Congressman Tim Moore votes on two key legislation bills for housing and healthcare affordability

Staff Reports

Congressman Time Moore, 14th Congressional District. Official photo

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Already this week, the House Committee on Financial Services advanced the bipartisan Housing for the 21st Century Act (H.R.6644). Congressman Tim Moore (NC-14) voted to pass this legislation out of the committee, recognizing the importance of this legislation to streamline housing development and affordability by updating outdated programs, removing regulatory roadblocks, and increasing local flexibility.

During the hearing, Congressman Moore said, “Rather than imposing new federal mandates, this bill takes a smarter approach. It removes unnecessary barriers to housing production and gives states and local governments greater flexibility to expand supply in ways that reflect local needs. The Housing for the 21st Century Act directly addresses regulatory inefficiencies that delay construction, that increase costs but does so by streamlining federal environmental review requirements and modernizing federal standards that no longer reflect today's modern building practices."

Moore continued, "These reforms will shorten the permitting timelines, and they will also directly lower the per unit construction costs. The bill also embraces innovation, particularly when it comes to manufactured and factory-built housing.”

The Housing for the 21st Century Act will:

·  Expand housing supply by streamlining federal housing processes, cutting red tape, and reducing the barriers that prevent new home construction—especially in fast-growing communities like those in Western North Carolina.

·  Modernize outdated federal standards that slow down development and inflate costs. By aligning regulations with today’s construction practices, the bill makes it easier and more affordable to build quality housing.

·  Support innovation in housing, including manufactured and factory-built homes, which offer faster, more affordable solutions for families and communities facing supply shortages.

·  Give states and local governments more flexibility to address housing challenges in ways that reflect their specific needs, rather than relying on one-size-fits-all mandates from Washington.

·  Improve access to affordable homeownership by expanding financing options for small-dollar mortgages and manufactured homes—key tools to help working families and first-time buyers.

·  Increase transparency and oversight in federal housing programs to ensure resources are used effectively and families are protected from bad actors.

·  Strengthen protections for veterans and vulnerable households by reinforcing the integrity of housing programs and ensuring safe, stable living environments.

Moore also voted to pass the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act (H.R. 6703), legislation with targeted reforms to lower premium costs for all Americans, expand access, and restore integrity to America’s health care system.

“For years, Democrats have poured billions of taxpayer dollars into subsidies that pad the profits of big insurance companies while premiums skyrocket for working families,” said Congressman Moore. “This legislation brings a much-needed set of reforms to lower premiums for all Americans at least 11%, expand affordable options for workers and small businesses, and tackle the hidden costs driving up prescription drug prices. I’m proud to vote for a bill that puts patients first and delivers real relief to families in Western North Carolina.”

The Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act:

·  Lowers premium costs through cost-sharing reduction payments—reducing premiums by at least 11%, stabilizing the individual market, and cutting out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copays;

·  Brings transparency and reduces hidden drug costs by requiring pharmacy benefit managers to report drug spending, rebates, and pricing—giving employers and employees visibility into the real drivers of premium increases;

·  Expands Association Health Plans by restoring President Trump’s executive order, which would enroll 3.7 million Americans and provide coverage to 400,000 previously uninsured individuals;

·  Strengthens employer flexibility and coverage choices by allowing workers to use tax-free employer contributions to choose the health plan that works best for them;

·  Protects small businesses by preserving their ability to offer affordable, customizable benefit plans that meet the needs of their employees.

Premiums have risen nearly twice as fast as employer coverage

Premiums have increased at a rate more than three times higher than overall inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index. 

Surging premiums are driving higher federal subsidy costs

Federal ACA subsidy costs grew from $18 billion in 2014 to $92 billion in 2023. Costs are projected to reach $138 billion in 2025 — an 8x increase.

The Cost of extending the COVID-Biden-Era Subsidy Boost is substantial. Making the expansion permanent would cost $335 billion over ten years.

Zero-claim enrollment has Surged — While insurers collect billions

Zero-claim enrollment more than tripled, rising from 3–4 million in 2021 to nearly 12 million by 2024. In 2024, about 35% of marketplace enrollees had zero claims, up from under 20% before subsidy expansions. Insurers received tens of billions in taxpayer subsidies for enrollees who received no care including $21 billion in 2023 alone.

Congressman Tim Moore represents the 14th Congressional District of North Carolina, including Cleveland, Gaston, Burke, and Rutherford Counties, as well as parts of Mecklenburg and Polk Counties. Visit timmoore.house.gov for more.

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