House Passes Homeowner Energy Freedom Act (H.R. 4758), Repealing IRA Home Electrification Rebates and Energy Code Support, 210-199
The House of Representatives convened and passed H.R. 4758, the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act, which repeals and rescinds funding for several programs established by the Inflation Reduction Act. These programs include a high-efficiency electric home rebate program, State-based home energy efficiency contractor training grants, and assistance for building energy code adoption. A motion to recommit the bill, which sought to require a certification that the Act would not increase costs for homeowners and renters, was rejected. The day also featured various one-minute speeches, a special order reading President George Washington's Farewell Address, and another special order discussing energy policy and the proposed Energy Bills Relief Act. A Member also made a statement regarding a protest during the State of the Union address.
The passage of H.R. 4758 represents a significant legislative action to roll back specific climate and energy efficiency initiatives from the Inflation Reduction Act. This decision has direct implications for federal support for home energy upgrades and building codes, impacting consumer costs and the trajectory of national energy policy. The debate highlighted deep divisions over energy affordability, government spending, and the balance between federal mandates and consumer choice.
Homeowner Energy Freedom Act
H.R. 4758Question before the chamber
Passage of H.R. 4758, a bill to repeal provisions of Public Law 117-169 relating to taxpayer subsidies for home electrification, and for other purposes.
The case for
Proponents argued that H.R. 4758 would help reduce the cost of building new homes and restore Americans' freedom to make their own choices regarding home appliances. They stated that provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to force States to implement green energy building codes raise the cost of a single-family home by an estimated $31,000, effectively preventing the use of natural gas and requiring expensive equipment. It was questioned why billions in taxpayer money were needed to mandate electric appliance installation if they were truly cost-effective. The bill was presented as a means to address housing affordability and responsibly protect taxpayer resources by ending egregious authorities and costly green energy mandates.
The case against
Opponents argued that H.R. 4758 would worsen the affordability crisis for American families by gutting popular programs that lower upfront appliance prices and help with energy code adoption and contractor training. They stated that the Inflation Reduction Act's Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate program, a $4.5 billion initiative, helps low- and moderate-income families afford appliance upgrades and save money on power bills, with some States already seeing significant interest and savings of over $1,000 a year. Opponents debunked the $31,000 cost estimate for energy codes as flawed and misleading, asserting that energy codes actually save money and deliver increased comfort, health, and climate benefits. They emphasized that rebates are optional discounts, not mandates, and that the bill would remove real dollars from States and families.
Disposition
Passed · recorded vote
The bill passed the House of Representatives.
Yeas 210, Nays 199, Answered "Present" 1
Amendments
- An amendment requiring the Secretary of Energy to certify that the implementation of H.R. 4758 would not result in increased costs for homeowners and renters. (Ms. Castor of Florida) — Rejected [Yeas 198, Nays 208]
Who is affected
- Homeowners and renters: Will no longer have access to federal rebates for energy-efficient appliance upgrades and home weatherization, potentially increasing upfront costs and long-term energy bills.
- Homebuilders and the construction industry: Will experience reduced federal mandates related to energy-efficient building codes, potentially lowering construction costs but also reducing incentives for green building practices.
- State and local governments: Will lose federal funding and support for implementing home energy efficiency programs and adopting updated building codes.
- Taxpayers: Federal spending on specific energy efficiency and electrification programs will be reduced.
Passage of H.R. 4758, the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act
highThe House passed H.R. 4758, which repeals sections of the Inflation Reduction Act related to home electrification rebates, contractor training grants, and building energy code adoption. The bill also rescinds unobligated balances for the rebate and building code programs. The final vote was 210 Yeas to 199 Nays, with 1 Member answering "Present."
Rejection of Motion to Recommit H.R. 4758
mediumA motion to recommit H.R. 4758, offered by Ms. Castor of Florida, sought to add an amendment requiring the Secretary of Energy to certify that the Act would not increase costs for homeowners and renters. This motion was rejected by a recorded vote of 198 Yeas to 208 Nays.
Unanimous Consent Request for DHS Appropriations Act, 2026
mediumMs. DeLauro requested unanimous consent to discharge committees and immediately consider H.R. 7481, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026. The Speaker pro tempore stated that the Chair was constrained not to entertain the request without bipartisan floor and committee leadership clearance, effectively blocking its immediate consideration.
Special Order on Global Energy Race and Energy Bills Relief Act
mediumA special order was held by Mr. Casten of Illinois and Mr. Levin of California, discussing the challenges of rising energy prices and advocating for the Energy Bills Relief Act. They argued that clean energy is the lowest-cost and fastest-to-deploy option to meet rising demand and lower consumer bills, criticizing current administration policies for hindering clean energy deployment and increasing costs.
Member's Statement on State of the Union Protest and Racial Caricatures
highMr. Green of Texas delivered a special order statement explaining his silent protest during the President's State of the Union address. He condemned the portrayal of former President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as apes in an AI-concocted image, calling it unacceptable and a regression to historical racial caricatures. He also criticized the President's actions regarding war powers, judicial authority, and due process.