July 26, 2026 to August 01, 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

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

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee: Hearing on Empowering Main Street by Unlocking Access to Capital: The Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee will hold an open hearing titled 'Empowering Main Street by Unlocking Access to Capital' on August 6, 2026, in Dirksen Senate Office Building Room 538.

Federal Government News

Presidential Safeguard Measure Imposed on Quartz Surface Product Imports

The U.S. President has issued a proclamation instituting a tariff-rate quota on imports of quartz surface products, following a U.S. International Trade Commission determination that increased imports caused serious injury to the domestic sector. Effective August 15, 2026, the measure sets annual quotas and tariffs for four years, with provisions for modifying or terminating based on new industry conditions. Exemptions apply to imports from specific countries, including Canada, Mexico, South Korea, and several others, as they were not deemed substantial contributors to the injury. The U.S. Trade Representative may adjust measures in response to surges or circumvention. The proclamation ensures alignment with existing trade laws and agreements and directs agencies to implement its requirements.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Presidential Determination Invokes Defense Production Act for Critical Minerals and Materials

President Donald J. Trump issued a memorandum under Section 101 of the Defense Production Act, determining that recoverable critical minerals and materials—including black mass and rare-earth metal scrap—are vital for national defense and that civilian supply cannot meet requirements without disruption. The Secretary of Commerce is directed to regulate the import and export of these resources accordingly. The accompanying fact sheet outlines export restriction authority delegated to the Secretary of Commerce, noting the national reliance on imports for critical minerals used in defense equipment and advanced systems. The move follows several recent executive orders to address supply chain vulnerabilities and reinforce domestic mineral production capacity.

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

Presidential Permit Issued for Brownsville and Matamoros Bridge Operations

A Presidential Memorandum dated July 30, 2026, grants Cameron County, Texas, the right to own, operate, and maintain the Brownsville and Matamoros Bridge at the U.S.-Mexico border. The permit is governed by ten articles requiring compliance with relevant federal, state, and local laws, maintenance responsibilities, notifications of ownership changes, and adherence to operating conditions. Substantial modifications or transfers necessitate further presidential approval, and the permit may be revoked or amended at the President's discretion.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

HUD Proposes Expanded Housing Discrimination Complaint Data Collection

The Department of Housing and Urban Development issued a notice seeking public comment on a proposed information collection for the Housing Discrimination Complaint Form HUD 903. The extension allows electronic and mail submissions and is intended to provide enhanced information for complaints under the Fair Housing Act and related civil rights statutes. Annual estimates include 51,442 respondents, 38,581.5 burden hours, and an annual cost of $945,632.57. Comments are due by August 31, 2026, using platforms such as www.reginfo.gov.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Department of Labor Soliciting Input on Housing Occupancy Certificates

The Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division published a comment request regarding extension of information collection requirements for Housing Occupancy Certificates under the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act. The certificates verify compliance with safety and health standards at facilities housing migrant agricultural workers, with requirements to post certificates and retain originals for three years. The proposed extension maintains the existing requirements. Written comments are due by September 25, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

HUD Announces Proposed Rural Capacity Building (RCB) Program Reporting Requirements

HUD seeks approval for continued information collection concerning its Rural Capacity Building program supporting affordable housing and community development in rural areas. Reporting requirements for national nonprofit grantees include activation, action plans, semi-annual reports, and voucher submissions. The estimated annual paperwork burden is 680 hours and $29,627.60. The comment period is open through August 27, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Proposes Approval of Missouri Construction Permit Exemption Rule Revisions

The Environmental Protection Agency published a proposed rule approving revisions to Missouri's State Implementation Plan for construction permit exemptions. Changes refine emergency generator exemptions, update cross-references, and adjust recordkeeping requirements. The EPA finds the revisions meet Clean Air Act requirements and is soliciting public comment until August 31, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Privacy Act Notice: HUD Launches Enterprise Identity and Credential Access Management System

HUD announced the establishment of the Enterprise Identity and Credential Access Management (EICAM) system under the Privacy Act of 1974, consolidating user access controls and introducing Zero Trust Architecture. The system leverages Okta for digital identities and Socure for identity proofing, supporting secure access through MFA and SSO. EICAM covers employees, contractors, partners, and beneficiaries, storing data with encryption and restricted access. Comments on the notice are open through August 31, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Commerce Department: Non-Infrastructure Metrics Collection for EDA Grantees

The Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration submitted an information collection request covering Non-Infrastructure Metrics for EDA-funded grantees, consolidating several forms to streamline data entry and reduce respondent burden. The initiative aims to support transparency and accountability in EDA investments. Estimated annual burden is 1,475 hours at a cost of $96,878. Comments are invited within 30 days of publication.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Labor Department Proposes Extension of Hazard Communication (HazCom) Data Collection for Mine Operators

The Mine Safety and Health Administration of the Department of Labor seeks input on extending its Hazard Communication (HazCom) information collection for mine operators under 30 CFR Part 47. The requirements support the evaluation and communication of chemical hazards at mines. Annual estimates include 18,648 respondents, 760,972 responses, and 196,914 burden hours. Comments must be submitted by September 25, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

To exempt certain home building products from certain tariffs imposed on or after January 20, 2025, and for other purposes.

Bill 9977 has been referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and the Committee on Rules. This legislation proposes to exempt certain home building products from tariffs introduced since January 2025, contingent on committee consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Recycling Infrastructure and Data Accountability Act

Bill 9987 was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The act addresses accountability and infrastructure improvements related to recycling data.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Pathway to Trades Act

Bill 9955 is before the House Committee on Education and Workforce. The bill concerns enhancements to vocational pathways and trade job opportunities.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A bill to amend the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for Carey Act Projects

Senate Bill 1257 was ordered to be reported without amendment by the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The measure expands eligible projects under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, particularly those tied to Carey Act provisions.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Guaranteed Disaster Assistance Act

Bill 10002 is referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The legislation provides for guaranteed disaster assistance and related program changes.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, for courthouse construction and maintenance.

Bill 5194 was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. Proposed changes include improved maintenance, alteration, and construction of federal courthouses.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Railroad Retirement Board Stability Act of 2026

Bill 4965 deals with transportation and public works. The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee ordered it reported with a substitute amendment.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Gateway Partnership Act

Bill 2767 addresses public lands and natural resources; it was ordered to be reported with an amendment by the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Gateway Partnership Act

Bill 5254, concerning public lands and natural resources, was ordered to be reported without amendment favorably by the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Safe Spaces for All Act

Bill 9966 has been referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the Committee on Homeland Security. The bill proposes measures related to safe spaces in public infrastructure.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To require interagency disaster relief data sharing

Bill 9992 requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and the Administrators of FEMA and SBA, to establish a memorandum of understanding for sharing disaster relief data. The bill is referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Trying to Make a Buck Off a Data Center, One 6-Pack at a Time: Local businesses adapt to new opportunities arising from data center construction workforces.
• America In Focus: US economy expands at sluggish pace, mortgage rate hit the highest level in a year: Mortgage rates reach yearly high as US economic growth remains slow.
• Homes for Sale in Manhattan and Brooklyn: Manhattan and Brooklyn see listings with varied pricing in a fluid housing market.
• What You Need to Know About Installing Plug-In Solar Panels: Guide explains installation process and practical considerations for plug-in solar panels.
• Homes for Sale in Connecticut and New York: Connecticut and New York neighborhoods display a range of available residential properties.
• Regulators propose overhaul to law governing how banks lend to low-and-middle income communities: Federal regulators recommend changes to the Community Reinvestment Act to refine bank lending rules.
• To Recruit Teachers, School Districts Are Building Homes: Multiple districts develop housing projects for teachers to address recruitment challenges.
• Small changes in Hanoi’s streets can mean big disruptions for those who depend on them: Redevelopment efforts in Hanoi affect livelihoods of local residents tied to neighborhood businesses.

.