Yesterday, Reps. Scott Peters (CA-52) and Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) introduced the Task Force on the Impact of the Affordable Housing Crisis Act, H.R. 3211. This bill creates a task force of academics or experts in fields related to housing to make recommendations to Congress about housing policy. The task force will also evaluate and measure the consequences of unstable, unaffordable housing on quality of life, as well as its effect on federal, state, and local budgets.

“Too many San Diegans struggle to afford their rent or mortgages. Across the United States, we need millions of new homes—especially affordable ones. This legislation connects experts to Congress, creating a roadmap for how best to tackle this serious crisis,” said Rep. Peters.

“When the majority of your monthly income goes toward paying rent or a mortgage, there is little money left over to pay bills, buy groceries and cover emergencies,” said Rep. Herrera Beutler. “I continue to speak with residents here who are struggling to balance the high cost of housing with saving for the future. My colleague Congressman Scott Peters and I are leading this bipartisan effort to address the affordable housing crisis and bring real solutions to Southwest Washington and communities across the country.”

Senators Todd Young (R-IN), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Angus King (I-ME) introduced the same bill in the U.S. Senate. The bill is supported by AARP, the American Bankers Association, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Habitat for Humanity, the Manufactured Housing Institute, Mayors and CEOs for U.S. Housing Investment, the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the National Apartment Association, the National Association of Home Builders, the National Low Income Housing Coalition, and Up for Growth.

Rep. Peters has advocated for broader solutions to America’s housing shortage. In 2018, he joined the New Democrat Coalition to publish a report on housing in America. He also introduced the Rent Relief Act with Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA), which provides a refundable tax credit for Americans spending more than 30 percent of their income on housing.