Bill Summary
The legislation aims to enhance housing opportunities in low-income areas by allowing the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to prioritize certain housing grants for applicants that are located in or serve qualified opportunity zones. A "covered grant" refers to competitive funding related to the construction, modification, rehabilitation, or preservation of housing. When awarding these grants, the Secretary can give preference to projects that directly benefit communities identified as opportunity zones, which are designated areas intended to stimulate economic growth and investment. This approach seeks to improve housing conditions and promote development in underserved areas.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the described legislation could affect people:
1. **Increased Access to Affordable Housing**: By prioritizing grants for projects in low-income communities, the legislation could lead to the construction and rehabilitation of more affordable housing units. This would benefit low-income families and individuals who may struggle to find adequate housing, allowing them to live in stable environments and reducing homelessness.
2. **Economic Development in Opportunity Zones**: The emphasis on funding projects in designated opportunity zones can stimulate economic growth in these areas. As housing projects are developed, they may attract businesses and services, creating jobs and improving local economies. This could lead to better living standards for residents and an overall enhancement of the community.
3. **Enhanced Community Resources and Infrastructure**: The availability of covered grants for housing projects could also lead to improvements in community infrastructure, such as transportation, schools, and healthcare facilities. As new housing developments arise, there may be a corresponding need for better resources, which can improve the quality of life for residents in these low-income areas. This investment can foster a sense of community and encourage social cohesion.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 7791 Introduced in House (IH)]
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119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 7791
To authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to
prioritize the award of certain housing grants to applicants located
in, or serving, low-income communities.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 4, 2026
Mr. Harder of California (for himself and Mr. Kelly of Pennsylvania)
introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on
Financial Services
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to
prioritize the award of certain housing grants to applicants located
in, or serving, low-income communities.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. INCREASING HOUSING IN OPPORTUNITY ZONES.
(a) Covered Grant Defined.--In this section, the term ``covered
grant'' means any competitive grant relating to the construction,
modification, rehabilitation, or preservation of housing, as determined
by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
(b) Priority.--When awarding a covered grant, the Secretary of
Housing and Urban Development may give additional weight to applicants
with proposed activities or projects that are located in or
substantially and directly benefit a community designated as a
qualified opportunity zone under section 1400Z-1 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986.
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