Issue Brief

🏠 Housing

The U.S. faces a significant housing affordability crisis driven by rising costs, supply shortages, and zoning restrictions. Congress has debated both demand-side assistance and supply-side reform. Here are the facts.

📊 Key Facts

$420K

Median U.S. home sale price (Q1 2024) — up 47% from 2019

Source: National Association of Realtors, 2024

3.8M

Housing unit shortage estimated by Freddie Mac (2021)

Source: Freddie Mac, 2021

49%

Renters who are "cost-burdened" — spending 30%+ of income on housing

Source: Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, 2023

~2.3M

Families on Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher) waitlists — avg wait 2–3 years

Source: HUD, 2023

7%+

Average 30-year fixed mortgage rate in 2024 — highest since 2001

Source: Freddie Mac, 2024

653,104

People experiencing homelessness on a single night in 2023 — highest on record

Source: HUD Annual Homelessness Assessment Report, 2023

🏛️ Where Congress Stands

🔵 Democratic Position

Support expanding Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) to all eligible families
Back investment in affordable housing construction and preservation
Favor zoning reform to allow higher-density housing near transit
Support renter protections and anti-eviction measures
Favor Community Development Block Grants and HOME Investment Partnerships

🔴 Republican Position

Emphasize deregulation and local zoning reform to increase housing supply
Generally oppose federal rent control mandates
Support homeownership incentives and reducing regulatory barriers
Some support the YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) Act for zoning reform
Favor reducing federal role and returning housing policy to states/localities

🗳️ Recent Congressional Votes