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Congress·In Committee·S. 3901

Sen. Budd Introduces HOME Expansion Act to Boost Infrastructure and Affordable Housing

HOME Expansion Act

18 days ago·View on Congress.gov

Legislative Progress

Senate
House
President
Law

Key Points

  • This bill allows smaller towns and rural areas to use federal housing money for basic infrastructure like water lines, sewers, sidewalks, and roads. Currently, this money is mostly restricted to building or fixing the houses themselves. To use the funds this way, the infrastructure must be built right next to affordable housing projects.
  • It raises the price limit for what counts as an affordable home. Right now, homes must cost less than 95% of the average price in the area to qualify for certain federal help. This bill bumps that limit up to 110%, which helps more people buy homes in areas where prices are rising quickly and few cheap houses are available.
  • The plan creates special rules for military families. If a service member is deployed or moved to a new base, the bill allows the government to waive certain income rules. This ensures they do not lose their housing benefits or status while they are serving away from home or moving for their job.
  • It helps families keep their homes after a loved one passes away. If someone inherits an affordable home and lives in it as their main residence, they can keep the affordable housing status as long as they take over the previous owner's responsibilities. This prevents families from being forced out of their homes during a difficult time.
  • The bill also supports shared equity programs, like community land trusts. These programs help keep homes affordable for the next buyer instead of letting the price skyrocket after the first person sells. This ensures that the community continues to have affordable options for many years to come.
HousingInfrastructure TransportationVeterans

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Broader Impacts

Score
Scores: -5 (harmful) to +5 (beneficial)Short-term: 0-2 yearsLong-term: 10-30 years

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Feb 24, 2026Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Feb 24, 2026

Introduced in Senate

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Within 1 year of enactment

HUD issues rules for how communities can use HOME funds for infrastructure

Within one year of enactment, HUD would finalize the guidelines that tell local governments exactly how to apply for and spend HOME money on water lines, roads, and other infrastructure near affordable housing.

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

HOME Expansion Act

Bill NumberS 3901
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionRead twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Sponsor

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.