Podcast: Remembering a Pro-Housing President and a New Congress is Here
In the latest episode of NAHB’s podcast, Housing Developments, CEO Jim Tobin and COO Paul Lopez discuss what to expect from the new Congress, with Republicans in control of the House of Representatives and the Senate, as well as the White House.
In terms of leadership, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) retained his role in the House, while John Thune (R-S.D.) will take the helm as Majority Leader of the Senate. Both will have to contend with slim majorities and governing strategies moving forward.
As President-Elect Donald Trump prepares for his next term, he has been quick to share big ideas but has also provided a more orderly transition — a lesson learned from his first term. His agenda includes immigration and the debt ceiling — as well as a significant a tax bill to address expiring tax codes — and his team has actively been reaching out to NAHB to discuss housing policies.
“They’re calling us. I get emails every other day, it seems like,” Tobin shared, with a goal to hit the ground running. “It’s going to be a busy couple of years, no doubt. They’re always busy, but this one seems like a lot of activity.”
NAHB has already been active in addressing policy by filing a lawsuit, along with 15 state attorneys general, against the Department of Urban and Housing Development’s (HUD) energy mandate.
“I love being aggressive,” Tobin stated. “This is a real opportunity for us to take the political moment that housing and housing supply is enjoying and turning it into a policy moment. This is the opening salvo of that.”
Tobin and Lopez also pay tribute to former President Jimmy Carter. Carter supported housing and was a steward for Habitat for Humanity, which has been a great partner for many of state and local home builders associations, and been supported by builder and supplier efforts.
Listen to the full episode of the podcast below, and subscribe to Housing Development through your favorite podcast provider or watch all the episodes on YouTube.
Latest from NAHBNow
Jun 27, 2025
Supreme Court Limits Nationwide InjunctionsIn a case that could have far-reaching consequences for NAHB members, the Supreme Court today issued a 6-3 ruling that would limit the use of nationwide universal injunctions. A universal injunction stops the defendant from taking an action against anyone, anywhere.
Jun 27, 2025
National Housing Center Awards Recognize Outstanding Industry LegendsSeveral industry leaders were recently honored for their contributions to the housing industry during the National Housing Center Awards Ceremony on June 10 in Washington, D.C. Learn more about the recipients and how to nominate individuals for the awards.
Latest Economic News
Jun 27, 2025
State and Local Property Tax Revenue Grows in the First QuarterIn the first quarter of 2025, state and local governments experienced an increase in property tax revenue growth. On a seasonally adjusted basis, state and local government property tax revenue grew 1.1% over the quarter, according to the Census Bureau’s quarterly summary of state and local tax revenue.
Jun 26, 2025
Mortgage Rates Hold Steady Despite Modest Uptick in Treasury YieldAverage mortgage rates were flat in June, according to Freddie Mac. The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage held at 6.82%, while the 15-year stayed at 5.95%. Compared to a year ago, the 30-year rate is down 10 basis points (bps), and the 15-year rate is 24 bps lower.
Jun 26, 2025
State-Level Employment Situation: May 2025Nonfarm payroll employment increased in 37 states in May compared to the previous month, while it decreased in 10 states and the District of Columbia. The three remaining states, Alaska, Delaware, and New Jersey reported no change. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nationwide total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 139,000 in May following a gain of 147,000 jobs in April.