Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Mark Alford (R-MO) and Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) announced that they have officially joined the Honorary Congressional Council of the Bipartisan Policy Center’s J. Ronald Terwilliger Center for Housing Policy, along with Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA), where they will provide congressional perspectives on how best to address America’s housing challenges.

The Terwilliger Center’s Honorary Congressional Council consists of 18 members of Congress from both parties who share a commitment to improving housing affordability and accessibility for families across the nation.

“The housing affordability crisis requires a collective response. It is an honor to join the BPC’s Honorary Congressional Council as we work to address the rising costs of housing,” Congressman Mark Alford said. “We recognize that it will take a collaborative effort from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to deliver meaningful solutions. We will cut through bureaucratic red and promote expanded access to affordable housing. By working together, we can ensure that the American dream of homeownership remains within reach for everyone.” Rep. Alford concluded. 

“The housing affordability crisis facing communities across the country is not something that can be solved by one party or with one policy,” said Congressman Cleaver. “It’s going to take collective action from good-faith lawmakers of every background and across all ideologies to address these challenges. As the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, I look forward to working with the Terwilliger Center’s Honorary Congressional Council as we seek to break through congressional gridlock to deregulate onerous zoning laws, increase housing construction, expand access to affordable housing, and lower costs for the American people.”

"We are honored to welcome Reps. Alford, Cleaver, and Peters to our Honorary Congressional Council," said Dennis Shea, executive director of the J. Ronald Terwilliger Center for Housing Policy. "Their diverse experiences and deep commitment to housing will be invaluable as we work to increase the supply of affordable homes, preserve existing affordable housing, and help low-income families achieve housing stability."

The J. Ronald Terwilliger Center for Housing Policy is dedicated to advancing bipartisan solutions that address the nation’s affordability and accessibility challenges. Through rigorous research and engagement with stakeholders, the Center develops policy options to improve housing outcomes for all Americans. 

The Bipartisan Policy Center is a mission-focused organization helping policymakers work across party lines to craft bipartisan solutions. By connecting Republicans and Democrats, delivering data and context, negotiating public policy, and creating space for bipartisan collaboration, BPC helps turn legislators’ best ideas into durable laws that improve lives.

Media inquiries for Congressman Alford should be directed to Lauren Hanemann at Lauren.Hanemann@mail.house.gov.