White House Weighs National Housing Emergency as Affordability Crisis Deepens

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent struck an optimistic note during a Labor Day stop in Virginia, predicting a “big economic pickup in 2026” while also acknowledging the urgent need to address the nation’s housing crisis. He indicated the administration may declare a national housing emergency this fall, a move that could pave the way for sweeping executive actions to improve affordability. Options under discussion include standardizing zoning codes to lower construction costs, reducing closing fees for buyers, and considering tariff exemptions on key building materials. Bessent stressed that “everything is on the table” while also noting the importance of respecting state and local authority (Washington Examiner, Sept. 1, 2025).