NAHB Commends House Passage of Forestry Bill
The House has passed NAHB-supported legislation that will contribute to better forest management practices, help strengthen the nation’s housing supply chain and promote affordable housing opportunities for all Americans.
The Fix Our Forests Act (H.R. 471) will help improve the U.S. forest management system by expediting environmental reviews and ending frivolous litigation that often grinds needed forest management projects to a halt.
Legal obstacles, as well as administrative barriers, have contributed to the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management’s inability to effectively manage their lands. Consequently, overgrown and poorly managed forests have dramatically increased the risk of catastrophic wildfire across the country, which are extremely destructive to Americans living in fire prone areas as well as to the forest ecosystem.
Better forest management has positive ecological benefits along with the economic benefit of increasing the supply of federal timber products. Despite America’s vast timber resources, the United States does not produce sufficient lumber to meet the housing industry’s demand, requiring costly imports.
Lumber and wood products are a major cost driver in housing affordability, accounting for approximately 15% of the cost of construction for a single-family house. Additional domestic supply can help stabilize what is otherwise a volatile market for wood products, giving builders greater price stability.
Latest from NAHBNow
Membership
Oct 30, 2026
Chairman's Update: Apply Now to Serve on a Council or Committee
In his latest update, NAHB Chairman Bill Owens highlights the value of serving on a committee or council, and how members can apply.
Workforce Development
Oct 30, 2026
Four Ways HBAs Can Support Skilled Trades Education
Across the country, the Home Builders Institute works alongside home builders associations and their foundations to bring skilled trades education to more students and connect that education to opportunities in their communities.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Oct 30, 2026
Housing’s Share of the Economy Falls Again as It Continues to Face Headwinds
Housing’s share of the economy was 15.7% in the third quarter of 2026, according to the latest estimates of GDP produced by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. This share is down from 15.8% in the second quarter and down from 16.0% a year ago. Residential construction, measured by residential fixed investment, fell for the sixth time over the past eight quarters.
Economics
Oct 29, 2026
PCE Inflation Accelerated in September
The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge accelerated in September after holding at 3.0% for three consecutive months, complicating the Fed’s path to its 2% target. Consumer spending continued to be pushed up by elevated energy prices rather than income growth, driving the personal saving rate to the lowest level in nearly four years.
Economics
Oct 29, 2026
U.S. Economy Accelerated in the Third Quarter of 2026
The U.S. economy grew at a faster pace in the third quarter of 2026, supported by stronger consumer spending, robust business investment, and increased government spending. However, residential investment remained a weak spot, highlighting the continued challenges facing the housing sector amid elevated borrowing costs.