Friends,
Housing costs are squeezing families across central Arkansas. Home prices are up, and rent is up. Starter homes are harder to find. And for too many hardworking Arkansans, buying a home feels farther out of reach than ever.
That did not happen by accident. Years of bad federal policy, excessive regulation, and reckless Washington spending under the Biden administration drove inflation higher and made it harder and more expensive to build homes.
Higher costs, fewer homes, and more red tape were a brutal combination for Arkansas families. When construction slows and supply dries up, prices go up. Families pay more every month, and the American Dream slips further away.
As Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, one of my top priorities is tackling the challenges facing builders and homebuyers in Arkansas. That is why my committee advanced the Housing for the 21st Century Act with overwhelming bipartisan support. |
The Housing for the 21st Century Act takes on outdated federal housing rules that drove up costs and stalled new construction. It focuses on expanding real housing options so Arkansans can afford to rent, buy, and build again.
Here is how the Housing for the 21st Century Act helps Arkansans: - Modernizes federal housing programs to reflect current construction methods and consumer needs.
- Expands the use of manufactured and modular housing, which can be built faster and at lower cost while maintaining strong safety standards.
- Reduces unnecessary federal red tape that slows down housing development and drives up prices.
- Improves oversight and accountability at the Department of Housing and Urban Development to ensure taxpayer dollars are used effectively.
- Strengthens protections for homeowners, renters, seniors, and veterans by ensuring housing programs are transparent and responsive.
- Encourages innovation and private investment to help increase housing supply in both urban and rural communities.
Affordable housing is about more than buildings. It is about lowering the cost of living, creating stability, and giving families a fair shot at homeownership. Fixing the damage done by years of overregulation is a necessary step toward making that possible again. |
For too long, slow and outdated federal permitting processes have driven up costs, delayed projects, and held back communities that are ready to grow. In fact, environmental impact studies alone delay major infrastructure projects by an average of 4.5 years, with 25 percent of projects delayed six years! That is six years of higher costs, missed jobs, and communities left waiting. And that doesn’t even include other permitting delays. That is why I supported my friend and fellow Arkansan, Rep. Bruce Westerman’s SPEED Act. This commonsense, bipartisan bill simplifies and standardizes permitting regulations across federal agencies. It cuts through red tape so states, cities, and rural communities can build faster, spend smarter, and finally move critical infrastructure projects forward.
Rep. Westerman and I talked about the SPEED Act right after it passed the House. You can watch it HERE. |
We are just one step away from an unused Ouachita National Forest building in Perryville finally being transferred to Perry County. My bill to convey the long-vacant, federally owned building to the county passed the House this week with overwhelming bipartisan support, by a vote of 388–0. For years, Perry County has wanted to put this building to use, but Washington stood in the way. It's honestly ridiculous that it takes an act of Congress to transfer an unused federal property, especially when maintaining it has cost taxpayers thousands of dollars while it sits empty. Once the transfer is complete, Perry County is ready to move forward. The county has the funds to make the needed improvements, and the building will support the University of Arkansas Extension Program, the Perry County Conservation District, and serve as a meeting space for 4-H youth programs. This is about cutting waste, saving taxpayer dollars, and giving the Perryville community the chance to put a local asset to work. Now, all that's left is for the Senate to pass this commonsense bill. Stay tuned |
Hanukkah is a time when Jewish people around the world reflect on hope, resilience, and the courage to stand against hatred. It is a reminder that even in dark moments, light endures. That message felt especially important this week, after a heinous terrorist attack against the Jewish community during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Australia. As we send our prayers to the victims and their families, and as candles are lit this week, Martha and I wish everyone celebrating a joyous and meaningful Hanukkah. May the Festival of Lights bring strength, comfort, and hope to Jewish families in Arkansas and around the world. |
December 19 marked the 248th anniversary of the Continental Army’s arrival at Valley Forge, one of the most difficult chapters of the American Revolution. Soldiers faced brutal conditions. Freezing temperatures, few rations, and rampant disease left many sick, weak, and exhausted. Yet they held the line, day after day, not for personal glory, but for the men standing beside them and the desire to be free. Despite the circumstances, our brave forebears trained, rebuilt, and emerged stronger. They endured and persevered so the idea of America could survive its darkest winter. |
"The March to Valley Forge, December 19, 1777," by William Brooke Thomas Trego (1883) |
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Which former European military officer helped train the Continental Army at Valley Forge and turned it into a disciplined fighting force?
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Last week’s Trivia: What year did Arkansas hold its first State Capitol Christmas tree lighting? C) 1938
30.4% of respondents answered correctly. (24.0% selected "1927," 23.2% selected "1934") |
Capitol Tours have resumed!
Now that the government is open again, my office can arrange tours of the Capitol and many other sights in Washington, D.C., on behalf of you and your family during your stay. Please note: White House tours will require Real IDs or other accepted ID, such as a valid passport or U.S. military ID.
If you and your loved ones are planning on visiting Washington, D.C. in the coming months, I recommend you reach out to my office to request tours as soon as possible HERE.
If you have any questions about your visit to Washington, D.C., please call my D.C. office at (202) 225-2506. |
Sincerely,
Representative French Hill
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