WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) has successfully advanced the bipartisan Accelerating Home Building Act through the U.S. House of Representatives, marking a significant milestone in her push to lower housing costs and increase supply across Oregon and the country.
The legislation, which Bynum co-leads with Representatives Bryan Steil (WI-01), Chris Pappas (NH-01), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), passed the House as part of a broader legislative package. It now moves to the Senate, where companion legislation has been introduced by Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and Bernie Moreno (R-OH).
Congresswoman Bynum said the vote represents real movement on one of the most urgent challenges facing Americans.
“We’re finally moving something through the House to make real progress on a key issue for Americans,” said Congresswoman Janelle Bynum. “I’ve said since my first day in office that the cost of housing is too high – and to fix it, we need more housing and we need it now. That’s why my bill will make it easier and faster to build a house. I’m proud that this bill is one step closer to becoming law and I’ll keep pushing for it until it is.”
This is the fourth bipartisan bill Bynum has passed through the House since taking office.
The Accelerating Home Building Act aims to streamline the homebuilding process by promoting a technique known as pattern zoning. Pattern zoning allows communities to use pre-reviewed construction designs, known as pattern books, to fast-track building approvals. These pre-approved templates reduce delays in the permitting process, helping local governments and developers accelerate home construction and reduce costs for buyers.
Under the bill, the Department of Housing and Urban Development would administer a new pilot grant program to fund the development of these pattern books, with a focus on missing middle and infill construction. The program includes set-asides for rural communities and gives priority to high-opportunity areas and localities working to reduce barriers to housing development.
The bill responds to a growing national crisis. The United States faces an estimated shortage of nearly 5 million homes. Regulatory barriers, restrictive permitting processes, and zoning delays have slowed development in both urban and rural areas. Oregon, in particular, received an “F” in a recent housing affordability and homebuilding study, ranking 45th among the 50 states. Analysts estimate the state must build over 140,000 single-family homes by 2030 to meet projected demand.
Bynum said the bill offers a practical, locally adaptable solution that empowers cities to move faster.
“Pattern zoning helps communities build what they need in a way that makes sense for them,” said Congresswoman Janelle Bynum. “It speeds up the approval process without sacrificing quality or oversight, and it helps working families by bringing down the cost of entry into the housing market.”
The legislation has earned broad national support. Endorsing organizations include the American Planning Association, Congress for the New Urbanism, Up for Growth Action, the National Apartment Association, Smart Growth America, Main Street America, and the National Association of REALTORS.
National Association of REALTORS Chief Advocacy Officer and Executive Vice President Shannon McGahn said the bill directly addresses critical bottlenecks in housing development.
“NAR is grateful that Representatives Janelle Bynum, Bryan Steil, Chris Pappas and Brian Fitzpatrick introduced the bipartisan Accelerating Home Building Act to help address the nation’s housing affordability crisis through streamlined construction approval processes,” said Shannon McGahn. “NAR recognizes that reducing regulatory barriers and streamlining approval processes are essential steps toward addressing the housing shortage affecting communities across the country. We support this legislation as part of comprehensive efforts to increase housing supply and improve affordability.”
