The Green New Deal for Public Housing Act directs federal funds to public housing agencies and tribal entities to rehabilitate, modernize, and electrify the nation's public housing stock into zero-carbon homes within ten years. The bill establishes grant programs that require recipients to conduct deep energy retrofits, install renewable energy systems, upgrade water quality infrastructure, and provide high-speed internet access to residents. In exchange for these funds, agencies must commit to maintaining their total number of housing units, ensuring displaced residents can return to their original projects, and adhering to strict labor standards that prioritize hiring low-income individuals and supporting resident-owned businesses. Additionally, the legislation strengthens tenant participation by mandating the formation of elected resident councils in larger developments and providing stipends for volunteer officers who help manage community operations.
The VITAL Act increases federal low-income housing tax credit allocations to states starting in 2026, with amounts adjusted annually for inflation to expand the supply of affordable and disability-accessible housing. The bill provides a 50% boost to the tax credit value for new buildings where at least half of the units are designed to meet accessibility standards for people with disabilities and are located in areas with high walkability. To ensure these accessible units are actually built, the legislation requires states to allocate credits so that at least 40% of all new low-income housing units created over any three-year period meet these specific disability access criteria.
This Senate resolution recognizes the importance of independent living and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities, emphasizing their right to live in their own homes and communities. It calls on the Department of Justice to rescind a recent opinion that the Senate views as undermining the legal requirement to provide community-based services instead of institutional care. The document also urges various federal agencies to improve funding for home and community-based services, increase accessible housing and transportation, and promote competitive employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Additionally, the resolution pledges bipartisan efforts to address barriers faced by individuals with disabilities, including those of color, and opposes cuts to the Medicaid program that could limit access to essential support services.
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The DASH Act aims to expand affordable housing options for low-income individuals, homeless persons, and first-time homebuyers by creating new federal programs and modifying existing tax laws. A primary component is the creation of 250,000 new rental vouchers in 2026 for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, which includes funding for supportive services like healthcare and job training, as well as requirements for public housing agencies to prioritize youth and families. The bill also establishes a modular construction pilot program to lower building costs, a grant system to reward local governments that adopt zoning rules allowing denser housing like duplexes and accessory dwelling units, and a new tax credit to help low-income families purchase starter homes in distressed communities. Additionally, the legislation introduces a new refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers, expands tax incentives for middle-income housing, and makes several adjustments to how homeowners can deduct losses or handle debt discharges related to their principal residences.
The Community Housing Act of 2026 aims to increase the supply and affordability of housing by directing significant new federal funding to programs like the Housing Trust Fund and the Capital Magnet Fund. It establishes a new Office of Community Land Use and Zoning within HUD to help states and localities reform restrictive zoning laws that limit housing development. The bill also expands financial support for rural areas, creates a new fund to promote shared equity and community land trusts, and removes a legal cap on the number of public housing units agencies can manage. Additionally, it provides grants to protect tenants from eviction and authorizes low-cost financing options for affordable housing projects.
The Foster Youth Housing Opportunity Act aims to improve housing stability for current and former foster youth by expanding their access to federal housing assistance and supportive services. It amends existing laws to allow states to use funding for services such as financial literacy counseling, help with lease contracts, and assistance with security deposits and moving costs. The bill also clarifies that these supportive services do not count toward spending limits on room and board, enabling more funds to be used for housing support. Additionally, it requires the Departments of Health and Human Services and Housing and Urban Development to create joint guidance within a year to better coordinate programs for youth aging out of foster care. Finally, the act mandates a report to Congress within three years detailing how many eligible youth are receiving housing aid and the outcomes of these programs.
The Manufactured Housing Lending Act creates a pilot program to help expand access to loans for manufactured homes. It directs two major government-backed lenders to start buying or sharing the risk of new loans for these homes within a year of the program's launch. To qualify, the homes must be placed in nonprofit, government, or resident-owned communities with long-term or permanent site leases, and the program will include standard consumer protections. The lenders participating in this pilot will be allowed to earn a lower return on these specific loans compared to other similar lending activities.
The Housing Survivors of Major Disasters Act of 2026 expands disaster relief assistance to individuals who lived in disaster areas but lacked formal proof of ownership or were not renting, including those who were homeless or stayed in temporary accommodations. It allows these eligible households to use federal funds to pay for obtaining property titles, such as costs for land surveys and associated taxes, by accepting a wide range of documents like utility bills, driver's licenses, and school records as evidence of their connection to the property. The bill also requires FEMA to create a simple, non-notarized form for applicants to self-certify their eligibility and mandates that the agency consult with the Department of Housing and Urban Development to coordinate temporary rental assistance programs for displaced residents. Additionally, the legislation amends existing disaster housing rules to focus on ensuring residences are habitable during long-term recovery and permits temporary housing if the President deems it a cost-effective alternative to other solutions.
This Senate resolution expresses support for designating April 2026 as "Fair Chance Jobs Month" to raise awareness about employment barriers faced by formerly incarcerated individuals. While the bill itself does not change laws, it encourages the removal of obstacles like licensing restrictions and promotes fair-chance hiring practices. The resolution also calls for expanded workforce development programs, better access to housing and healthcare, and increased collaboration between government agencies and community groups to help returning citizens secure stable employment.
The SERVE Act extends various Veterans Affairs benefits to former military members who were discharged specifically due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. This legislation amends existing laws to include these individuals in access to hospital care, mental health counseling, burial in national cemeteries, post-9/11 education assistance, and VA housing loans. The bill also requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to notify affected service members about available benefits and mandates a report within 15 months detailing how many individuals have received these services.
