RELEASE: Congressmembers Friedman & Lawler Announce Bicameral, Bipartisan Legislation to Cut Red Tape on Federal Investments in Housing

January 15, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, January 15, 2026, U.S. Congresswoman Laura Friedman announced new bipartisan, bicameral legislation, the Build Housing, Unlock Benefits and Services (HUBS) Act. The bill cuts red tape to unlock poorly designed federal investment programs that have limited housing production, particularly for smaller and community-based developments. The legislation is co-led in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) and in the Senate by Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) and John Curtis (R-Utah).

The Build HUBS Act strengthens the federal government’s ability to support transit-oriented development (TOD), a proven approach that increases land use efficiency, saves taxpayers money, and attracts economic development. While Congress previously expanded the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) and Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) programs to support these projects, rigid requirements, unclear eligibility standards, and outdated program structures have limited their effectiveness. The Build HUBS Act addresses these barriers by modernizing these federal financing tools so communities of all sizes can respond to the demand for well-connected neighborhoods, boost housing production, and make housing more affordable.

“Too many communities are ready to build near transit but are blocked from securing the investments they need by unnecessary red tape. The Build HUBS Act breaks out the scissors and gives local governments the flexibility and tools to build more housing near jobs, services, and public transportation,” said Congresswoman Laura Friedman. “It’s a commonsense, bipartisan step to address our housing shortage and create more connected, sustainable communities.”

“Taking on our housing affordability crisis means using all the tools at our disposal,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “Investing in transit-oriented development will have a positive impact on housing affordability, local economies, and quality of life. It’s not enough to make communities more affordable, we must also work to make communities more livable – that's what the Build HUBS Act does. I am proud to be part of a bipartisan and bicameral coalition leading this bill, and I look forward to working with all our colleagues to advance our legislation.”

The Build HUBS Act:

Extends the TIFIA and RRIF loan programs for five years and clarifies the definition of “transit-oriented development” to ensure housing projects near transit can qualify.
Implements a delegated lending model to retain federal oversight while adopting private sector efficiency and expertise.
Speeds up processing timelines for project review and funding.
Providing relief on certain requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act including for office to residential conversion and infill development
Encourages these existing loan programs to prioritize projects that promote workforce housing.

TOD is a development strategy that creates dense, walkable, mixed-use development near public transportation. TOD increases land use efficiency, spurs neighborhood revitalization, and provides access to workforce housing, jobs, and services. The Transportation Infrastructure and Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) and Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) programs were amended to include TOD projects, recognizing the direct link between housing and transportation. However, TIFIA and RRIF have not yet realized their full potential for TOD projects due to unforeseen gaps in their authorizations. The Build HUBS Act aims to remedy that.

The Build HUBS Act is endorsed by Smart Growth America, American Planning Association, Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations, Mortgage Bankers Association, National NeighborWorks Association, National League of Cities, National Multifamily Housing Council, National Association of REALTORS, Up For Growth Action, National Leased Housing Association, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, LOCUS, National Association of Affordable Housing Lenders, Enterprise Community Partners, and Inclusive Abundance Action.

A one pager on the bill is available here. A section-by-section summary is available here. Full text is available here.

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