As the books close on one of America’s most divisive elections, the National Association of Home Builders released a one-page statement and a six-page analysis on what last night’s results mean for housing. The statement focused primarily on issues that will be before a GOP-controlled Congress.
“Our Association has long-standing tradition of reaching out to both side of the political aisle to work on important housing issues that affect the livelihood of our members an millions of households across the land,” said Jim Tobin, executive vice president of government affairs and communications. He concluded, "While the 2016 elections have brought new leaders to the forefront, NAHB remains steadfast in its mission to keep housing a national priority and to seek common ground on which our nation can build a brighter future."
In his statement, Tobin said that NAHB will continue to focus on the following issues:
- Need to reduce government regulations
- Tax reform to protect small businesses including housing tax incentives
- Easing credit conditions for home buyers
- Ensure small businesses can get loans
- Housing finance reform
The main focus for NAHB was a Republican-controlled Congress that now has a 51-47 majority in the Senate and a 237-191 majority in the House. The NAHB did not endorse a presidential candidate during the 2016 election. However, the association did endorse 137 congressional candidates for the first time in its 74-year history. NAHB endorsed these candidates because it said they had shown, “a commitment to policies that promote home ownership and rental housing opportunities for all Americans.” Of the 137 candidates NAHB endorsed, 129 – or 95% – won their races on Nov. 8, with two races still too close to call.
NAHB Chairman Ed Brady congratulated Donald Trump on his victory this morning:
When President-elect Trump takes the oath of office in January and the 115th Congress convenes, NAHB looks forward to working in a bipartisan manner with the incoming administration and Republican and Democratic congressional leaders to tackle critical issues facing the housing industry.
Remodeling will continue to update readers as more associations and groups come out with statements post-election 2016.
