HUD-USDA-VA Interagency Coordination Act
The HUD-USDA-VA Interagency Coordination Act would require the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to formalize their collaboration on housing programs. Specifically, the three agencies must establish a memorandum of understanding (or another appropriate interagency agreement) to share relevant housing-related research and market data to support evidence-based policymaking. In addition, they must jointly prepare a report within 180 days of enactment outlining opportunities to increase collaboration and improve efficiencies across housing programs. Before the report is submitted to Congress, it must be published in the Federal Register and open to a 30-day public comment period. The report would be sent to several committees in both the House and Senate.
Key Points
- 1Creates a memorandum of understanding or similar interagency agreement among HUD, USDA, and VA to share relevant housing research and market data to support evidence-based policymaking.
- 2Aims to improve cross-agency collaboration to increase efficiencies in housing programs (e.g., potential reductions in duplication and better use of resources).
- 3Requires a joint interagency report within 180 days of enactment describing opportunities for enhanced collaboration and efficiency gains.
- 4Mandates publication of the report in the Federal Register with a 30-day public comment period before submission to Congress.
- 5Directs the report to multiple congressional committees in both chambers, covering banking, housing, agriculture, veterans’ affairs, and financial services.