Rep. Brandon Gill Introduces Bill to Restrict

U.S. Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas) has introduced legislation that would permanently restrict taxpayer-backed home mortgages to U.S. citizens, aiming to prevent future administrations from reversing the policy through executive action.

The proposal, known as the Homeownership Eligibility Reform Act (H.R. 9514), was introduced on June 29. If passed, it would require borrowers to be U.S. citizens to qualify for mortgage insurance through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and would prohibit government-sponsored mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from purchasing or securitizing mortgages issued to non-citizens.

Gill said the legislation is intended to reserve federally backed mortgage programs for American citizens and make those restrictions permanent by placing them into federal law rather than leaving them subject to changes through executive action.

The bill builds on a Trump administration policy that ended FHA mortgage eligibility for non-permanent residents. Gill’s legislation would go further by extending the citizenship requirement to additional federally backed mortgage programs, including those involving Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Under the proposal, lawful permanent residents, including green card holders, would also become ineligible for these federally backed mortgage programs.

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Supporters argue the measure prioritizes American homebuyers and ensures taxpayer-supported mortgage programs benefit U.S. citizens. Critics are expected to argue that the bill excludes many legal residents who pay taxes and contribute to the economy, while also questioning whether the legislation would have a significant impact on overall housing affordability.

The legislation has been referred to Congress for consideration, where it will need committee approval before it can advance through the House and Senate.

Source: Office of Rep. Brandon Gill, press release.