Finding an affordable home is a goal many families share, and help is moving in the right direction. On October 1, 2026, two U.S. senators from different parties introduced a bill that aims to make it faster and less costly to build new affordable homes, so more people can find a place that fits their budget.
Here is what the bill says, why it matters, and what you can do today if you need housing help.
What Is the Build American Efficiency Act?
Senator Angus King of Maine and Senator John Curtis of Utah introduced the Build American Efficiency Act. Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Peter Welch of Vermont have also signed on to support it. King is an Independent and Curtis is a Republican, so the bill has backing from more than one side.
The bill is short, only about three pages. It does not give out money or vouchers. Its goal is to make it easier and cheaper for builders to put up affordable housing.
The Problem: Paperwork That Slows Down Building
To understand the bill, you need to know about a rule called Build America, Buy America, or BABA. It was passed as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. In simple terms, projects that use certain federal money must use building materials made in the United States. This includes things like steel, iron, and other construction products.
The idea behind the rule is to support American factories and workers. But builders say proving that every product follows the rule can take a lot of time. They may have to fill out the same forms more than once. They may also be unsure which products are already approved. Sometimes they have to ask for a special exception, called a waiver, and then wait for an answer.
Every day a project waits adds to the cost. When costs go up, fewer homes get built, or the homes that do get built end up with higher rents.
What the Bill Would Change
The bill would let the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) accept proof from trusted outside programs that show a product meets the American-made rule. According to the senators, the bill would:
- Make clear that HUD can accept reliable, checkable systems that track which products follow the rule.
- Allow HUD to treat records from programs like the Make It American Process Standard as enough proof.
- Help builders and housing groups quickly see which products are approved.
- Cut down on waiver requests and repeated paperwork.
- Keep things flexible, so no one has to use a single database and builders can still use other lawful ways to show they follow the rule.
Senator King called it “a common-sense helping hand” for builders. Senator Curtis said it would help get “more affordable homes built faster.”
Who Supports the Bill?
Groups from housing and industry have said they back it. Two Maine housing groups, Avesta Housing and Evernorth, support it. Nationwide, supporters include the Associated General Contractors, the National Association of Manufacturers, the National Association of Realtors, and the National Association of State Housing Agencies.
Avesta Housing’s leader said the current rules are causing delays and higher building costs, which put some needed projects at risk. Evernorth’s leader called the bill an important first step toward cutting delays and costs.
Will This Bill Lower My Rent?
This is the part that matters most for many families, so here is a plain answer: not right away.
The bill has only just been introduced. It still has to go through Congress, and many bills never become law. Even if it passes, new homes take months or years to plan and build. It would not lower anyone’s rent next month.
Still, bills like this are part of a bigger effort. Supporters say that if it costs less and takes less time to build, more affordable homes can get built over time. More homes can mean more choices and less pressure on rents.
You can follow the bill’s progress on Congress.gov, the official website for federal bills.
Other Housing Bills Senator King Supports
The press release also mentions other housing ideas from Senator King:
- Farmhouse-to-Workforce Housing Act: This would expand a program so rural homeowners can add a rental unit on their land, such as an attached apartment or a small home nearby.
- Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act: This bipartisan bill aims to help create nearly two million new affordable homes. It builds on the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, the largest source of funding for building affordable rentals in the country.
- ACRE Act of 2023: This one focuses on making rural homes and farms more affordable.
Together, these show a growing push in Washington to build more homes, not only to give out more rental help.
Help You Can Get Right Now
You do not have to wait for new laws to look for help. Here are real options that exist today.
1. Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). This program helps pay part of your rent. You find a rental that accepts the voucher, and the program pays a share of the cost directly to the landlord. Learn the basics on the HUD Housing Choice Voucher page. Applications go through your local housing agency. Many agencies have long waiting lists, and some are closed, so it is smart to check several.
2. Public housing. These are apartments owned and run by local housing agencies for people with low incomes. See HUD’s public housing information to learn how to apply.
3. Find your local housing agency. Use HUD’s list of local housing agencies to find the office near you. Ask which waiting lists are open and how to sign up.
4. Affordable apartments near you. HUD has a tool for finding affordable rental apartments in your area. You can also check HUD’s rental help page for more programs.
5. Rural housing help. If you live in a small town or country area, the U.S. Department of Agriculture offers rural rental housing programs that may have lower-cost apartments.
6. Call 211. If you need help fast, 211 connects you with local services for rent, food, utilities, and emergency shelter.
If You Are in Urgent Need
Some people cannot wait on a long list. If you are about to lose your home, are staying in an unsafe place, or have nowhere to sleep tonight, you may have other options. Read our guide on how to apply for emergency Section 8: a step-by-step guide to learn who may qualify and what steps to take.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
Getting a housing spot takes patience. These steps can help:
- Apply in more than one place. You can usually join waiting lists in several areas, and each agency has its own rules.
- Keep your contact information current. If the agency cannot reach you, you could lose your place on the list.
- Gather your papers early. Have photo ID, Social Security cards, proof of income, and birth certificates ready.
- Answer mail and calls fast. Agencies often set short deadlines.
- Check often for open lists. Lists open and close without much warning, so check back regularly.
- Be careful with scams. Applying for Section 8 and public housing is free. Never pay anyone who promises to move you up the list.
The Bottom Line
The Build American Efficiency Act is a small bill with a clear goal: cut paperwork so builders can finish affordable homes faster and for less money. It has support from both parties and from groups across the housing and building world. But it is only the first step, and it will not change rents overnight.
If you need housing help today, do not wait for Congress. Contact your local housing agency, look into the programs above, and apply wherever you can. The sooner your name is on a list, the sooner you can move up.
Looking for affordable housing in your area? Use Section8Search.org to find listings and housing resources near you.
Navigating the Section 8 housing process can feel overwhelming, and that's where Section 8 Search comes in. We're more than just a listing website; we're a dedicated resource designed to make finding housing under the Housing Choice Voucher Program straightforward and stress-free. Our platform offers user-friendly tools to explore listings and waiting list statuses nationwide, all built on official HUD data. We're also passionate about providing clear, helpful information and guidance, empowering you with the knowledge you need to understand eligibility, complete your application, and confidently navigate your housing journey.
