Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania’s 1st District played a key role in the recent passage of H.R. 6644, known as the Housing for the 21st Century Act. The bipartisan legislation aims to increase housing supply, update federal housing policies, and address affordability challenges for families in his district and across the country.
The bill targets longstanding issues that have contributed to the national housing shortage, such as outdated regulations, duplicative inspections, and financing obstacles. It includes over 20 reforms, including changes to the HOME Investment Partnerships Program and a directive for the Government Accountability Office to review gaps in federal housing programs.
Several provisions led by Fitzpatrick are part of this act. One authorizes grants for local governments and tribal entities to use pre-approved housing designs for mixed-income developments, aiming to speed up permitting processes and reduce delays. Another provision modernizes the Housing Choice Voucher program by removing redundant inspections and allowing remote reviews in rural areas. There is also a requirement for mortgage applications to clearly inform eligible applicants about VA Home Loan benefits.
“Housing affordability is one of the defining economic challenges of our time, and families are feeling the pressure every single day. When supply falls behind demand, costs climb and opportunity slips further out of reach. In our community, I have sat down with realtors, home builders, lenders, local officials, and families who are navigating this reality firsthand, and we have worked together to turn those conversations into real action,” said Fitzpatrick. “The Housing for the 21st Century Act marks a significant step forward. It reflects two-party, patriotic, common-sense leadership focused on expanding supply, modernizing outdated federal barriers, and restoring balance to the housing market. The House has acted. Now it’s time for the Senate to do the same. I will continue leading this effort and working alongside our community and my colleagues to deliver real relief and confront the broader affordability crisis facing working families.”
Chris Beadling—a constituent from PA-1 who serves as Broker of Quinn & Wilson Realtors in Montgomery County—commented on how these reforms may help local communities: “Realtors are on the front lines of this housing crisis every day. We see young families priced out of starter homes, seniors unable to downsize, and working households competing in markets where supply has simply not kept pace with demand. When housing production slows, affordability slips further out of reach — and communities feel it,” said Beadling. “Congressman Fitzpatrick has been a longtime partner in addressing these challenges, working directly with Pennsylvania Realtors and local housing leaders to understand the regulatory delays, financing constraints, and outdated policies limiting housing growth. The Housing for the 21st Century Act takes meaningful steps to remove unnecessary barriers, modernize federal housing programs, and strengthen the ability of community banks to finance responsible local development. By expanding supply and empowering local lenders, this legislation will help increase housing opportunities and bring affordability back within reach for Pennsylvania families. We appreciate Congressman Fitzpatrick’s longtime partnership, support, and commitment to advancing policies that support sustainable housing growth across our Commonwealth.”
A wide range of organizations—including AARP; American Bankers Association; National Apartment Association; Real Estate Roundtable; Housing Partnership Network; Pew Charitable Trusts; among others—have endorsed H.R. 6644.
Fitzpatrick has represented Pennsylvania’s 1st District since 2017 after succeeding Mike Fitzpatrick [source]. He was born in Philadelphia in 1973 and currently lives in Levittown [source]. His educational background includes a bachelor’s degree from La Salle University (1996) as well as a law degree from Pennsylvania State University (2001).
In addition to his work on H.R. 6644—and as Co-Chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus—Fitzpatrick recently helped introduce an Affordability Agenda with more than 40 bipartisan bills aimed at reducing costs related to health care, energy needs, child care expenses, food prices—and especially affordable housing.
Other legislative efforts he has supported include measures targeting prescription drug costs (HELP Copays Act), increasing national home building (Accelerating Home Building Act), supporting senior care (Caring for Our Seniors Act), and making child care more affordable (Affordable Child Care Act).
