644, the Housing for the 21st Century Act. Had I been present for the vote, I would have voted yes.
H.R. 6644: 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act
Introduced Dec 11, 202531 cosponsors
Sponsor
J. Hill
Republican · AR-2
Congress cleared a broad housing supply overhaul
4 min readLast updated July 29, 2026
Why it matters
Some FHA multifamily loan limits in H.R. 6644 jump from $38,025 to $167,310 and from $85,328 to $375,443, while rural home repair loans double to $15,000. The law aims to make it easier to build, finance, and preserve more affordable housing.
H.R. 6644 is a wide-ranging housing law built around one idea: if more homes are going to get built and preserved, the federal rules around zoning, financing, and local development have to get less restrictive and more useful.
The law pushes on several bottlenecks. It tells HUD to publish zoning and land-use best practices, creates grants tied to homebuilding, updates rules for point-access apartment buildings, and raises key FHA multifamily loan limits. In practice, that means Congress is trying to make more projects pencil out—especially projects that are smaller, denser, or harder to finance under older rules.
For local governments and nonprofits, the bill rewrites parts of the HOME program and other community development tools. That includes raising the minimum HOME allocation from $500,000 to $750,000 and allowing a limited share of funds for new affordable housing construction. Rural areas also get specific changes, including a higher USDA repair loan cap and a 90-day target for rural housing underwriting reviews.
The bill also reaches into mortgage finance. It defines a small-dollar mortgage as $100,000 or less for a 1- to 4-unit property, which is meant to keep smaller loans from disappearing in lower-cost markets. If you're buying, building, or repairing modestly priced housing, this law is aimed at the financing gaps that often make those deals fall apart.
Other parts of the law focus on tenants and assisted families, including an eviction helpline, expanded self-sufficiency escrow options, and better coordination among HUD, USDA, and VA. It also adds a package of community-bank and credit-union changes meant to keep more local capital in local markets. This is less a single housing program than a full-system update for how affordable housing gets built, funded, and managed.
Bill Progress
IntroducedDec 11
Committee
Pass House
Pass SenateMar 12
SignedJun 29
LawJul 11
Latest Action · Jul 11, 2026
1/4
Became Public Law No: 119-101.
H.R. 6644 Bill Summary
What H.R. 6644 actually does.
1
Bigger multifamily loans can back more projects
The law raises some FHA multifamily loan limits sharply, including increases from $38,025 to $167,310 and from $85,328 to $375,443. That gives more apartment projects access to federally backed financing.
2
Rural homeowners get more repair borrowing room
The USDA Section 504 rural housing repair loan limit rises from $7,500 to $15,000. The law also sets a 90-day target for review and underwriting of those applications.
3
Local governments get a larger HOME funding floor
The minimum HOME allocation rises from $500,000 to $750,000. That gives smaller jurisdictions a better chance to run meaningful housing projects with federal dollars.
4
Some HOME funds can now build new housing
The law allows new affordable housing construction as an eligible use of HOME funds, with a 20% cap on allocated funds. That expands the program beyond preservation and rehab alone.
5
Rural areas are guaranteed part of a homebuilding grant program
At least 10% of annual Accelerating Home Building Grant Program funds must be reserved for rural areas. That sets aside part of the program for places that often struggle to compete for national housing dollars.
6
Smaller mortgages get their own federal category
A small-dollar mortgage is defined as a loan of $100,000 or less on a 1- to 4-unit property. The change is meant to support lending in lower-cost markets where smaller loans are common but often less profitable for lenders.
7
Federal agencies must coordinate better for assisted families
HUD, USDA, and VA are directed to coordinate more closely. The goal is to reduce handoff problems for households using multiple housing or veteran-related programs.
Who benefits from H.R. 6644?
Renters and would-be homebuyers in tight markets
If your area is short on homes, the law tries to increase supply by making it easier to finance apartments, update zoning practices, and support new development.
Rural homeowners with aging homes
People using USDA repair loans can borrow up to $15,000 instead of $7,500, which could cover bigger safety or habitability fixes.
Smaller cities and counties running housing programs
Jurisdictions receiving HOME funds get a higher minimum allocation—$750,000 instead of $500,000—which can make small affordable housing projects more workable.
Borrowers seeking very small mortgages
People buying lower-cost homes may benefit if lenders respond to the new small-dollar mortgage framework and keep offering loans under $100,000.
Rural communities competing for housing grants
The 10% rural set-aside in the homebuilding grant program gives rural areas a guaranteed share of annual funding.
Who is affected by H.R. 6644?
HUD, USDA, FHA, and VA
These agencies have to write guidance, update loan and grant administration, coordinate across programs, and carry out new reporting and pilot requirements.
Local governments and housing agencies
Cities, counties, and housing authorities may need to change how they apply for, structure, and spend federal housing dollars under revised program rules.
Lenders and developers
Banks, mortgage lenders, and project sponsors get new financing pathways and definitions, but they will have to adapt to the final agency rules and underwriting standards.
Public housing providers and assisted-housing operators
Oversight, accountability, and tenant-support requirements shift in several parts of the law, including eviction-related assistance and agency reporting.
On the Record
What Congress Is Saying
102 legislators have weighed in on H.R. 6644 — 42 Democrats, 59 Republicans, 1 Independents.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6644, the Housing for the 21st Century Act, sponsored by myself and, of course, by Representatives Hill, Cleaver, and Flood. Our housing and homelessness crisis has reached a breaking point, as millions of Americans each night struggle to find a decent, stable, and affordable place to live. The struggle has real faces of our children's teachers, working mothers, veterans, and, of course, children from all over the country. The struggle is in our rural towns, urban areas, and suburban neighborhoods across America.
Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 57, H.R. 6644; and YEA on Roll Call No. 58, H.R. 1531.
Mr. Speaker, I missed the vote series on February 9, 2026. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 58, final passage of H.R. 1531, PROTECT Taiwan Act; and YEA on Roll Call No. 57, final passage of H.R. 6644, Housing for the 21st Century Act.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend and colleague, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Haridopolos) for arranging this Special Order hour. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6644, the Housing for the 21st Century Act. Americans across the country are feeling the squeeze of a very real housing crisis. The National Association of Realtors estimates that the average first-time home buyer was 40 years old in the year 2025. In my home State of Montana, the estimates show the median home price of a home exceeds $500,000.
Mr. Speaker, I was absent from the floor and missed Roll Call Nos. 57 and 58. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 57, H.R. 6644—Housing for the 21st Century Act, as amended and YEA on Roll Call No. 58, H.R. 1531—PROTECT Taiwan Act, as amended. personal explanation
Mr. Speaker, I thank Mrs. Beatty for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6644, also known as the Housing for the 21st Century Act. This legislation, introduced by Chairman Hill, Ranking Member Waters, Chairman Flood, and me, advanced out of the Financial Services Committee by an impressive 50-1 vote. This legislation reflects input from Democrats, Republicans, and hundreds of organizations nationwide.
H.R. 6644 also appeared in 1 more House floor reference, 119 more Senate floor references, and 19 routine cosponsor filings.
HR6644 Legislative Journey
Signed into Law
Jul 11, 2026
Became Public Law No: 119-101.
+2 more actions this day
Action Taken
Jun 29, 2026
Presented to President.
House: Vote: 358-32
Jun 23, 2026
On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 358 - 32 (Roll no. 224). (text: CR H4151-4187)
Floor Action
Jun 22, 2026
Considered by Senate (Message from the House considered). (consideration: CR S2977, S2982-2984)
Floor Action
Jun 18, 2026
Considered by Senate (Message from the House considered). (consideration: CR S2913-2917)
Committee Action
Jun 16, 2026
Motion by Senator Thune to refer to Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs the House message to accompany H.R. 6644 with instructions to report back forthwith with the following amendment (SA5825) made in Senate.
Action Taken
Jun 2, 2026
Message on House action received in Senate and at desk: House amendment to Senate amendment.
House: Action Taken
May 20, 2026
House agreed to Senate amendment with amendment pursuant to H. Res. 1299 (consideration: CR H3643-3644)
Action Taken
Mar 16, 2026
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed 89-10
Mar 12, 2026
Passed Senate with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 89 - 10. Record Vote Number: 53.
+2 more actions this day
Floor Action
Mar 11, 2026
Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S969, S1004-1005)
Floor Action
Mar 10, 2026
Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S943)
Floor Action
Mar 5, 2026
Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S855-856)
Floor Action
Mar 4, 2026
Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (CR S769)
Floor Action
Mar 3, 2026
Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (CR S741)
Floor Action
Mar 2, 2026
Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (CR S719)
Action Taken
Feb 26, 2026
Cloture motion on the motion to proceed to the measure presented in Senate. (CR S692)
Action Taken
Feb 24, 2026
Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 343.
Action Taken
Feb 23, 2026
Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.
Sent to Senate
Feb 11, 2026
Received in the Senate.
House: Action Taken
Feb 9, 2026
The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
About the Sponsor
J. Hill
Republican, Arkansas's 2nd congressional district · 11 years in Congress
Committees: Financial Services, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence
View full profile →
Cosponsors at time of passage (31)
This bill has 31 cosponsors: 16 Democrats, 15 Republicans, reflecting bipartisan support. Cosponsors represent 20 states: California, Colorado, Florida, and 17 more.
16Democrats15Republicans·20 statesBipartisan
Maxine Waters
Democrat · CA
Mike Flood
Republican · NE
Emanuel Cleaver
Democrat · MO
Al Green
Democrat · TX
Pete Sessions
Republican · TX
Nydia Velázquez
Democrat · NY
John Rose
Republican · TN
Brad Sherman
Democrat · CA
Bryan Steil
Republican · WI
David Scott
Democrat · GA
Marlin Stutzman
Republican · IN
Joyce Beatty
Democrat · OH
Committee Sponsors
Veterans' Affairs Committee
11D14R
|0 signed25 others0 of 25 committee members cosponsored at the time
No committee members have cosponsored this bill
Financial Services Committee
23D30R
|29 signed24 others29 of 53 committee members cosponsored at the time
What laws does H.R. 6644 change?
22 changes
Sections Amended
Section 1(b) of Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (Public Law 101-625; 104 Stat. 4079)
inserting after the item relating to section 226 the following: ``Sec
Section 603(6) of National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5402(6))
striking ``on a permanent chassis'' and inserting ``with or without a permanent chassis''
Section 604(a) of National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5403(a))
adding the following: ``(7) Standards for manufactured homes built without a permanent chassis
Section 604 of National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5403)
adding at the end the following: ``(i) Manufactured Home Certifications
Section 23 of United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437u)
adding at the end the following: ``(p) Escrow Expansion Pilot Program
Section 205 of Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12724)
read as follows: ``SEC
Sections Repealed
1205 of Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 12705d) is abolished. (2) Repeal.--Section 1205 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 12705d)
H.R. 6644 Quick Facts
Cosponsors
31
- Committee
- Veterans' Affairs
- Chamber
- House
- Policy
- Housing and Community Development
- Introduced
- Dec 11, 2025
Became Public Law No: 119-101.
Jul 11, 2026
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H.R. 6644 Common Questions
What does H.R. 6644 do in plain English?
H.R. 6644 is a broad housing law that tries to increase supply by changing zoning guidance, boosting some loan limits, updating local housing grants, and improving rural repair and small-mortgage programs.
Did H.R. 6644 become law?
Yes. Congress.gov says H.R. 6644 became Public Law 119-101 on July 11, 2026.
How much do FHA multifamily loan limits increase under H.R. 6644?
Some limits rise sharply. The bill text shows increases from $38,025 to $167,310 and from $85,328 to $375,443, with the new amounts starting in 2026.
Does H.R. 6644 increase rural home repair loans?
Yes. The USDA rural housing repair loan cap rises from $7,500 to $15,000 under H.R. 6644.
Can HOME funds be used to build new affordable housing?
Yes, but only up to a point. H.R. 6644 allows new affordable housing construction under HOME, capped at 20% of allocated funds.
Does H.R. 6644 raise the minimum HOME grant amount?
Yes. The minimum HOME allocation increases from $500,000 to $750,000 for local governments.
What is a small-dollar mortgage under H.R. 6644?
It means a mortgage with an original principal balance of $100,000 or less on a 1- to 4-unit property.
Does the bill set aside housing grant money for rural areas?
Yes. At least 10% of annual Accelerating Home Building Grant Program funds must be reserved for rural areas.
Based on H.R. 6644 bill text
H.R. 6644 Bill Text
“To increase the supply of housing in America, and for other purposes.”
Source: U.S. Government Publishing Office
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