This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news related to residential and commercial construction as well as infrastructure and government initiatives and programs concerning housing and housing affordability. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Dates: 2026-03-22 to 2026-03-28

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Executive Order Prohibits Discriminatory DEI Activities for Federal Contractors

President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order on March 26, 2026, prohibiting racially discriminatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities by federal contractors. The order defines restricted activities as unequal treatment based on race or ethnicity across hiring, promotions, contracting, and program participation. Contractors must report violations and are subject to contract termination or penalties for noncompliance. The Office of Management and Budget will provide guidance and oversee enforcement, while agencies are directed to review compliance. The Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council is required to amend regulations to ensure alignment with the order. The Attorney General may pursue violations under the False Claims Act. The order includes general provisions ensuring implementation within existing statutes and regulations.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Secretary Markwayne Mullin Sworn In to Lead Department of Homeland Security

Markwayne Mullin was confirmed and sworn in as the ninth Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security on March 25, 2026, following bipartisan Senate support. Mullin assumes responsibility for executing President Trump’s priorities, including border security, disaster response, and infrastructure protection. The confirmation drew support from industry groups, law enforcement organizations, and legislators, citing Mullin’s experience as a congressman, senator, and business owner. Industry stakeholders anticipate DHS collaboration under his leadership on public safety, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and law enforcement initiatives. The appointment arrives as calls for increased funding and improved disaster response mechanisms gain attention across sectors.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Legislative Updates

Interagency Coordination Bill for Housing Industry

Bill 4241, aimed at improving interagency coordination to support housing sector businesses, was read twice in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. The bill targets operational and regulatory alignment across agencies impacting housing industry operations.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Grant Program to Enable Purchase of Manufactured Housing Communities

Bill 8047 proposes amendments to the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, empowering the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to create grants that incentivize state laws enabling residents to purchase manufactured housing communities. It is currently before the House Committee on Financial Services.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act of 2025 Advances in Senate

Senate Bill 257, titled Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act of 2025, continues in the Commerce policy area, with hearings held by the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. The bill is intended to address commercial supply chain vulnerabilities for critical materials and goods.

Sources: www.congress.gov

ACPAC Modernization Act Receives Senate Referral

Bill 5663, known as the ACPAC Modernization Act, covers transportation and public works. The legislation has been received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation following House passage. The act intends to update and improve public works administration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Made in America Jobs Act of 2026 Referred in Senate

Bill 7342, the Made in America Jobs Act of 2026, which focuses on labor and employment, was received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. The measure addresses manufacturing and employment standards relevant to domestic industry suppliers.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• The Housing Bargain Hiding in Plain Sight: Explores overlooked strategies for accessing affordable housing in US markets.
• The One Thing Every New Development Must Have: Details trends in mixed-use developments integrating living, working, and recreational spaces.
• The Single-Family Home Gets Caught in a Political Vise: Reviews pressures facing single-family homes amid rental housing shortages and regulatory actions.
• 🏙️ Higher love: The case for building up: Discusses urban development policies favoring increased vertical residential construction.

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