Jefferson City News

During a Financial Services Committee hearing titled "Oversight of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Federal Housing Administration," Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer urged HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge to advocate for the reduction of unnecessary regulations that are driving up the cost of homes.

In the hearing, Congressman Luetkemeyer addressed Secretary Fudge, stating, "You said that the main impediment to building new housing was regulation. So, you, as someone in the housing-lending business, the mortgage business, what are you doing to advocate for a way to reduce some regulations or a way to work with local communities, local cities, local counties to find ways to reduce regulations? What are you doing to advocate for home builders to be able to build homes more affordably?"

In response, Secretary Fudge explained her efforts to address the issue, saying, "I meet with the home builders regularly. I meet with mayors, governors regularly. We talk about things like finally looking at zoning and planning, rules that have been around forever. Looking at ways we can build houses that create more density. But we don't have the authority to tell a community that they need to do something."

Congressman Luetkemeyer pressed further, emphasizing Secretary Fudge's role as an advocate for affordable housing. He said, "Madam Secretary, you're an advocate for housing. You can make a big difference. You can push."

The issue of local zoning restrictions and their impact on housing supply and costs was also highlighted. These restrictions include prohibitions on multifamily residences, limitations on manufactured housing, and stipulations for minimum lot sizes. Such regulations have constrained the housing supply and contributed to the elevated costs of constructed housing across the United States.

It is worth noting that these regulations, coupled with the president's failure to limit spending, have further exacerbated the cost of housing in the country.

In conclusion, Congressman Luetkemeyer called on HUD Secretary Fudge to use her position as an advocate for affordable housing to push for the reduction of unnecessary regulations. The congressman emphasized the importance of working with local communities and finding ways to build homes more affordably to address the housing crisis in the United States.

Watch the full exchange between Congressman Luetkemeyer and Secretary Fudge at the provided link.

Click this link to access more information: https://luetkemeyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401027