CONGRESSMAN CLEO FIELDS HELPS BIPARTISAN HOUSING FOR THE 21ST CENTURY ACT TAKE MAJOR STEP FORWARD ON AFFORDABILITY CRISIS

Washington, DC. – Earlier this week, Congressman Cleo Fields (LA-06) voted to pass the bipartisan Housing for the 21st Century Act, landmark legislation that streamlines housing development and expands access to affordable homeownership for Louisiana families.

The Housing for the 21st Century Act modernizes outdated federal housing programs, removes unnecessary regulatory barriers, and increases local flexibility to boost housing production. The bill addresses the critical shortage of affordable housing by expanding financing pathways for manufactured homes and small-dollar mortgages, while strengthening oversight to ensure safe and accountable housing services.

"Louisiana families deserve every opportunity to achieve the dream of homeownership, especially as we continue rebuilding from past disasters," said Congressman Fields. "This legislation takes meaningful steps to increase housing supply and improve affordability by cutting through red tape and modernizing programs that haven't kept pace with the needs of working families. From urban areas to rural communities, this bill will help more Louisianans access safe, stable, and affordable housing."

The legislation also enhances consumer protections for homeowners and borrowers, improves coordination across federal housing agencies, and ensures veterans and vulnerable households receive the support they need.

In addition to supporting the Housing for the 21st Century Act, Congressman Fields co-led the introduction of the Reforms to Housing Counseling & Financial Literacy Programs Act of 2025 with Congressman David Scott (GA-13) and Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03). This corresponding legislation strengthens housing counseling services and ensures delinquent borrowers can access foreclosure prevention assistance through the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund—ensuring that cost is never a barrier to getting help for families on the brink of losing their homes.

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