The Fox News Rundown From Washington: New Hope for Homebuyers? Congress Reaches Deal to Fix Housing Crisis
Feb 15, 2026
Marlin Stutzman, Indiana congressman focused on cutting red tape in housing, and James Lankford, Oklahoma senator tracking federal waste, join to debate fixes for affordability and accountability. They talk about streamlining HUD and USDA rules, boosting housing supply, permitting and manufactured housing reforms. They also cover tracking improper payments, AI tools to stop fraud, and tighter oversight of federal programs.
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Federal Rule Conflicts Inflate Housing Costs
- Conflicting federal rules slow housing development and raise costs for buyers.
- Marlin Stutzman says aligning HUD and USDA rules speeds permitting and reduces wasted time and money.
Require Agency Coordination For Permits
- Streamline permitting by forcing agencies to coordinate environmental and permit reviews.
- Do reduce redundant requirements so builders avoid hiring lawyers and projects don't stall, Stutzman argues.
Simplifying Rules Helps Manufactured Housing
- Making manufactured housing rules simpler can increase affordable supply.
- Stutzman says removing pointless frame requirements helps fill local markets faster.