July 19, 2026 to July 25, 2026

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.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

White House Offers Aluminum Tariff Incentives for U.S. Production

President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation modifying Section 232 aluminum tariffs, authorizing an incentive program: approved companies building or expanding U.S. smelters may import primary aluminum at reduced rates. The Secretary of Commerce will oversee applications, criteria, and compliance, with tariff benefits rescinded if commitments are unmet. The proclamation also permits changes to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule and mandates continued monitoring of aluminum imports for national security risks. The White House fact sheet confirms the program targets critical military supply chains and domestic production capacity. These trade and tariff measures are part of a broader effort to reshore key industries.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov, www.whitehouse.gov

Commerce Finalizes Countervailing Duties on Plywood Imports from Vietnam and China

The Department of Commerce issued final determinations of countervailable subsidies for hardwood and decorative plywood imports from Vietnam and China, covering the period January–December 2024. For Vietnamese producers, subsidy rates reached 165.39% for Junma Phu Tho Co., Ltd., and 47.68% for others; Junma was subject to adverse facts available due to incomplete verification. In China, all companies received an 88.96% subsidy rate, based on adverse facts available after non-cooperation from mandatory respondents. Both notices exclude structural plywood, bamboo products, and certain furniture components. Commerce has instructed U.S. Customs and Border Protection to suspend liquidation and require deposits on subject entries, pending the International Trade Commission's injury determination.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov

OSHA Reopens Rulemaking Record for Lead Standards

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has reopened the record for public comment regarding revisions to Lead standards (29 CFR 1910.1025 and 1926.62), following review by the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH). Written comments on the proposal, meant to update technology and align respiratory protection requirements, are invited through August 21, 2026 via regulations.gov. ACCSH recommendations, submitted during April and May 2026, are available for review in the rulemaking docket.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

HUD Seeks Comment on Survey of Market Absorption of New Multifamily Units

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued a 30-day notice proposing extension of its Survey of Market Absorption (SOMA) of new multifamily units. The survey tracks quarterly absorption rates—renting or selling—of new rental and condominium units during the first 12 months after completion. With 12,000 respondents providing data on asking price, unit count, and bedroom numbers, HUD collects 48,000 responses annually. The survey aids analysis of new construction’s effectiveness in meeting public demand. Comments are due August 24, 2026 via www.reginfo.gov.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NIST Construction Safety Team Advisory Committee Sets September Meeting

The National Construction Safety Team (NCST) Advisory Committee, under the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), has scheduled an open virtual meeting for September 23–24, 2026. The agenda will cover investigative progress on Hurricane Maria impacts in Puerto Rico and the Champlain Towers South collapse in Florida, as well as responses to the Committee's 2025 recommendations. Registration is required by September 16, with further details provided on the NIST disaster studies web page.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Bureau of Land Management Solicits Comments on Resource Planning and Logging Road Data

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) seeks public input on extensions of two information collections: Resource Management Planning (OMB 1004-0212) and Tramroads and Logging Roads (OMB 1004-0168). The resource management collection covers land use protest and coordination with state governments, with 131 annual responses averaging 15 hours each. The Tramroads and Logging Roads collection enables fee calculation for timber transport by private landowners in western Oregon, affecting about 1,088 respondents. Deadlines for comment are September 22 (resource planning) and August 21 (logging roads).

Sources: www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov

Foreign-Trade Zone Production Activity Authorized for Modular Steel Buildings in Washington

The Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ) Board authorized, on a limited basis, production activity for PINNACLEMOD LLC's facility in FTZ 173 (Aberdeen, Washington), covering prefabricated modular steel buildings. Specific restrictions apply: wood flooring and doors (HTSUS Chapter 44) must enter in privileged foreign status, and entry/duty payment is required for steel, aluminum, or derivative components unless Section 232 drawback is available. The authorization follows a public comment process and FTZ Board review.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

CLAIM Act Introduced

Bill 5049, titled the CLAIM Act, was read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Further legislative action is pending.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill to Increase Housing Supply Referred to Multiple Committees

Bill 9934 aims to increase housing supply in the United States. The bill was referred to the Committee on Financial Services and additionally to the Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce Committees for further consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Minimum Visitability Standards Proposed for Federally Assisted Single-Family Homes

Bill 5125, mandating minimum visitability standards for newly constructed, federally assisted single-family houses and town houses, was read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Expanding the Fast Track Act of 2026 Advances to Subcommittee Hearings

Bill 8003 (Expanding the Fast Track Act of 2026) pertains to transportation and public works and underwent subcommittee hearings. Details of amendments or votes are not yet available.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Federal Relocation Payment Improvement Act Moves to Senate Committee

Bill 6330, the Federal Relocation Payment Improvement Act, was received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs for further review.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• A For-Profit Path to Keeping Housing Affordable: Developers pursue profit-driven models for affordable housing projects.
• Fair Housing Groups Sue HUD Over Funding Changes: Advocacy groups initiated legal action against HUD for recent changes to housing funding.
• Trump’s Clashing Goals: More Housing, Fewer Immigrants: The Trump administration faces challenges balancing housing expansion with restrictive immigration policies.
• US to spend $5 billion on health, construction research powered by AI: Federal funds allocated to AI-powered health and construction research initiatives.
• Trump Administration Signs Contract for Long-Term National Guard Housing in D.C.: Agreement signed for extended National Guard troop housing in Washington, D.C.
• America In Focus: New tariffs, soaring gas, mortgages and a down week for Wall Street: U.S. economy affected by new tariffs, high gas and mortgage rates, and declining stock market.
• You’ve Just Won… the Chance to Buy a House: Chicago holds a housing raffle offering a limited opportunity to prospective buyers.

.