The U.S. House of Representatives on Jan. 9 voted 263-147 to approve legislation led by U.S. Rep. Erin Houchin (R-IN) that would rescind the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) energy efficiency regulations applicable to manufactured housing, and eliminate DOE’s authority to issue similar regulations.
“As demand for affordable homes has surged, so have unnecessary costs, making the dream of homeownership slip further out of reach for Americans,” Rep. Houchin said. “I’m proud to see the House take an important step toward restoring the American dream with the passage of this bill.”
The congresswoman on Sept. 8, 2025 sponsored the Affordable Housing Over Mandating Efficiency Standards Act, H.R. 5184, also known as the Affordable HOMES Act, alongside lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Mike Flood (R-NE). The bill would rescind the DOE final rule titled “Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Manufactured Housing,” which was published on May 31, 2022.
Under H.R. 5184, DOE could provide recommendations to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for revisions to energy conservation standards applicable to manufactured housing. The recommendations must comply with criteria established by the bill, including by being based on the determination of the cost-effectiveness of such revision, according to the Congressional Record bill summary.
“The Affordable HOMES Act takes a practical approach by cutting red tape and regulations that contribute to pricing American families out of owning a home, which will increase supply and lower costs,” said Rep. Houchin.
The measure, which is supported by the Competitive Enterprise Institute, the Manufactured Housing Institute, and the National Housing Conference, now advances to the U.S. Senate for consideration.