U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler is one of 11 members of Congress reintroducing a legislation bill proponents say will help bring more affordable housing options, Herrera Beutler’s office announced May 17.
Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground, put her support behind H.R. 3198 as one of its first cosponsors. Introduced by fellow Washington Rep. Derek Kilmer, a Democrat, the bill would require local governments applying for federal housing development funds through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to report if they had policies aimed at reducing “counterproductive regulations” with potential impacts on housing affordability, according to a news release from Herrera Beutler’s office.
The Congresswoman noted Southwest Washington has faced housing and homelessness crises for several years, with the need for more housing solutions “significantly magnified” by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Creating more suitable living options is a top priority, which is why I’m once again leading this bipartisan legislation that removes barriers to affordable housing in Southwest Washington,” Herrera Beutler said in the release.
The bill was introduced May 13 and is currently in the House Committee on Financial Services.
