Build HUBS Act
Sponsored By: Senator Rep. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE-At Large]
Introduced
Summary
Unlocks federal credit for transit‑oriented development and attainable housing. This bill adds TOD and attainable housing projects to the TIFIA and RRIF programs, creates a delegated origination and underwriting pathway modeled on HUD’s MAP process, and narrows some NEPA steps to speed construction near transit.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Protect transit workers' labor rights
This bill would make TIFIA-assisted transit-oriented development and attainable housing projects subject to the labor-protection standards in 49 U.S.C. 5333(a). That would affect transit agencies, project sponsors, and transit employees and could protect jobs and collective bargaining rights when transit assets or services are changed.
Lower-cost loans for attainable housing
This bill would set cheaper loan terms for qualifying attainable housing projects. TIFIA loans for an attainable housing project would bear interest equal to one-half of the Treasury Rate on the loan date. The bill would also require that at least 75% of total TIFIA assistance for an attainable housing project be used for the project's residential components.
Faster loan approvals through delegated originators
This bill would create a delegated origination program for TIFIA and RRIF that uses HUD's MAP standards. Approved originator‑servicers would originate, underwrite, and service loans under DOT oversight and could certify creditworthiness. The Secretary would have to publish implementing rules within 180 days and make underwriting guidance and a fee schedule public.
New loan caps and credit options
This bill would add non-investment-grade ways to show creditworthiness and also limit some loan sizes. Sponsors could use joint liability with a creditworthy state/local government, an alternative rating for Federal credit up to $150,000,000, or certification by an approved originator‑servicer to show creditworthiness. At the same time, the Secretary could cap secured TIFIA loans for some TOD projects at 75% of eligible project costs. The Secretary would also be barred from charging most fees for RRIF direct loans and must publish any allowed fee schedule.
Metro planning and NEPA changes
This bill would require sponsors seeking TIFIA or RRIF help to coordinate with their metropolitan planning organization and show project compatibility with MPO plans. Sponsors would have to notify MPOs early and share project details, impacts, and mitigation. The bill would also narrow NEPA review for many land purchases and add categorical exclusions for office-to-housing conversions and certain new or rebuilt commercial buildings on previously disturbed transportation land.
Rules for transit-area housing projects
This bill would define which projects count as transit- or transportation-oriented development and what counts as an "attainable housing" project. Projects would need to be within 0.5 mile of certain transit stops and include private investment. An attainable housing project would serve households up to 120% of AMI and have a majority of units affordable to households at or below 80% of AMI. Sponsors would also need to show the project can generate new revenue for the station or service.
Extend TIFIA and RRIF authority
This bill would extend the period when DOT may offer RRIF and TIFIA loans, guarantees, and lines of credit. RRIF authority would be extended to 2027 through 2031. TIFIA authority would be extended to fiscal years 2027 through 2031. The change itself does not appropriate new funds but keeps the programs available for that window.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Rep. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE-At Large]
DE • D
Cosponsors
John Curtis
UT • R
Sponsored 1/14/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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