Sponsors (3)
The bill seeks to evaluate and potentially establish a uniform federal building code that could improve housing quality and speed supply, but risks raising compliance costs, reducing local control, and requires federal study resources.
Homebuyers and renters could get higher-quality, more consistent housing if a federal uniform building code raises construction standards across jurisdictions.
Homebuyers and renters could see new housing reach the market faster if uniform codes streamline approvals and reduce local review delays.
Taxpayers and Congress will get evidence on costs and benefits because the GAO study will inform legislative decision‑making and oversight.
Homeowners, renters, and builders could face higher housing costs if builders incur new compliance costs when federal standards are more stringent than local codes.
Local governments could lose flexibility to tailor building rules to local climate, seismic risk, or community preferences if a federal code reduces local control.
Federal staff time and resources will be used to prepare and review the GAO study, creating opportunity costs for other oversight work at the Comptroller General's office.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires a GAO study and report within 1 year on the costs and benefits of creating a federal uniform residential building code.
Official title: To require the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study and submit a report to Congress that examines the costs and benefits that could be associated with establishing a Federal uniform residential building code.
Introduced December 17, 2025 by Sylvia Garcia · Last progress December 17, 2025
Requires the Government Accountability Office (Comptroller General) to study and report to Congress within one year on the costs and benefits of creating a single federal residential building code. The study must evaluate whether a federal uniform code could speed up local approval of new housing, lower construction costs, and improve the quality and availability of affordable housing across the United States. The bill itself does not change building codes or fund programs; it only directs a congressionally requested analysis and report on potential effects of a federal uniform residential building code.