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HR 4957

Rural Housing Service Reform Act of 2025

119th Congress Introduced by Emanuel Cleaver and 7 co-sponsors

The Rural Housing Service Reform Act of 2025 improves access to affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families in rural areas through streamlined processes and support programs.

Introduced in House
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Bill Summary · HR 4957

Summary of HR 4957: Rural Housing Service Reform Act of 2025

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: HR 4957
- Title: Rural Housing Service Reform Act of 2025
- Status: Introduced in House
- Introduced Date: August 12, 2025
- Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The Rural Housing Service Reform Act of 2025 aims to enhance and modernize the Rural Housing Service (RHS) programs under the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The bill seeks to improve access to affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families in rural areas, streamline processes related to housing loans, and ensure the preservation of existing housing resources.

Key Provisions

The bill is organized into several titles, each addressing different aspects of rural housing reform:

Title I: Streamlining and Updates

  • Sec. 101: Applies multifamily mortgage foreclosure procedures to mortgages held by the Secretary of Agriculture, ensuring rental assistance contracts are preserved during foreclosure.
  • Sec. 102: Mandates a study on rural housing loans aimed at low- and moderate-income families.
  • Sec. 103: Authorizes appropriations for staffing and IT upgrades to improve service delivery.
  • Sec. 104: Provides funding for technical improvements within the RHS.

Title II: Rural Housing Preservation and Revitalization

  • Sec. 201: Permanently establishes a housing preservation and revitalization program.
  • Sec. 202: Grants authority for rental assistance contracts to support housing stability.

Title III: Section 504 Loans and Grants

  • Sec. 301: Modifies loans and grants for minor improvements to farm housing and buildings, including adjustments to income eligibility criteria.

Title IV: Rural Community Development Initiative Grants

  • Sec. 401: Establishes a rural community development initiative to foster local development.

Title V: Reports

  • Sec. 501: Requires an annual report on rural housing programs to ensure transparency and accountability.
  • Sec. 502: Calls for a GAO report on the technology used by the Rural Housing Service.

Title VI: Rural Housing Voucher Program

  • Sec. 601: Adjusts the rural development voucher amount to better meet housing needs.
  • Sec. 602: Sets eligibility criteria for rural housing vouchers.
  • Sec. 603: Defines the amount of voucher assistance available to eligible families.

Title VII: Transfers to Nonprofit Organizations

  • Sec. 701: Allows for the transfer of multifamily rural housing projects to nonprofit organizations to enhance management and service delivery.

Title VIII: Section 502 Loans and Guarantees

  • Sec. 801: Extends the loan term for Section 502 loans to provide longer repayment periods.
  • Sec. 802: Releases liability for Section 502 guaranteed borrowers when a new borrower assumes the original loan.
  • Sec. 803: Imposes restrictions on Department of Agriculture loans to ensure responsible lending.

Title IX: Accessory Dwelling Units

  • Sec. 901: Introduces loan guarantees for the construction of accessory dwelling units to increase housing options.

Title X: Time Frame for Completing Application Review

  • Sec. 1001: Establishes a timeline for the review of housing applications to expedite the process.

Impact

The Rural Housing Service Reform Act of 2025 is expected to benefit low- and moderate-income families in rural areas by improving access to affordable housing and streamlining the application process for housing assistance. The bill also aims to enhance the efficiency of the Rural Housing Service through technological upgrades and better resource management.

Legislative Actions

  • August 12, 2025: The bill was referred to the Committee on Financial Services and the Committee on Agriculture for consideration.

Sponsors

  • Primary Sponsor: Zachary Nunn
  • Cosponsors: Donald G. Davis, Brittany Pettersen, Josh Riley, Michelle Fischbach, Tracey Mann, Emanuel Cleaver, Lisa C. McClain

Related Bills

  • S 1260: Companion bill in the Senate.

This summary provides an overview of the Rural Housing Service Reform Act of 2025, highlighting its objectives, key provisions, and potential impacts on rural housing in the United States.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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