January 6, 2026
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National Taxpayers Union urges all representatives to vote “YES” on H.R. 5184, the Affordable HOMES Act, authored by Rep. Houchin (R-IN), and H.R. 4593, the SHOWER Act, authored by Rep. Fry (R-SC). These pieces of legislation would rightsize misguided federal energy rules that have made home construction and installation more expensive for consumers.
Federal efficiency and environmental mandates have significantly driven up the cost of home construction and the installation of home fixtures. Manufacturers are required to redesign products to comply with overly prescriptive energy, water, and emissions standards—well-intentioned goals that impose substantial costs. Compliance often demands expensive research and development, new technologies, factory retooling, and lengthy testing and certification processes. These costs are not absorbed in isolation—they are routinely passed on to consumers. For many families, the higher upfront purchase price ultimately outweighs any promised long-term savings.
Thankfully, the Affordable HOMES Act helps address this problem by removing duplicative energy standards that exist between HUD and DOE specific to manufactured housing. Currently, both HUD and DOE issue energy efficiency standards, which means home builders have to follow two sets of rules, creating a significant compliance burden for manufactured home manufacturers and thereby threatening the supply of these homes and increasing cost. Eliminating DOE’s role and giving HUD sole responsibility removes unnecessary bureaucracy and may make it easier for everyday Americans to buy homes at a more affordable level.
Separately, the SHOWER Act protects consumer choice in the bathroom fixture market. The legislation codifies President Trump’s executive order preserving reasonable water pressure in showerheads, reversing Biden Administration efforts to impose expansive new restrictions. By preventing overly broad federal rules, the SHOWER Act ensures consumers retain the ability to purchase showerheads that meet their preferences and performance needs. Markets, not federal micromanagement, should determine the products available to consumers, particularly when excessive regulation raises costs without delivering meaningful benefits.
Taken together, these bills could help lower housing costs by cutting unnecessary federal mandates and red tape that drive up construction and compliance expenses, making it easier to build and renovate homes. Reducing these government-imposed costs would ease inflationary pressure on consumers, especially families already struggling with higher prices for housing, utilities, and basic necessities.
Roll call votes on H.R. 5184 and H.R. 4593 will be included in NTU’s annual rating of Congress and “YES” votes will be considered the pro-taxpayer position.
If you have any questions, please contact NTU’s Senior Director of Government Affairs Thomas Aiello at Taiello@ntu.org
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