Senate Approves the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act

參議院通過《21世紀住房之路法案》

Jun 22, 2026, 22:50

Introduction

The United States Senate has passed a bipartisan law designed to lower housing costs and increase the number of available homes across the country.

美國參議院通過了一項由兩黨共同支持的法律，旨在降低住房成本並增加全國可用房屋的數量。

Main Body

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act was created after the Senate Banking Committee and the House Financial Services Committee reached an agreement, ending months of disagreement. The law aims to solve a serious shortage of homes, which has caused house prices to rise significantly since the 2007-2009 financial crisis. A key part of the bill is a limit on institutional investors, who can now only own up to 350 single-family homes. This rule is intended to reduce the power of large investment firms in the residential market. However, this limit only applies to existing homes, not new buildings, and companies that already own more than 350 homes are not forced to sell them.

《21世紀住房之路法案》是在參議院銀行委員會與眾議院金融服務委員會達成協議後制定的，結束了數個月的分歧。該法旨在解決嚴重的房屋短缺問題，此問題導致房價自 2007-2009 年金融危機以來大幅上升。法案的一個關鍵部分是對機構投資者設定限制，目前他們最多僅能擁有 350 棟單一家庭住宅。此規則旨在減少大型投資公司在住宅市場的影響力。然而，此限制僅適用於現有房屋，不包括新建築，且原先擁有超過 350 棟房屋的公司無需強制出售。

To encourage more building, the Act introduces several changes to regulations. For example, it creates pre-approved building designs, simplifies environmental reviews, and updates rules for manufactured housing. Furthermore, the government will provide $200 million annually for five years through an Innovation Fund to help local areas that successfully increase their housing supply. Additionally, the bill allows for pilot programs to turn empty commercial buildings into affordable homes and makes it easier to get small-dollar mortgages.

為了鼓勵更多建築，該法案對法規引入了幾項變更。例如，它建立了預先核准的建築設計，簡化了環境審查，並更新了 prefabricated housing（預製房屋）的規則。此外，政府將透過創新基金在五年內每年提供 2 億美元，以幫助成功增加住房供應的地區。此外，法案允許推行試行計畫，將空置的商業建築轉化為可負擔住房，並使申請小額抵押貸款更加容易。

Opinions on whether the law will work are mixed. Supporters, such as Senators Tim Scott and Elizabeth Warren, emphasized that the measure is a strong strategy to remove regulatory obstacles and stop corporations from dominating the market. On the other hand, some analysts asserted that investors might avoid the ownership cap by splitting their properties into smaller companies. Moreover, some lawmakers criticized the bill because it does not fully reform the permit process and does not provide new federal funding.

關於該法律是否有效，意見不一。支持者（如參議員 Tim Scott 和 Elizabeth Warren）強調，此措施是清除監管障礙並阻止企業主導市場的強力策略。另一方面，部分分析師則認為，投資者可能會透過將其物業拆分至較小的公司來規避所有權上限。此外，一些立法者批評該法案未能全面改革許可程序，且未提供新的聯邦資金。

Conclusion

The bill is now waiting for a vote in the House of Representatives and is expected to be signed by the president once approved.

該法案目前正等待眾議院投票，預計在通過後由總統簽署。

Vocabulary Learning

🚀 Moving Beyond 'And', 'But', and 'So'

At an A2 level, you likely connect your ideas with simple words. To reach B2, you need to use Connectors of Sophistication. These words don't just join sentences; they tell the reader how the ideas relate.

🛠️ The 'B2 Upgrade' Toolset

Look at these transitions from the text and see how they change the 'flavor' of the writing:

Instead of 'Also' $\rightarrow$ Use Furthermore or Additionally
- A2: The government will give money. Also, it will help with mortgages.
- B2: The government will provide $200 million... Furthermore, the bill allows for pilot programs...
- Why? These words signal that you are adding a new, professional layer of information to your argument.
Instead of 'But' $\rightarrow$ Use However or On the other hand
- A2: The law limits homes, but it doesn't apply to new buildings.
- B2: However, this limit only applies to existing homes...
- B2: On the other hand, some analysts asserted that investors might avoid the cap...
- Why? 'But' is a quick pivot. 'However' and 'On the other hand' create a formal contrast, showing you can balance two different perspectives.
Instead of 'Because' $\rightarrow$ Use Moreover (for adding weight) or Since
- A2: Prices rose because there was a crisis.
- B2: ...which has caused house prices to rise significantly since the 2007-2009 financial crisis.

💡 Pro Tip for Fluency

Notice how the text uses 'Moreover'. It is used when the writer wants to add a point that is even more important or critical than the last one. It's like saying, "And here is an even bigger problem."

The B2 Logic Map: Furthermore $\rightarrow$ Adding a similar point. Moreover $\rightarrow$ Adding a stronger, supporting point. However $\rightarrow$ Introducing a contradiction. On the other hand $\rightarrow$ Presenting an opposite opinion.

Vocabulary Learning

bipartisan (adj.)

Involving the agreement or cooperation of two opposing political parties

Example:The senate passed a bipartisan bill to ensure that both parties supported the new housing law.

institutional (adj.)

Relating to large organizations, such as banks or insurance companies, rather than individuals

Example:Institutional investors often have more capital to buy properties than private buyers.

residential (adj.)

Designed for people to live in, rather than for business or commercial use

Example:The city is planning to build more residential areas to accommodate the growing population.

regulations (n.)

Official rules or laws that control how something is done

Example:The government introduced new safety regulations for all construction sites.

emphasized (v.)

To give special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing

Example:The manager emphasized the importance of meeting the deadline for the project.

obstacles (n.)

Things that block one's way or prevent progress

Example:Lack of funding was the main obstacle to completing the research.

asserted (v.)

Stated a fact or belief confidently and forcefully

Example:The lawyer asserted that his client was innocent of all charges.

reform (v.)

To make changes in something in order to improve it

Example:The government is trying to reform the healthcare system to make it more affordable.

Practice B2 words in a crossword→