A House Republican said President Donald Trump’s reported consideration of an emergency declaration on housing affordability would be a “game-changer,” as administration officials and congressional lawmakers weigh steps to address rising home prices and constrained supply.
Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb., who chairs the House Main Street Caucus and the Housing and Insurance Subcommittee of the Financial Services Committee, told Fox News Digital that a formal declaration by the president would alter the political and policy calculus and accelerate federal action.
Flood said a shortage of housing and limited supply have pushed valuations higher, which in turn raises property taxes and home insurance premiums. “So the President of the United States putting his thumb on the scale and saying that housing is in a crisis situation, and it’s an emergency — that changes the entire conversation,” he said.
Flood said lawmakers on his subcommittee are preparing bipartisan legislation aimed at increasing housing affordability and that he expects to mark up proposals in October or November. He predicted that if the administration made housing a priority, it could speed enactment: “I truly think we can get something done by June of next year.”
Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner told Fox Business that discussions within the administration are ongoing but he declined to make definitive comments ahead of any presidential decision. “Those discussions are being had, not just from an emergency declaration standpoint, but what can we do in order to bring the costs down…and bring the supply up,” Turner said.
Home prices have climbed sharply in recent years, outpacing wage growth and putting entry-level homes out of reach for many prospective buyers. Analysts and policymakers have pointed to zoning restrictions, high building costs, regulatory barriers and insufficient new construction as key contributors to the shortfall in housing supply. The National Association of Home Builders has estimated that new tariffs on materials such as steel, aluminum and lumber could add roughly $10,900 to the cost of building a new single-family home.
Flood framed housing affordability as an electoral concern and a practical challenge for federal assistance programs. “Since 2020, we’ve seen 20% inflation, home insurance premiums are more expensive, mortgage rates are higher,” he said, adding that rules governing federal housing programs can hinder effective assistance. He said a presidential push would help carry legislative efforts across the finish line.
The debate over a federal emergency designation follows broader conversations in Congress about how to expand housing supply and reduce costs. Flood emphasized the need for coordinated action among federal, state and local officials, saying municipalities in particular must play a role in addressing zoning and permitting constraints.
Turner’s comments indicate the White House and HUD are consulting on options, but no formal announcement has been made. Flood and other House Republicans are moving forward with plans to pursue legislation in the coming months, while administration officials weigh a range of potential steps to influence housing markets and construction costs.
Any emergency declaration would be unusual in scope for housing policy and could reshape discussions about federal authority and resource allocation for housing programs. Lawmakers and administration officials said the focus remained on practical measures to increase supply and lower costs rather than on political signaling alone.
The timeline and specifics of any executive action or congressional measures remained fluid. Flood said his panel aims to bring bipartisan proposals forward this fall and expects legislative momentum if the administration commits to treating housing as a national priority.