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
To require the Government Accountability Office to study and recommend a definition for workforce housing.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Housing for America’s Middle Class Act of 2026
.
Sec. 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.
Sec. 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.