Congressional Hearing Explores Modular Construction to Alleviate Oregon's Housing Crisis

Oregon's housing crisis is prompting urgent discussions in Congress about innovative solutions to increase affordable housing supply. During a recent meeting of the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services, lawmakers highlighted the potential of modular construction as a key strategy to address the growing shortage of homes.

Representative from Oregon emphasized that traditional housing programs often overlook modular construction, which involves building large sections of homes off-site and transporting them to the final location. This method could significantly reduce costs and construction time, making homeownership more accessible for many Oregonians struggling to find affordable options.

The discussion also touched on the need for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to adapt its programs to support modular construction. Witnesses at the meeting acknowledged that while modular housing is not a one-size-fits-all solution, it should be considered a valuable tool in the fight against the housing crisis.

Another critical point raised was the inadequacy of current funding levels for housing programs. Several representatives expressed concern over proposed cuts to the HOME program, which has already seen a decline in funding over the years. They argued that without sufficient financial resources, efforts to alleviate the housing crisis would be severely hampered.

The committee also reviewed the Home Reform Act of 2025, which aims to modernize the HOME program by eliminating outdated requirements that slow down housing projects. Changes proposed include exemptions from certain environmental regulations and adjustments to labor requirements, which could streamline the development process and encourage more affordable housing projects.

As the meeting concluded, lawmakers reiterated the urgency of addressing the housing crisis, emphasizing that innovative solutions like modular construction and increased funding for housing programs are essential to meet the needs of millions of families across the country. The discussions set the stage for potential legislative changes that could reshape the landscape of affordable housing in the United States.