More than 750 builders are in Washington today, attending the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) annual Legislative Conference. Over 300 separate meetings were to be held between NAHB members and members of the House and Senate to discuss policies that will keep the recovery on track and increase housing opportunities.

"We are sending a loud and clear message to members of Congress that a strong housing market is critical to create jobs and boost economic growth," said NAHB Chairman Rick Judson. .

Builders were expected to speak with legislators about a number of key housing issues:

• Tax reform. NAHB is urging Congress to keep the mortgage interest deduction as well as the Low Income Housing Tax Credit to ensure that lower-income families have access to safe, decent and affordable housing.

• Housing finance reform. NAHB members are advocating that any reforms of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the larger housing finance systems continue to provide for a reliable and adequate flow of credit for home buyers and that the federal government play an appropriate role in backing up the housing finance system. 

• Immigration reform. NAHB supports comprehensive immigration reform that protects the nation's borders; continues to make U.S. employers accountable only for the identity and work authorization status of their direct employees; and creates an efficient, temporary guest worker program.

• Credit for housing production. NAHB is asking lawmakers to support House bill H.R. 1255 sponsored by Reps. Gary Miller (R-Calif.) and Carolyn McCarthy (D-N.Y.) and companion Senate bill S. 1002 introduced by Sens. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) that would help resolve the ongoing credit problems for builders.