The Senate approved a package of bills aimed at lowering housing costs, the most sweeping housing legislation in decades and a rare point of bipartisan consensus in an election year, with the issue of affordability top of mind for many voters.

WASHINGTON — The Senate passed a bill Thursday aimed at boosting the supply of housing and bringing down prices, marking a rare bipartisan breakthrough on a major issue.

A companion bill was set to have a first House hearing on March 11 in the Cities and Counties Subcommittee.