Navigating the Capitol

Understanding the Federal Legislative Process

As a NARPM member participating in the 2026 Capitol Summit, your voice matters in shaping federal housing policy. When you share your real-world experiences and professional insights with Congress members and their staff, you provide invaluable perspective on how proposed legislation affects property management professionals and the communities we serve. Your firsthand knowledge of rental housing challenges and solutions helps inform better policy decisions at the national level.

Federal legislation moves through a complex process involving committee review, floor votes, and coordination between the House and Senate. Understanding where a bill stands in this process helps you time your advocacy efforts effectively. Bills can be introduced, referred to committee, marked up, reported out, scheduled for floor action, passed, and then sent to the other chamber for the same process.

Congressional representatives receive thousands of communications, but personal stories from constituents who understand the practical implications of housing policy carry special weight. Your expertise in property management, tenant relations, and housing market dynamics provides lawmakers with the real-world context they need to craft effective legislation.