The House of Representatives passed a bipartisan bill Monday designed to make homeownership more accessible amid a growing affordability crisis in the United States. The legislation cleared the chamber with a 390-9 vote, signaling rare cooperation between Republicans and Democrats on an issue affecting middle- and lower-income Americans.

The bill includes multiple measures to expand the supply of affordable housing, streamline permitting processes, and encourage construction of multifamily and “missing middle” homes, those that fall between single-family houses and larger apartment buildings. A pilot program under the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) would award grants for pre-approved housing designs compliant with local building codes, speeding construction in cities and towns facing housing shortages.

Provisions are aimed chiefly at first-time home buyers and lower-income Americans, with incentives for developers focused on smaller and mid-sized housing projects rather than luxury construction. Public polling suggests strong support for such measures, with over 60% of respondents in a recent Affordable Housing Finance survey backing increased “missing middle” housing.

President Donald Trump has emphasized housing affordability as a key priority during a potential second term. Last month, he signed an executive order limiting large investment firms from purchasing single-family homes, while his One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduced tax incentives to stimulate development in economically distressed communities.

The bill’s sponsors in the House include Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill, R-Ark., and top Democrat Maxine Waters, D-Calif., as well as Main Street Caucus Chairman Mike Flood, R-Neb., who called it “landmark legislation” for addressing barriers across both urban and rural communities. Lawmakers noted that the legislation does not interfere with areas experiencing housing surpluses, allowing market demand to guide development.

The measure now moves to the Senate, where bipartisan approval is required before reaching the president for signature.

Advocates say its passage could provide meaningful relief for Americans struggling with high housing costs and a constrained housing supply, a topic increasingly relevant ahead of the November midterm elections.