Rep. Ryan Zinke said Tuesday morning on Newsmax's "Wake Up America" that the House-passed Affordable Homes Act can bring the dream of homeownership back within reach by attacking government-driven costs that inflate the price of construction.
Speaking in a wide-ranging interview about affordability, the Montana Republican argued that red tape — not just lumber and labor — is squeezing buyers, and he urged policymakers to focus on the biggest cost-drivers that can move quickly.
Zinke highlighted permitting as a major, often overlooked, culprit that raises the final price of a home before a family ever picks up the keys.
"Permitting is about 40% in some cases," he said, before contrasting that figure with labor expenses.
The gap between the two is where lawmakers should concentrate, he said, if the goal is to expand supply and lower prices.
"Labor is only 14%, by the way," Zinke said. "So, if you look at the permitting, 40%, even if you're, [cutting it] in half, from 40% to 20%, that's a huge, huge difference."
Zinke pointed to the Affordable Homes Act as a path to streamline approvals, speed up construction timelines and reduce holding costs that builders pass along to buyers.
Cutting permitting burdens would help first-time buyers and working families most, because even modest reductions can be the difference between qualifying for a mortgage or being priced out.
Zinke also pointed to interest rates as the other lever that can quickly change the monthly payments for millions of Americans trying to buy.
"Interest rates have to go down," he said, adding that a small drop could dramatically improve affordability for households on the edge.
"When interest rates go down one or two points it could be half your mortgage," Zinke said, tying the housing market's health to broader economic policy.
He argued that making the economy "feel better" starts with lower costs that families encounter every day, including at the gas pump.
"Energy prices are going down," Zinke said. "I feel better at the gas pump, I think everyone else does too. But energy drives the economy."
Zinke added that trade policy can play a supporting role, saying tariffs should ultimately lead to agreements that stabilize prices and supply chains.
"The trade tariffs have to lead to trade deals," he said.
With home prices still elevated and borrowing costs pressuring budgets, Zinke said the Affordable Homes Act represents the kind of practical, supply-focused step that can expand opportunity and help more families afford a home.
He said reducing permitting costs, lowering rates, and improving economic conditions together could make ownership attainable again for American families.
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Nicole Weatherholtz ✉
Nicole Weatherholtz, a Newsmax general assignment reporter covers news, politics, and culture. She is a National Newspaper Association award-winning journalist.
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