House Passes Bill Co-Lead by Olszewski to Close Attainable Housing Shortage

May 20, 2026 Press Release (WASHINGTON, DC) — The U.S. House of Representatives today passed legislation co-led by Maryland Congressman Johnny Olszewski to address the nation’s attainable housing shortage. The Revitalizing Empty Structures Into Desirable Environments (RESIDE) Act creates a new pilot grant program to help local communities rehabilitate vacant buildings into affordable homes. The legislation – which was also introduced by Representatives Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Maria Salazar (FL-27), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) – was included in a broader package titled the 21st Century Road to Housing Act that passed the House in a 396-13 vote. The bill incorporates provisions that will help lower costs by accelerating housing production, moving homes to the market more quickly, and supporting buyers and renters. "The cost of living crisis begins and ends with housing – because if you don’t have a safe roof over your head, little else matters,” Congressman Olszewski said. “Repurposing vacant buildings both meets the growing demand for attainable housing in this economy and revives local spaces. I'm proud to co-lead this creative solution to address the housing crisis affecting every community in our country." The RESIDE Act authorizes a competitive pilot program under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 and will give priority to municipalities with lower regulatory barriers for housing conversion. Maryland is experiencing a severe shortage of attainable housing, with as many as 100,000 units needed to meet current demand, according to the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development. That deficit is expected to grow to more than 590,000 new units by 2045. Issues : Economy