H.R. 4989 — Streamlining Rural Housing Act of 2025

This section requires the Secretaries of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Agriculture (USDA) to enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) within 180 days of enactment to (1) evaluate categorical exclusions for housing projects funded by HUD or USDA; (2) develop a process to designate a lead agency between HUD and USDA and streamline adoption of environmental impact statements and environmental assessments approved by the other agency for jointly funded housing projects; (3) maintain compliance with environmental regulations under 24 CFR part 58 as in effect on January 1, 2025; and (4) evaluate the feasibility of a joint physical inspection process for such projects. The section further requires the Secretaries to establish, within 180 days of enactment, an advisory working group—including rural and non-rural stakeholders such as affordable housing nonprofits, state housing agencies, developers, property managers, multifamily owners, public housing agencies, assisted housing residents and their representatives, and housing contract administrators—to consult on MOU implementation. Finally, the section requires the Secretaries to submit a report to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and the House Committee on Financial Services within one year of enactment containing recommendations for legislative, regulatory, or administrative actions to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of HUD- and USDA-funded housing projects without materially reducing resident safety, shifting long-term costs to residents, or undermining environmental standards.