Builders Make Annual Trek to Capitol Hill

As part of NAHB’s annual Legislative Conference, more than 850 builders from across the country trekked to Capitol Hill on April 13 to seek support from their members of Congress for legislation that would increase the availability of affordable housing and expand rental housing and homeownership opportunities nationwide.

“Through visits to Capitol Hill, our members take the message of the housing industry directly to their legislators,” said NAHB President Dave Wilson. “Such personal contact helps federal lawmakers better understand the impact of housing issues on the voters back home.”

In more than 300 individual meetings with their representatives and senators, builders called for action on the following NAHB legislative priorities:

The Legislative Conference opens with a briefing by Rep. Richard Pombo (R-Calif.), center, after he meets with NAHB Senior Officers, from left, Bobby Rayburn, Dave Wilson, Sandy Dunn, Brian Catalde and David Pressly.

• Reform the federal storm water permit program. Compliance with storm water regulations adds approximately $1,400-$4,500 to the cost of building a home. NAHB is urging members of Congress to call on the Environmental Protection Agency to work towards a simpler, fairer permit program that does not add significantly to the cost of new homes, can be achieved with a minimal paperwork burden, is enforced at the state level and appropriately focuses on protecting the environment.
  
  
• Enact common-sense changes to the Endangered Species Act that would protect the environment and allow local communities to expand and thrive. Specifically, home builders are asking their members of Congress to support H.R 1299, the “Critical Habitat Enforcement Act of 2005.” Introduced by Rep. Dennis Cardoza (D-Calif.), the measure would reform the critical habitat designation process by requiring consideration of the economic impact on landowners. It would also exempt from critical habitat designation land that is already included in a habitat conservation plan or other federal, state or local species management program.
  
  
• Adopt a meaningful regulatory framework for the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) — Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Banks — that ensures their continued safety and soundness. At the same time, any changes to the current regulatory structure must ensure that the GSEs are able to continue to fulfill their congressional mandate to provide low-cost and readily available housing credit to consumers.
  
  
• Garner cosponsorship of congressional legislation that calls for creating a homeownership tax credit. H.R. 1549, the “Renewing the Dream Tax Credit,” was introduced in the House by Reps. Tom Reynolds (R-N.Y.) and Ben Cardin (D-Md.). A similar bill, S. 859, the "Community Development Homeownership Tax Credit Act," was introduced in the Senate on April 20 by Sens. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.), John Kerry (D-Mass.), Gordon Smith (R-Ore.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Wayne Allard (R-Colo.) and Paul Sarbanes (D-Md.). Both measures would provide a maximum 50% tax credit to developers and investors who build owner-occupied new and rehabilitated homes in distressed areas. It would spur the production of affordable housing by making it economically viable for development to go forward in inner cities, struggling suburbs and isolated rural areas. When enacted, it is expected to open the door to homeownership for an additional 50,000 families each year.

To read legislation, click here and enter the bill number in the box at the upper left.

For more information, e-mail Michael Strauss, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8252.

Builders from Arkansas meet with Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.).

Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), right, with builders.

California builders with Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-Calif.), center.

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), right, at the table with Texas builders.

Photos by Herman Farrer

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