Distributed to the Executive Officers, State Representatives, National Area Chairman, and Builderlink Network (Ambassadors and Advocates)

Dear NAHB Member:
 

Congress is returning home for its traditional August recess, which presents the NAHB federation with a great opportunity to meet with senators and representatives.  Earlier this year in March, NAHB's Bringing Housing Home campaign provided NAHB members the chance to spend quality time with federal lawmakers; the August recess is another great opportunity to follow-up on the pro-housing messages.  If we're going to be successful at advancing our priorities in the final days of this Congressional session, we need your help! Please take a moment to work with your state and local HBA leadership to schedule a meeting with your representative and senator.  
 

The two important policy issues that Congress can help NAHB's members are reforming the US housing finance system and halting the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) alarming expansion of the Clean Water Act (CWA).  Attached are talking points on both issues.
 

First, NAHB strongly supports Senate-led efforts to reform the US housing finance system, and our allies in the Senate are asking us to help create momentum for the housing finance reform legislation.  A true national economic recovery cannot occur until the housing industry regains its pre-depression levels.  The one way to create a more robust housing market is through passage of S. 1217, the Housing Finance Reform and Taxpayer Protection Act of 2014.  This legislation preserves the affordable 30-year fixed rate mortgage, inspires more private capital to return to the market, and protects the American taxpayer from future bailouts.  S. 1217 was approved by the Senate Banking Committee with bipartisan support in May, but has stalled before reaching a full vote by the US Senate.  Your help is needed to demand Senate action on S. 1217.

Talking points: Housing Finance Reform

Second, EPA's proposed expansion of the CWA will interfere with the ability of individual landowners to use their property and negatively impacts economic growth.  Specifically, EPA's proposal will dramatically increase the cost and time needed to obtain a wetlands permit prior to home construction, which will greatly impact the fledgling housing recovery.  H.R. 5078, the Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act, has been introduced by Representative Steve Southerland (R-FL) and will prevent the EPA from regulating ditches, mudflats, prairie potholes and other water features under the CWA.  Your representative should be made aware of the EPA's unwarranted intrusion into land use and urged to become a cosponsor of H.R. 5078.

Talking points: EPA's Clean Water Act Overreach

Both the housing finance reform and CWA issues are important to the health of the housing industry.  Please work with your state and local HBA leaders to schedule time during the August congressional recess to meet with your senators and representatives to ask them to support S. 1217 and H.R. 5078.

In-person meetings are the best avenue for grassroots motivation on our key housing priorities.  However, if your lawmakers are unable to meet during the recess, please use the following links to contact your federal representatives by email or telephone. 

Send an email  

 Make a call - (866) 924-NAHB (6242)

Tell your Senator to demand action on S. 1217 the Housing Finance Reform and Taxpayer Protection Act of 2014. 

Urge your Representative to co-sponsor H.R. 5078, the Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act.

Thank you for your dedication to your industry.