On Tuesday, Feb. 3, the House approved and President Trump signed a fiscal year 2026 spending package, clearing the way for the government to reopen after a brief partial government shutdown that began early on Jan. 31. The House voted Tuesday afternoon to pass the legislation following Senate approval last Friday.
The package represents a win for housing advocates and the millions of families who depend on federal housing programs. It delivers full funding for critical programs administered by U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD), including Housing Choice Vouchers, fair housing programs, housing counseling, and the HOME Investment Partnerships and Community Development Block Grant programs. This funding provides communities with essential resources to support families and strengthen neighborhoods.
The legislation also reauthorizes the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through Sept. 30, restoring Americans' ability to purchase and renew flood insurance policies.
NAR advocated for this funding throughout the year, sending letters to congressional leaders and meeting with lawmakers. The advocacy team led an aggressive bipartisan effort, engaging directly with House and Senate Appropriations Committee members from both Republican and Democratic offices to make the case that full funding for HUD programs and long-term NFIP reauthorization are essential to housing stability and the broader economy.
The success of that effort demonstrates the power of targeted, bipartisan advocacy, says NAR Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer Shannon McGahn. “This funding provides the certainty and stability that families, home buyers and the housing market need,” McGahn says. “NAR thanks lawmakers on both sides of the aisle for coming together to fund HUD programs and reauthorize NFIP, ensuring Americans have access to the resources and protections they depend on.”