Lawler, Gottheimer Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Expand Housing Mobility

Washington, D.C. – 10/28/26… Last week, Congressman Mike Lawler and Congressman Josh Gottheimer ( NJ-05) introduced the bipartisan American Home Mobility Act , legislation designed to help increase housing mobility by making it easier for long-term homeowners to relocate without an immediate tax burden. Under current federal law, the tax-deferral benefit for the like-kind exchanges applies to investment or business real estate, not personal residences. “Across the Hudson Valley and throughout the country, many long-term homeowners remain in homes that no longer fit their needs because moving can trigger a substantial tax liability. At the same time, families looking to buy a home are facing an extremely tight housing market. The American Home Mobility Act would help remove barriers that discourage homeowners from relocating, freeing up existing housing inventory and creating more opportunities for families and first time buyers,” said Congressman Lawler. “New Jersey homeowners who have spent decades building a life in their community shouldn’t be hit with a massive tax bill just for moving to a home that fits their needs. Too many seniors live in homes that are too costly or no longer fit their needs because selling would trigger a massive tax hit. This bipartisan bill lets longtime homeowners change homes without that penalty, freeing up housing for young families, and giving folks the chance to stay close to the people and places they love,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) Full text of the bill can be found HERE. Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs. ###