August 23, 2026 to August 29, 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
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense: Hearing on Industrial Base and Workforce Development for Skilled Trades – September 4: Scheduled for September 4, 2026 at College of the Canyons Performing Arts Center, Santa Clarita, CA, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense will hold a hearing on workforce development in skilled trades and industrial base policy relating to construction. Witnesses include officials from the Department of War, Huntington Ingalls Industries, and Pennsylvania College of Technology.
• House Financial Services: Hearing on Strengthening the American Economy – September 2: On September 2, 2026 at 2:00 PM in Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2128, the House Financial Services Committee will address growth and opportunity in the American economy. Presentations will focus on economic factors relevant to property development and housing finance.
• House Education and Workforce Subcommittee: 'Less Red Tape, More Opportunity' Hearing – September 2: On September 2, 2026 at 2:15 PM in Rayburn House Office Building Room 2175, the Workforce Protections Subcommittee will convene to discuss regulatory burdens and opportunities for job creators, including those in skilled trades and construction.

Federal Government News

White House Declares National Emergency on Bulk-Power System Security

Executive Order 14420, issued on August 26, 2026, declares a national emergency to protect the U.S. bulk-power system from threats posed by foreign-produced electric equipment. The order prohibits transactions involving high-risk equipment and authorizes the Secretary of Energy to implement mitigation measures and establish criteria for pre-qualified vendors. Federal procurement policies will be revised to prioritize U.S.-manufactured infrastructure components. Definitions for terms such as 'bulk-power system' and 'Covered Foreign Entity' are included, and the Secretary must report to Congress on actions taken. This directive aims to counter vulnerabilities such as digital backdoors and supply chain disruptions within the nation's critical energy infrastructure.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

HUD Solicits Public Comments on Information Collection for Public Housing Capital Fund Program

HUD published a 60-day notice on August 28, 2026, inviting comments on proposed extensions of information collection for its Public Housing Capital Fund Program (OMB Control No. 2577-0157). The forms required under the program are used by 2,771 public housing agencies for modernization, development, financing, and management improvements, with an estimated total burden of 274,599 hours and $10,270,233 annually. Comments are due by October 27, 2026 at regulations.gov, referencing applicable OMB Control Numbers. Funding allocation is handled via a complex formula and PHAs must submit a Capital Fund Financing Program application for bonds or loans under the program.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Extension Request for Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Requirements

On August 27, 2026, EPA submitted an information collection request seeking a 30-day extension for mandatory reporting and recordkeeping related to lead-based paint hazards in residential properties (EPA ICR Number 1710.10). The disclosure requirements cover sellers, lessors, and real estate agents, affecting an estimated 39,979,082 respondents and imposing total annual burdens of 4,456,371 hours and $130,820,508 in costs. Supporting documents are available in the EPA public docket, and stakeholders may submit comments through September 28, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

VA Construction and Facilities Management Stakeholder Feedback Survey Under OMB Review

The Department of Veterans Affairs issued a notice on August 27, 2026, regarding the CFM Stakeholder Feedback Survey (OMB Control No. 2900-0931). The survey targets project team members in major construction and lease projects, including private contractors in architecture, engineering, construction, and property development. Administered twice a year for each project, the survey assesses team performance across four business lines, with an estimated annual respondent count of 544 and a total burden of 73 hours. Summary results are provided to CFM leadership via secure dashboards.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Department of Energy Extends BPA Realty Information Collection

On August 27, 2026, the Department of Energy requested a three-year extension for its BPA Realty information collection (OMB Control No. 1910-5205), which manages public use applications for BPA right-of-way. The revised collection form asks additional questions to assess interference with BPA land rights, and estimates 400 respondents annually, each submitting one form for a total burden of 464 hours and $143,802. Comments are accepted through September 28, 2026 via reginfo.gov.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Our current housing crisis began in 2008 — and it never ended: Article explores the ongoing shortage in U.S. housing production since the financial crisis.
• Opinion | The Federal Housing Administration is Fine: An editorial examines FHA stability amid current housing market conditions.
• Federal Judge Blocks HUD Funding Changes: Federal court issues injunction halting new HUD funding provisions tied to fair housing.
• Mold Is Driving America’s Homeowners Crazy—and They Want Builders to Pay: Homeowners pursue legal remedies against builders over mold-related construction defects.
• Can Rent Control Fix the Housing Crisis?: Brief video examines the efficacy of rent control policies in addressing housing scarcity.
• Opinion | We Know How to Solve the Housing Crisis. We Just Have to Remember.: Author discusses past solutions to housing shortages and their relevance today.
• Investigators Say White House Construction Was a Factor in Marine One Incident: Investigators reference White House renovation activity in assessing a recent helicopter incident.
• China moves to curb housing presales to shore up market confidence: Chinese authorities adjust presale practices to bolster homeowner and developer assurance.

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