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.

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Dates: 2026-02-02 to 2026-02-08

📋 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

• Building a Solid Foundation: Restoring Trust and Transparency in Public Housing Agencies: The House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations will hold a hearing titled "Building a Solid Foundation: Restoring Trust and Transparency in Public Housing Agencies" on February 10, 2026, at 2128 Rayburn House Office Building.
• Priced Out of the American Dream: Understanding the Policies Behind Rising Costs of Housing and Borrowing: The House Financial Services Committee is scheduled for a hearing on "Priced Out of the American Dream: Understanding the Policies Behind Rising Costs of Housing and Borrowing" on February 10, 2026, in 2128 Rayburn House Office Building.
• Homeownership and the Role of the Secondary Mortgage Market: The House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance will convene a hearing entitled "Homeownership and the Role of the Secondary Mortgage Market" on February 11, 2026, in 2128 Rayburn House Office Building.

Federal Government News

FHFA Repeals Fair Lending, Fair Housing, and Equitable Housing Finance Plans Regulation

The Federal Housing Finance Agency issued a final rule on February 6, 2026, repealing 12 CFR part 1293, which codified oversight of fair housing and lending, as well as Equitable Housing Finance Plan (EHFP) requirements for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks. FHFA stated that concluding the regulation aligns with Administration priorities to alleviate regulatory burdens and clarify jurisdiction with other enforcement agencies. The rule's repeal retains statutory fair housing and lending obligations for the regulated entities, including compliance with the Fair Housing Act, Equal Credit Opportunity Act, and affordable housing goals. Comments on the proposed repeal included support from trade associations citing reduced overlap and cost savings, and opposition from consumer groups concerned about loss of broader access initiatives. FHFA asserted its ongoing authority to supervise and enforce compliance under the Safety and Soundness Act. The rule takes effect March 9, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

HUD Extends Compliance Dates for Energy Efficiency Standards in HUD- and USDA-Financed Housing

On February 3, 2026, the Department of Housing and Urban Development announced an extension of compliance deadlines for energy efficiency standards adopted in April 2024. The standards are based on the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code and 2019 ANSI/ASHRAE/IES 90.1. Compliance for most HUD-financed programs, including FHA-Insured Multifamily and Single Family, Public Housing Capital Fund, and Section 8 Project-Based Vouchers, is extended to December 31, 2026. Competitive grants compliance is extended pending FY2026 Notices of Funding Opportunity. The extension allows for review of public comments and additional guidance, especially for Section 8 vouchers. Compliance dates for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program and Housing Trust Fund remain unchanged, but layered-financing projects may utilize the extension.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

HUD Establishes Operating Cost Adjustment Factors for 2026 Multifamily Housing Contracts

HUD published its 2026 operating cost adjustment factors (OCAFs) used for annual rent adjustments in Section 8 multifamily assistance contracts, effective for contract anniversaries on or after February 11, 2026. OCAFs vary by state and are calculated based on weighted changes in cost categories including electricity, wages, fuel, insurance, and taxes, among others. The 2026 factors are publicly available as an appendix to the notice. HUD is soliciting comment on the methodology and data sources for future OCAF determinations, but FY2026 values will not be revised. The notice affirms no significant environmental impact and provides contact details for comment submission.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

President Trump Signs Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2026

On February 3, 2026, President Trump signed H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, into law. The legislation provides federal appropriations through September 30, 2026, covering government operations and industry-relevant activities including housing programs, infrastructure funding, and other appropriations. Official White House briefing materials describe the passage as fulfilling statutory funding requirements.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Buy America Waiver Granted for Port of Los Angeles Rail Mainline/Wilmington Community & Waterfront Pedestrian Grade Separation Bridge Project

The Federal Highway Administration announced a Buy America waiver for the Port of Los Angeles pedestrian bridge project, effective February 7, 2026. The waiver covers procurement of fully locked coil carbon steel cables and specific galvanized attachments, after a nationwide search failed to find domestic manufacturers capable of meeting project requirements. The bridge is funded through a $5 million competitive grant under the DOT’s Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program. The waiver applies only to the bridge project and includes provisions for corrosion protection in a marine environment.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

H.R. 7344 – Review Build America, Buy America Act Implementation for HOME Investment Partnerships Program

H.R. 7344 directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to review the implementation of the Build America, Buy America Act as it applies to the HOME Investment Partnerships Program. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

Sources: www.congress.gov

H.R. 7326 – HUD Grant Competition for Single- and Multi-Family Home Development

H.R. 7326 proposes that the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development conduct a grant competition for developing single- and multi-family homes. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

Sources: www.congress.gov

H.R. 3474 – Federal Mechanical Insulation Act

H.R. 3474, known as the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act, has been placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 411. The bill addresses energy policy and related mechanical insulation standards for federal infrastructure.

Sources: www.congress.gov

H.R. 4690 – Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act

H.R. 4690, titled the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act, is placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 413. The legislation pertains to energy policy and federal facility infrastructure requirements.

Sources: www.congress.gov

H.R. 2999 – Main Street Depositor Protection Act

H.R. 2999, the Main Street Depositor Protection Act, covers finance and the financial sector. Recent action indicated hearings were held in the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Home Builders Turn to White House for Help on Inventory Glut: Builders seek federal assistance on unsold housing inventory as market conditions evolve.
• The Housing Market Is Swinging Toward Buyers: Recent data indicate increased buyer leverage as housing inventory rises and prices moderate.
• Congress Targets Housing Crisis as Solutions Elude Trump: Legislative efforts abound but lasting solutions for affordable housing remain in dispute.
• Bipartisan lawmakers pitch new plan for affordability crunch: Congressional caucus introduces proposals aimed at mitigating rising housing costs.
• Why Building Alone Won’t Solve the Housing Crisis: Research finds that increased construction is not sufficient to address affordability challenges.
• US rooftop solar installers cut jobs, restructure as homeowner subsidy expires: Solar installers adjust business strategies amid the expiration of federal homeowner incentives.

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