Reps. Juan Ciscomani and Mike Quigley introduced the Facilitating Accelerated Supply of Targeted (FAST) Housing Act (H.R. 8171) on Apr. 3, a bill aimed at increasing affordable housing supply in the United States.
The bill responds to a longstanding challenge: the gap between housing supply and demand that has made homeownership difficult for many working families. The legislation directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to create a pilot program within one year, encouraging both public and private partners to build more workforce and lower-income housing in communities experiencing growth due to recent federal investments such as those from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Fifteen geographically diverse communities facing significant housing shortages will be selected for competitive grants through this program. In exchange, these communities must work toward solutions that reduce regulatory barriers known to slow down development and increase costs. The pilot aims to identify effective reforms that could be expanded nationwide.
Ciscomani said, “For years, the U.S. has failed to build enough housing to keep up with today’s demand… I’m proud to partner with Congressman Mike Quigley on the bipartisan FAST Housing Act, which cuts red tape, removes barriers to construction, and increases supply for all.” Quigley added, “Experts believe the United States needs more than 5 million homes… The FAST Housing Act will make Chicago, Illinois, and other regions across the country that are facing housing shortages… competitive for millions in federal funds.” He continued by saying that federal funding is tied directly to easing regulatory requirements so more homes can be built faster.
The bill has received support from several organizations including local leadership in southern Arizona. David Godlewski of the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association said it focuses on evidence-based solutions addressing rising costs due to bureaucratic regulations. David Dworkin of the National Housing Conference highlighted its role in expanding workforce and affordable housing near job sites created by recent federal investments.
Michele Stockwell from Bipartisan Policy Center Action praised how it would fast-track construction by removing unnecessary regulatory requirements while leveraging public resources for private investment. La Shelle Dozier of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities stated it would give public authorities another tool for increasing access in areas impacted by new jobs from federal programs like CHIPS or IIJA.
Ciscomani is currently serving in Congress representing Arizona’s 6th district after replacing Ann Kirkpatrick in 2023 according to official records. He was born in Hermosillo, Mexico in 1982; he now lives in Tucson according to AZ Central. He graduated from University of Arizona with a BA degree as reported by Ballotpedia. In both 2022 and 2024 general elections he defeated Kirsten Engel according to AZ Central.
