Friday, March 13, 2026
Day 418
3 documented wins
Barriers to affordable home construction
The win
Agencies were ordered to revise permitting and efficiency rules that make a new house a luxury good — density, materials, and review time.
For Americans
Housing cost is wages versus lumber plus delay. Faster permits and fewer gold-plated codes are how a starter home exists in the zip code where the job is.
Mortgage credit for smaller banks
The win
Mortgage rules were tailored so community banks can actually lend to creditworthy borrowers instead of exiting the market.
For Americans
If only the mega-banks make mortgages, small towns pay more and wait longer. A local banker who knows the borrower is how a teacher buys a house.
Truth in “Made in America” labels
The win
The FTC was directed to police fake Made-in-America claims so a kitchen gadget that is 90% imported cannot wear the flag.
For Americans
People pay extra for American-made on purpose. Lying on the box is a tax on the honest factory.