Last summer, Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a Democrat from neighboring Missouri, made the trip to Des Moines to stand beside me at a Habitat for Humanity build site as we introduced our bipartisan rural housing bill.
Today, I’m proud to share that bill is officially law.
What’s new: The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act was just enacted into law, marking the most significant housing reform in a generation. Included in the package is the Rural Housing Service Reform Act — legislation I led to expand access to affordable housing and cut unnecessary red tape for rural communities.
That bipartisan support didn’t happen by chance. Rep. Cleaver and I come from different parties and different backgrounds, but we found common ground because we were focused on solving the same problem. Nearly every member of Congress agreed. The bill passed the Senate 85-5 and the House 358-32 because affordable housing isn’t a red or blue issue — it’s an American one.
Zoom in: This victory started with Iowans speaking up, and Washington actually listening. Last month, I welcomed HUD Secretary — and former Washington Redskin — Scott Turner to Iowa so he could see firsthand the housing challenges — and opportunities — our communities face.
The big picture: Across all 21 counties, Iowans told me their concerns. Buying a home costs too much. Renovating an older home is expensive and takes too long. And building a home is all of the above and more. We took Iowa’s voice and priorities to Washington, worked across the aisle, and delivered real reforms that restore the American dream of homeownership here at home.
Bottom Line: This is what it looks like when Washington works a little more like Iowa. We set politics aside, listen to the people we represent, roll up our sleeves, and deliver results that put shovels in the ground, families in homes, and the American Dream within reach.