Ricketts Introduces Package to Make Housing More Affordable for Nebraskans
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced three bills to increase housing access and make housing more attainable for all Nebraskans. The package includes the Improving Housing Access Act and theHousing for America’s Middle-Class Act to explore existing programs that would expand housing opportunity for disabled, senior, and middle-class Nebraskans. The package also includes the Rural Housing Regulatory Relief Act to cut through the costly red tape, a significant barrier to homeownership in rural communities.
“In Nebraska, the dream of home ownership is becoming more difficult,” said Ricketts. “Red tape and regulations drive up the cost of housing development. These bills make the dream of home ownership more affordable for Nebraskans. They will identify how we can get more hardworking citizens who serve our communities into homes. These bills will support our rural communities and expand housing access for all.”
The Improving Housing Access Act would:
- Seek opportunities to remove barriers and improve the quality of housing for seniors and to increase housing accessibility for Americans with disabilities.
- Direct the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study the effects of capital advancement for supportive housing for the low-income, elderly, and disabled.
Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY-17). This bill passed the House in February 2026.
Bill text can be found here.
The Housing for America’s Middle-Class Act would:
- Direct the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study income parameters for workforce housing and make recommendations to Congress on how federal housing policy can better serve middle-income earners.
- Require GAO
- Highlight existing issues with housing affordability for the middle class and identify existing tax credits, grants, and other programs that could alleviate these burdens.
Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Representatives Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05). The bipartisan bill passed the House in February 2026.
Bill text can be found here.
The Rural Housing Regulatory Relief Act would:
- Streamline National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews for excepted housing projects on “infill sites” – locations that already have necessary infrastructure in place for housing development.
- Require the Secretary of Agriculture to produce a report to Congress to share metrics, findings, and recommendations for Congressional action not later than 5 years after it is signed into law.
- Speed up responsible development, adding new housing stock in ready-to-develop rural areas.
Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Representative Eugene Vindman (D-VA-07), alongside Representatives Mike Flood (R-NE-01), Troy Downing (R-MT-02), and Vincente Gonzalez (D-TX-34). The bipartisan bill passed the House in February 2026.
Bill text can be found here.
BACKGROUND
Currently, the average age of a first-time homebuyer is 40 across the country. Just a decade ago, the average first-time homebuyer was 31. The current regulatory environment keeps first-time homebuyers, public servants, seniors, and the disabled out of homes. The cost of regulations and red tape alone accounts for nearly 25% of the cost of a single-family home and 40% for a typical apartment development.
When he was Governor, Ricketts took steps to address this. Nebraska passed a rural workforce housing bill and created a $7 million Rural Workforce Housing Fund. Later, after demonstrated success, the fund was granted an additional $10 million. Nebraska communities applied to the fund for grants, typically to make low-interest loans. The fund helped cover construction costs, down payment assistance, and technical assistance. This simple and successful program helped homebuilders come to rural communities to build houses and apartment buildings to address critical shortages.