Sponsors (3)
The bill could standardize and speed up housing construction—potentially improving quality and supply—but risks higher construction costs and reduced local control while relying on a GAO study to quantify trade-offs.
Homebuyers and renters could see new homes delivered to market faster because a uniform federal building code may streamline approvals and reduce duplicative local review.
Homebuyers and renters could get higher-quality, more consistent construction if a uniform federal code raises minimum building standards across jurisdictions.
Taxpayers and Congress will have better information because the GAO study will analyze the costs and benefits of a federal building code, improving oversight and future policymaking.
Homebuyers and renters (and builders) could face higher housing costs because new federal standards may impose compliance expenses that raise construction prices.
Local governments could lose flexibility to tailor building rules to local climate, seismic risks, or community preferences if a uniform federal code supersedes local standards.
Federal staff time and GAO resources will be used to prepare and review the study, diverting capacity from other oversight work.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires GAO to study and report within 1 year on costs and benefits of a single 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 uniform residential building code. The study must assess whether a uniform code could shorten local approval times, lower residential construction costs, and raise the quality and availability of affordable housing. The bill does not change existing laws, create new regulations, or appropriate funding; it only directs a one-time federal study and report back to Congress.