The U.S. Financial Services Committee’s Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance held a hearing on rural housing needs as part of the Committee’s work on housing supply, focusing on how rural markets face different cost and delivery barriers than urban areas. Members highlighted permitting delays as a key obstacle, with Rep. William Timmons citing builder feedback that delays can add up to USD 60,000 per home in rural areas. The hearing also covered emerging construction approaches such as modular homes and 3D-printed neighbourhoods in Texas, the contribution of regulation to home prices (Rep. Troy Downing cited 24% of average single-family sale prices), and affordability pressures (Rep. Zach Nunn cited nearly 40% of Iowans spending at least one-third of take-home pay on housing). Witnesses pointed to limited availability of contractors and suppliers in rural areas, costly infrastructure upgrades for water, sewer, power and roads, higher transportation and labour costs, and persistent shortages of affordable, decent housing for working families and renters, arguing that rural housing production requires public-private partnership.
U.S. Financial Services Committee 2025-06-12
U.S. Financial Services Committee Housing and Insurance Subcommittee holds hearing on rural housing supply constraints
The U.S. Financial Services Committee’s Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance held a hearing on rural housing needs, highlighting unique cost and delivery barriers compared to urban areas. Key issues included permitting delays, adding up to USD 60,000 per home, and regulation's impact on home prices. Witnesses emphasized the need for public-private partnerships to address contractor shortages, infrastructure costs, and affordability pressures in rural housing markets.