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H.R. 7504House119th Congress (2025-2027)In Committee

Housing for America’s Middle Class Act of 2026

To require the Government Accountability Office to study and recommend a definition for workforce housing.

Sponsored by Michael LawlerRep. Michael Lawler (R-NY)
Introduced February 11, 2026

AI-Generated Summary

Updated April 13, 2026 at 1:56 AM UTC

The Housing for America’s Middle Class Act of 2026 directs the Government Accountability Office to examine the shortage of affordable housing for middle‑income families and to propose a clear definition of “workforce housing.” Within 180 days of the law’s passage, the GAO must deliver a report to Congress that outlines where housing is most unaffordable, which federal programs currently exclude middle‑income households, and how a new definition could help include them in existing aid. The goal is to give federal agencies a concrete income‑based standard to expand housing assistance to working families near their jobs, schools, and services.

Key Provisions

  • The Comptroller General must submit a report to Congress within 180 days identifying the most unaffordable areas for middle‑income renters and homeowners.
  • The report must list federal housing programs that currently serve only lower‑income households and note gaps that leave middle‑income families out.
  • The GAO must recommend an income‑based definition of “workforce housing” to guide federal agencies in extending existing programs to middle‑income households.
  • The report should analyze how the new definition could be used to create incentives for developing workforce housing through federal policies and initiatives.

Legislative Activity

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HouseIntro Referral Latest Action

Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Financial Services Committee

February 11, 2026

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

February 11, 2026

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Financial Services Committee

February 11, 2026

Bill Text

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Introduced in HouseIssued February 11, 2026

I

119th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. R. 7504

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

February 11, 2026

Mr. Lawler (for himself and Mr. Gottheimer) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

A BILL

To require the Government Accountability Office to study and recommend a definition for workforce housing.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Housing for America’s Middle Class Act of 2026.

2.

Congressional findings

The Congress finds that—

(1)

the lack of affordable housing in the United States is an issue impacting millions of middle-class, working American families;

(2)

many of these families earn more annually than the income limits for certain Federal housing financing and benefits; and

(3)

these families are often excluded from living in neighborhoods near their places of work, schools, shopping, and healthcare due to a lack of affordability.

3.

Report to Congress

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Congress a report that—

(1)

identifies issues with housing affordability for America’s middle-income homeowners and renters, including identifying geographically where housing is the most unaffordable for these populations;

(2)

identifies Federal housing programs, including Federal tax credits, grants, credit programs, and other programs that currently benefit lower-income households, which are not available to middle-income households;

(3)

identifies any gaps in the inclusion of middle-income households in Federal housing programs designed to promote affordability;

(4)

sets forth recommendations for a definition of workforce housing based on income parameters in order to assist Federal agencies in including middle-income households under existing Federal programs; and

(5)

analyzes how such a definition could relate to incentives for workforce housing development through Federal programs, policies, and other initiatives.