Advocacy Update, continued from page 1
due to those investments being needed for build-to-rent housing. The success of grassroots advocacy has been demonstrated to be effective, as in the weeks following our meetings, the Senate voted to approve the housing package and dropped the aforementioned provision, meaning build-to-rent housing options are protected. As of the writing of this article, the bill has passed the House and the Senate and is awaiting President Trump’s signature. 2 - Workforce Development Dallas BA asked our members of Congress to pass the CONSTRUCTS Act. This bipartisan legislation will help prepare young adults for careers in the trades. And the DIGNITY Act would secure the border and create a work authorization process for immigrant workers, which requires clear and stringent criteria. With a shortage of more than 200,000 construction workers, and the reality that home builders will need to add 2.2 million new workers over the next three years, the need for trades and laborers is a major factor in the cost, and even attainability, of needed homes. 3 - Address Permitting Obstacles Dallas BA thanked our House members who voted for permitting reform, including needed changes to the permitting process related to the Clean Water Act. Specifically, home builders are asking Congress to increase the acreage threshold for Nationwide permits to three acres and extend the duration of nationwide permits from five to 10 years. This would ensure small developments can still be completed and provide needed homes, as well as preventing a very costly reapplication for a permit in the middle of project construction. The Association also urged our members of Congress to do what they can as those reforms work their way through the Senate. 4 - Protect Energy Choice Dallas BA urged passage of the Energy Choice Act, legislation that protects housing affordability, consumer choice, and energy reliability. The Energy Choice Act would prevent cities and states from banning the use of natural gas in new homes. Energy choice helps keep housing and utility costs affordable for families. Recent analysis found that homes using natural gas appliances can save consumers up to $12,000 over 15 years compared to all- electric homes. The bottom line is it should be the consumers’ choice. During our day on the Hill, Dallas BA members and staff, along with members
Dallas BA and Greater Fort Worth BA members and staff with Congressman Marc Veasey. Pictured: Don Allen, Tim Jackson, Heather Laminack, Congressman Marc Veasey, and David Lehde.
Dallas BA members and staff with Congressman Keith Self. Pictured: Eric Tate, Matt Robinson, Tim Jackson, Congressman Keith Self, David Lehde, Stephen Candy
from the Greater Fort Worth Builders Association, met with U.S. Representatives Lance Gooden, Julie Johnson, Keith Self, and Marc Veasey. We also visited with legislative staff from the offices of Jasmine Crockett, Pat Fallon, Brandon Gill, Ronny Jackson, and Beth Van Duyne. Dallas BA staff took the opportunity to visit with Representative Jake Ellzey prior to June 10. We appreciate our members of Congress welcoming us to discuss important housing policy. AUGUST 12 CLAY SHOOT BENEFITTING ADVOCACY EFFORTS Registration is now open for the HOMEPAC Shootout, presented by BGE, Inc., to be held Wednesday, August 12. The clay shoot benefits HOMEPAC of Greater Dallas. This is a fun opportunity to support Dallas BA advocacy and enjoy the outdoors. The clay shoot will be hosted at the famed Elm Fork Shooting Sports facilities in Dallas. Registration and breakfast begin at 8 a.m., followed by the clay shoot at 9 a.m. Lunch and posting of results will follow the shoot. The event format will be four-person teams. Partnerships are available at multiple levels. Registration and partner information can be found HERE . You can also contact the Director of Government Affairs at David.Lehde@DallasBuilders.com .
THE HOME BUILDER | JULY 2026
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