Democrats in Congress introduced far-reaching legislation on Wednesday to designate a new federal housing authority, one that would provide billions in funding and financing for affordable homes across the US.

A new bill introduced by New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez would supercharge the federal government’s role in creating affordable housing.

Mikeya Griffin, executive director of Rondo Community Land Trust, said the bill could help solve Ramsey County’s shortage of 15,000 affordable homes. It's sponsored by Sen. Tina Smith, left, and Rep.

Cortez’s far-reaching bill in Congress would create a public alternative to private developers, in a bid to fill the immense affordable housing need.