The congressional spring recess periods provide the GHBA an opportunity to meet and engage our local federal congressional delegation and participate in the NAHB’s Bringing Housing Home event right here in Houston. These meetings, especially important in this presidential election year, are critical to enhance relationships with our elected officials and showcase the economic benefits of the housing industry. During these meetings, we have an opportunity to brief our delegation on the NAHB’s federal legislative priorities, as well as issues that uniquely affect our industry in the Greater Houston region.
Of particular interest this year are regulatory reform and the Clean Water Act’s “Waters of the U.S.” rule. With regards to regulatory reform, the NAHB estimates that on average, 25% of the cost of a single-family home is attributable to government regulation. We have encouraged our delegation to reassert its oversight authority over rulemaking agencies and that further regulation to our industry should only be undertaken after careful consideration of the burden, costs, and effects on small businesses.
Advertisement
The House has already passed H.R. 427, the Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act (REINS Act), which would subject proposed regulations to greater public scrutiny, require they be based on sound science and data, consider the true cost imposed on small businesses and hold agencies accountable for the regulations they issue. The bill is now awaiting Senate action.