How NAHB Members Can Bring Real-World Perspective to Housing Policy

NAHB consistently works across all levels of government to address key issues impacting the housing industry, from alleviating the housing affordability crisis and permitting roadblocks to adopting reasonable building codes and promoting careers in the skilled trades. Our members play a critical advocacy role by providing boots-on-the-ground insights on the direct effects of housing policy in day-to-day business.

Through the work of NAHB members and staff, our Federation secured a number of victories for our Federation in 2025 to help improve these day-to-day business endeavors — including the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The bill incorporated several key housing and business provisions that will benefit small businesses and real estate, such as no tax on overtime and tips.

As the end of tax season approaches, NAHB spoke with House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) for her insights on how these tax provisions will help business owners this year, other key issues impacting the housing industry and how NAHB members can best engage in the legislative process.

House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.)

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act included several key tax provisions that may lower taxes for NAHB members and their businesses. What were the most important tax provisions you sought to include, and why do you feel they are important for home builders?

Chairwoman McClain: I spent most of my life building a business from the ground up, so I know exactly what it’s like to sign the front of a paycheck. And I can tell you this: It’s nearly impossible for a business owner to plan, hire, or invest when Washington keeps threatening to change the tax code every 10 years.

That uncertainty kills growth.

That’s why in the Working Families Tax Cuts [previously the One Big Beautiful Bill Act], we made the Trump tax cuts permanent and strengthened key provisions that help small businesses grow and compete.

For starters, we lowered the small business tax rate to 20%. That means small business owners can keep more of the money they worked hard to earn and reinvest it back into their companies, their workers, and their communities.

And I made sure we were looking out for workers, too. That’s why we eliminated taxes on overtime. After all, when you work extra hours to support your family, the government shouldn’t be taking a bigger cut of it.

This is about rewarding hard work, growing our economy, and making sure small businesses and workers can succeed.

The House has introduced a number of bills to improve housing affordability and help support the production of much-needed housing, including the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act, the Promoting Resilient Buildings Act and Keeping Homeownership Costs Down Act.

What do you see as the greatest opportunities for lawmakers to help alleviate the housing affordability crisis?

Chairwoman McClain: The good news is that Congress is finally taking housing seriously. For the first time since I’ve been here, we have a real focus on housing affordability and housing stability for American families.

But this isn’t just talk. We’re actually putting pen to paper and writing policies that will make it easier for Americans to achieve the dream of owning a home.

As a member of the House Financial Services Committee, I was proud to help move the Housing for the 21st Century Act through the House. This legislation modernizes outdated housing programs and cuts the unnecessary red tape that slows down development and drives up costs.

And here’s the key point: We’re doing it without spending another dime of taxpayer money.

That’s the kind of common-sense approach we need: Remove barriers, encourage growth, and help more American families find stability through homeownership.

How can NAHB members support their lawmakers in these and similar housing initiatives, and provide industry insight into issues that impact the housing market and local businesses?

Chairwoman McClain: The best thing NAHB members can do is keep being the real-world voice of the housing industry. In Washington, we debate policy. But you’re the ones actually building the homes and dealing with the consequences of those decisions every day.

When you tell us what’s happening on the ground — whether it’s regulations, material costs, workforce shortages, or financing barriers — it helps us write policies that actually work for builders, small businesses, and American families.

Save the Date: NAHB Legislative Conference on June 10

NAHB members can provide their unique perspectives on key housing industry issues during NAHB’s 2026 Legislative Conference, taking place June 10 during the NAHB Spring Leadership Meeting.

Members can meet directly with their members of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. These meetings are a critical part of the Federation’s advocacy efforts to keep housing issues a priority with federal lawmakers. Your participation can make a difference.

More details will be shared at nahb.org/legcon.