U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), who serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, spoke at a press conference to highlight the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. The legislation aims to increase homeownership opportunities for Americans.
During his remarks, Scott emphasized the bipartisan nature of the bill and its focus on addressing local housing needs. He stated: “Promises made, promises kept.
“President Trump made a very important promise on the campaign trail, and we are delivering both the House and the Senate passing historic housing legislation.
“The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act really does meet the need. It focuses on local jurisdictions, number one.
“It removes red tape and unnecessary burdensome processes from the federal government, number two.
“And number three, it creates and will expand housing supply while focusing on affordability.
“It’s so important as a kid who grew up in poverty, my mother became a first-time home buyer at the age of 38. Today in America, that age is 40.”
Scott addressed challenges facing prospective homeowners: “How do we bring those prices down? How do we make it easier for your average person to experience their version of the American Dream through home ownership?
“I think it starts by making sure that Washington understands solutions start at home.
“So, what you’ll find in this legislation is we start in local jurisdictions, and we start by making sure that both the House, the Senate, Republicans and Democrats, do not see this issue as red versus blue, House versus Senate.
“We see this as taking care of Americans who desperately want to experience the American Dream.”
He described legislative progress: “We made that possible through legislation that passed the House 399 to 1, passed through the Senate unanimously.
“Now we find ourselves taking 20 to 21 provisions out of the House bill out of 25 and 36 out of our 40 creating in harmony legislation that moves housing forward for the average American, and it’s really good news.”
Senator Scott provides constituent services such as help with federal agencies and community resources for South Carolina residents via his official website. He also played a role in passing Opportunity Zones legislation in 2017 designed to encourage investment in distressed communities (source). In addition to chairing Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee meetings, he participates in other Senate committees including Finance; Health, Education, Labor and Pensions; and Small Business and Entrepreneurship (source). Workforce development remains a key priority for him (source).
