To reform rural housing programs, and for other purposes.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · December 14, 2023
Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, 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.
The Rural Housing Service Reform Act of 2023 makes sweeping changes to federal rural housing programs administered by the Department of Agriculture. The bill establishes a permanent housing preservation and revitalization program offering up to $200 million annually through fiscal year 2028 to help keep rural rental housing affordable by restructuring maturing loans, renewing rental assistance contracts for up to 20 years, and providing technical assistance to nonprofits. It creates a new program directing up to $50 million per year to Native community development financial institutions to increase homeownership for Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians in rural areas, while doubling the maximum grant amount for farm housing improvements from $7,500 to $15,000. The bill expands rural housing voucher eligibility and extends the maximum loan term from 30 years to 40 years, making monthly payments more affordable for borrowers. Additionally, it authorizes unspecified funding for staffing and technology upgrades, directs the Government Accountability Office to study the agency's outdated technology systems, and requires annual public reporting on rural housing program performance. The legislation affects low-income rural residents, farm workers, tribal communities, and nonprofit housing organizations throughout rural America.
Take Action
Your position
Add a comment
to comment on this bill.
Annotate the text
Highlight any passage on the Summary or Full Text tab to attach a note. Annotations appear on the Annotations tab.