In This Issue
- House Delivers Overwhelming Bipartisan Vote to Confront Housing Affordability Crisis
- It’s a Hit! Second Annual Advocacy Week Preps Next Generation of NAR Leaders
- Survey Says: Voters Support NAR Priorities
- Community Development Advocacy Celebrates 25 Years of Building Better Communities
- Capitol Pulse: Which Policies Will Drive Home Sales?
House Delivers Overwhelming Bipartisan Vote to Confront Housing Affordability Crisis
In a decisive show of bipartisan momentum, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the NAR-backed Housing for the 21st Century Act last week by a sweeping 390–9 vote—advancing one of the most significant federal efforts in years to boost housing supply and improve affordability. With House approval secured, the legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Leading up to House consideration of the bill, NAR issued a targeted call for action through its Federal Political Coordinator program urging members of Congress to support this legislation. The effort underscored the urgency of federal action as affordability challenges deepen nationwide.
In December, NAR immediate past president Kevin Sears testified in support of the bill in a marathon five hour session. This showcases the power of NAR advocacy in action, and a clear example of the real impact REALTORS® can have when we speak with one unified voice.
The legislation was introduced by House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill (R-Ark.), Ranking Member Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), Housing and Insurance Subcommittee Chair Mike Flood (R-Neb.), and Ranking Member Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.). In December 2025, the full committee passed this legislation by a vote of 50–1.
“The National Association of REALTORS® applauds the House for passing the Housing for the 21st Century Act, a meaningful and bipartisan step toward addressing America’s housing affordability crisis. With the nation facing a shortage of roughly 5 million homes and first-time buyers now entering the market at a median age of 40, bold action to expand supply and remove barriers to homeownership has never been more urgent,” said Shannon McGahn, NAR executive vice president and chief advocacy officer.
“Buying a home remains one of the greatest drivers of generational wealth and long-term financial stability. And our recent national survey shows that 85% of voters still believe homeownership is part of the American dream,” McGahn added.
It’s a Hit! Second Annual Advocacy Week Preps Next Generation of NAR Leaders
NAR Chief Advocacy Officer Shannon McGahn (right) hosts a panel with the co-chairs of the Congressional Real Estate Caucus (from left) Reps. Lou Correa, Brittany Pettersen, Tracey Mann, and Mark Alford.
To kick-start the event, NAR Chief Advocacy Officer Shannon McGahn was joined on stage by the four co-chairs of the Congressional Real Estate Caucus. This panel was notable not only for the success and growth of the caucus in the last year, but for the simple fact that scheduling an event with four members of Congress is a feat in and of itself.
To learn more about this event, check out the agenda and speaker bios here.
Survey Says: Voters Support NAR Priorities
Advocacy Scoop exclusive! Recorded live at the Advocacy Week Conference, this episode unveils new results from an NAR-commissioned national poll of voters. Among the findings: More voters than ever believe owning a home is part of the American dream and housing affordability is a top issue for voters across party lines. Shannon and Patrick delve into the data—and why it matters on Capitol Hill right now—and discuss how REALTORS® can turn voter sentiment into bipartisan action.
25 Years of Building Better Communities
Local leaders and REALTORS® share a common goal: building communities that thrive. NAR’s Community Development Advocacy program provides funding, tools and data that help advance housing access and smart growth, as well as transform neighborhoods. Grant applications are now open. Explore resources and success stories to spark ideas and guide community solutions.
The program, which turns 25 this year, was celebrated during a morning session at Advocacy Week in Washington, D.C.
Capitol Pulse: Which Policies Will Drive Home Sales?
NAR hosts Policy Forum at Second Annual Advocacy Week
As part of the second annual Advocacy Week, NAR’s advocacy group hosted the Policy Forum: What’s Next for Housing? Tackling Affordability Now and Long-Term, a convening of decision-makers, policy experts, and NAR members to discuss the future of housing policy and short- and long-term solutions to addressing housing affordability and supply.
Read more here to learn about the Policy Forum panels.
Funding Bills Include Critical Funding Programs
On Tuesday, Feb. 3, the House approved and President Trump signed a fiscal year 2026 spending package, clearing the way for the government to reopen after a brief partial government shutdown that began early on Jan. 31.
The package represents a win for housing advocates and the millions of families who depend on federal housing programs. It delivers full funding for critical programs administered by U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD), including Housing Choice Vouchers, fair housing programs, housing counseling, and the HOME Investment Partnerships and Community Development Block Grant programs. This funding provides communities with essential resources to support families and strengthen neighborhoods.
Read more about the NAR priorities included in the bill here.
Housing Is a Bipartisan Issue
The Bipartisan Real Estate Caucus hit a milestone, with over 120 members (up from 50 total last year). This growth reflects the strength of NAR’s message and our powerful relationships on Capitol Hill.
RPAC Update
RPAC had an impressive showing in 2025, raising $42.3 million at all three levels of the association! We also ended the year with over 12,000 Major Investors, exceeding our goal and showing that support for RPAC continues to grow.
The President’s Circle program also exceeded its participation goal for 2025, raising over $2.9 million for federal candidates with nearly 1,500 investors.
The Pro-Property Platform
Heading into a crucial midterm election cycle, last year we launched the Pro-Property Platform — a new way for REALTORS® and their communities to support candidates who champion homeownership, private property rights, and the real estate profession. Giving through the Platform sends money with a message: that NAR members stand behind leaders who stand with us. It’s your voice, your choice — visit ProPropertyPlatform.com to learn more.
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The REALTOR® Party At Work
Advocacy Everywhere helps expand REALTOR® influence on public policy and boosts engagement in Calls for Action at all levels. In 2025 so far:
REALTOR® Party Success Stories
Link Library
FlyIn.realtor: Advocacy talking points and priorities
[realtorparty.realtor/]RealtorParty.realtor: REALTOR® Party grants and resources
NAR.realtor/AdvocacyMission: How NAR is making housing more affordable, available, and accessible
NAR.realtor/AdvocacyWins: One-stop shop for advocacy successes
Washington Report: Policy updates
APOA: Where the Fight to Protect Property Rights Goes in 2025
Facts.realtor: Settlement information and resources
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