On January 9, 2026, the US House of Representatives passed H.R. 5184, the Affordable Housing Over Mandating Efficiency Standards (Affordable HOMES) Act. The bill prohibits the Department of Energy (DOE) from enforcing Biden-era energy efficiency standards for manufactured housing (also known as mobile or modular homes). It passed with bipartisan support, including votes from many Democrats joining Republicans.
🚨 BREAKING: The US House just PASSED legislation codifying a President Trump executive order to make housing more affordable
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 9, 2026
The bill bans enforcement of Biden-era "energy efficient standards" in new housing construction that added THOUSANDS of dollars to homes
LET'S GO! 🔥🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/GWFhWQgqFW
Connection to President Trump’s Executive Order
The legislation codifies and builds on an executive action by President Trump aimed at rolling back regulatory burdens from the prior administration. Trump had directed agencies to prioritize affordability and reduce overreach in energy rules. By shifting primary authority for setting standards back to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)—with DOE limited to providing recommendations—the bill streamlines the process and prevents duplicative or overly stringent mandates that supporters argue inflate costs.
Impact on Home Construction Costs
Proponents claim the Biden-era DOE standards, finalized in 2022, added thousands of dollars to the price of new manufactured homes through requirements for better insulation, efficient appliances, and other upgrades. These homes are a key affordable option for many families, seniors, and first-time buyers. Blocking enforcement is expected to lower upfront construction expenses, making homeownership more accessible amid ongoing housing shortages and high prices. Republicans highlight this as a step toward cutting red tape and restoring consumer choice.
Opposing Views and Broader Context
Critics, including some Democrats, argue the move could raise long-term utility bills for homeowners by eliminating proven energy-saving measures. They point to analyses showing efficiency standards deliver billions in lifetime savings through reduced energy use. The bill now heads to the Senate, where its fate remains uncertain, as part of broader Republican efforts to address affordability through deregulation while the administration pursues additional housing initiatives like potential executive orders on mortgages and investor restrictions.
This action reflects ongoing partisan debates over balancing immediate cost relief with long-term energy and environmental benefits in the housing market.