NAR President Testifies Before Senate on Housing Affordability Crisis

June 23, 2026 - 17:50

Kevin Brown, president of the National Association of Realtors, testified before the Senate Banking Committee this week, calling for immediate legislative action to address the nation's worsening housing affordability crisis. During the hearing, Brown highlighted the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act as a critical step forward. He praised the bill for its potential to increase housing production and remove regulatory barriers that have long stifled development.

Brown argued that the current shortage of available homes is driving up prices and locking out first-time buyers. He noted that the ROAD Act would streamline permitting processes and repurpose underused federal land for residential construction. "This is about opening more doors to homeownership for working families," Brown said. "We need to build smarter and faster."

The testimony comes as mortgage rates remain elevated and inventory levels stay near historic lows. Brown urged lawmakers to prioritize zoning reforms and tax incentives for developers. He also stressed the need for federal support to help local governments update outdated building codes. Without such measures, he warned, the gap between supply and demand will continue to widen.

Senators from both parties acknowledged the severity of the problem but differed on solutions. Some called for stricter oversight of institutional investors, while others focused on reducing environmental review timelines. Brown emphasized that collaboration is key, noting that the ROAD Act has already drawn support from housing advocates and industry groups alike.