Balance of Power Weekly Washington Policy Pulse: Trump's Push on Housing Costs, DHS (Feb. 9, 2026)
Feb 9, 2026
Nathan Dean, senior policy analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence in DC, previews Washington moves on housing, a possible antitrust probe of homebuilders, DHS funding risks, and the timing for crypto legislation. Quick takes on market impacts, legislative calendars, and political catalysts. Light touches on tariffs and a quirky coin proposal.
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Short DHS Funding Window
- DHS funding will lapse this week for 266,000 workers if Congress doesn't act, creating a short-term shutdown risk.
- Markets likely won't react materially because other 11 appropriation bills fund the rest of government through Sept. 30.
Shutdown Likely Short And Contained
- A brief DHS shutdown would mainly force staff to work without pay until Congress returns, not trigger wider market disruption.
- Expect a short continuing resolution instead of a prolonged shutdown given political timing and upcoming events.
Housing Bill Push This Week
- Housing policy is moving to the top of the congressional agenda with the House likely to pass the Housing for the 21st Century Act this week.
- Senate and House will have separate bills and then try to reconcile differences, delaying related items like crypto work.