September 26, 2025
Mr. Cisneros introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services
To require the Secretary of Defense to provide a briefing to Congress on plans to expand access to affordable housing for members of the Armed Forces through partnerships with local governments and housing providers, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Affordable Housing for Our Troops Act
.
Sec. 2. Briefing on affordable housing for members of the Armed Forces
The Secretary of Defense shall provide to Congress a briefing on actions that have been taken and are planned to be taken by the Department of Defense to expand access to affordable housing for members of the Armed Forces through partnerships with local governments and housing providers. Such briefing shall include—
(1)
an identification of high cost-of-living locations and rural locations near remote and isolated installations where members of the Armed Forces face the greatest housing affordability challenges;
(2)
a summary of any current or planned efforts between military installations and local municipalities or housing providers aimed at providing rental relief or lease flexibility for members of the Armed Forces, including any memoranda of understanding;
(3)
an identification of existing public-private partnerships or community development initiatives that could be leveraged to support off-installation housing for members of the Armed Forces;
(4)
an assessment of potential incentives that could be offered by participating landlords or cities, including waived security deposits, lease rates that are below the monthly rate for the basic allowance for housing, application fee discounts, and flexible lease terms;
(5)
an overview of the efforts of the Department of Defense to collaborate with local governments and housing developers to incentivize the construction of affordable off-installation housing tailored to the needs of members of the Armed Forces; and
(6)
recommendations for any legislative or policy changes needed to enhance local housing partnerships and reduce housing insecurity for members of the Armed Forces.