Originally published in the October 17, 2025, issue of AI’s Appraisal Now
Reprinted with permission from AI

Last week, the US Senate passed its version of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by a bipartisan vote of 77–20. Before final passage, a “Manager’s Amendment” was adopted that included the Renewing Opportunity to the American Dream (ROAD) to Housing Act, a broad housing package aimed at expanding and preserving housing supply, improving affordability and access, and strengthening oversight of federal housing programs.

Among its provisions are the Appraisal Modernization Act and the Appraisal Industry Improvement Act.

The Appraisal Modernization Act would establish a standardized process for Reconsideration of Value, giving consumers a clear and consistent pathway to request a second look at their appraisal when concerns arise. The provision is designed to reduce confusion, improve communication, and help resolve most valuation concerns at the loan level—before they escalate into regulatory complaints or litigation.

The Appraisal Industry Improvement Act includes several key provisions:

• Allows licensed appraisers to once again perform FHA appraisals after passing an exam.
• Permits the Appraisal Subcommittee (ASC) to adjust AMC registry fees.
• Adds trainee appraisers to the ASC Registry at no cost.
• Expands ASC oversight to include the VA, HUD, and USDA’s Rural Housing Service.
• Authorizes the ASC to award grants to nonprofit organizations, such as the Appraisal Institute, and higher education institutions to support appraiser workforce development, including scholarships, education, and career pipeline initiatives.

Since the House has also passed its own version of the NDAA, without the ROAD to Housing language, lawmakers will need to reconcile the two bills. House Financial Services Committee Republicans have expressed strong opposition to including the housing package in the defense bill, preferring to advance separate proposals focused on zoning reform and manufactured housing. As a result, the ROAD to Housing Act’s fate remains uncertain heading into end-of-year negotiations.