The Unlocking Housing Supply Through Streamlined and Modernized Reviews Act ... to right-size National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) review for small scale housing projects, which will simplify the review process and get projects to construction faster.
Right-size National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review for small scale housing projects to simplify the process and speed up construction.
Occurrences
The Unlocking Housing Supply Through Streamlined and Modernized Reviews Act to right-size National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) reviews for small scale housing projects, which will simplify the review process and get projects to construction faster.
Evidence
Senators Andy Kim and Mike Rounds introduced the 'Unlocking Housing Supply Through Streamlined and Modernized Reviews Act' to right-size National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review for small-scale housing projects, aiming to simplify the review process and expedite construction.
Senator Andy Kim delivered remarks on the Senate Floor in support of the '21st Century ROAD to Housing Act,' which includes provisions from the 'Unlocking Housing Supply Through Streamlined and Modernized Reviews Act' to streamline NEPA reviews for small-scale housing projects.
Senators Andy Kim and Mike Rounds introduced bipartisan legislation, including the Unlocking Housing Supply Through Streamlined and Modernized Reviews Act, to modernize the NEPA review process for HUD-funded housing projects. The bill aims to reclassify certain projects to more pragmatic environmental review frameworks, streamline outdated requirements, and remove roadblocks to converting vacant spaces and revitalizing existing homes.
The Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee unanimously voted to advance multiple bills led by Senator Andy Kim, including the Unlocking Housing Supply Through Streamlined and Modernized Reviews Act, to address the housing shortage and create affordable homeownership paths. This legislation aims to modernize the NEPA review process to increase housing production and lower costs.
Senator Andy Kim delivered remarks on the Senate Floor in support of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which includes provisions to modernize the NEPA review process for small-scale housing projects. He emphasized the need to balance strong environmental protections with reducing inefficient red tape to build more houses for families.
On March 11, 2026, Senator Andy Kim delivered remarks on the Senate Floor advocating for the final passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. This bipartisan housing package includes provisions from Senator Kim's previously introduced legislation aimed at modernizing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review process for small-scale housing projects. The bill seeks to streamline environmental reviews to expedite construction and increase housing supply.
On July 24, 2025, Senators Andy Kim and Mike Rounds introduced bipartisan legislation, including the Unlocking Housing Supply Through Streamlined and Modernized Reviews Act, aimed at modernizing the NEPA review process for HUD-funded housing projects. The proposed legislation seeks to reclassify certain projects to be subject to more pragmatic and tailored environmental review frameworks, thereby simplifying the process and speeding up construction.
On July 29, 2025, the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee unanimously voted to advance multiple bills led by Senator Andy Kim, including the Unlocking Housing Supply Through Streamlined and Modernized Reviews Act. This advancement indicates progress toward simplifying the NEPA review process for small-scale housing projects.
Congress.gov's CRS summary for H.R. 6644 says the bill would exempt certain housing-related activities from the federal environmental review process, including work on residential buildings.
Congress.gov lists the latest action on H.R. 6644 as 'Senate - 02/11/2026 Received in the Senate' and shows the bill status as 'Passed House.'
The House Clerk records Roll Call 57 on H.R. 6644 as passed, with a 390-9 vote on Feb. 9, 2026.
Assessments
Kim materially advanced this promise in his current Senate term but had not fully delivered the policy change by June 20, 2026. He co-introduced the Unlocking Housing Supply Through Streamlined and Modernized Reviews Act in July 2025 specifically to streamline NEPA-style review for HUD-funded small-scale housing projects, then moved it through the Senate Banking Committee. Its provisions were later incorporated into the broader 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which Kim publicly backed and which passed the Senate. But the promised outcome was to actually right-size the review process, and the broader housing package had not yet completed final congressional passage and become law by the evaluation date. That makes this meaningful same-term progress with clear candidate credit, but not full delivery yet.
Senator Andy Kim introduced and advanced legislation specifically targeting the right-sizing of NEPA review for small-scale housing projects. His bill advanced unanimously out of committee and was incorporated into a broader housing package that he advocated for actively on the Senate floor. However, there is no direct evidence that these provisions became law or were fully enacted. Significant and sustained legislative action demonstrates meaningful effort, but the promise was not fully delivered given the absence of final enactment.
Senator Andy Kim made a significant legislative effort to fulfill his promise to right-size NEPA review for small scale housing projects. He introduced relevant legislation, advocated for its passage, and advanced the bill unanimously in committee. However, there is no evidence that the legislation was fully enacted or that the promised outcome (implemented, streamlined NEPA process) was delivered by law. Thus, the promise was partially fulfilled with substantial effort shown.