In a significant development, the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is set to become law without President Donald Trump's signature. The legislation, which aims to address the national housing shortage and reduce costs, was passed by Congress with overwhelming support. The House approved the bill with a 358-32 vote, and the Senate followed with an 85-5 vote.
Despite the bill's broad bipartisan support, President Trump has refused to sign it, citing his dissatisfaction with the Senate's failure to pass the SAVE America Act, a separate piece of legislation that seeks to tighten voting laws. In a Truth Social post, Trump stated, "I will not sign the Housing Bill, which has been fully approved by Congress and sent to the White House, in PROTEST over the fact that the United States Senate is not capable of passing THE SAVE AMERICA ACT."
Under the U.S. Constitution, if the president does not sign or veto a bill within ten days (excluding Sundays) while Congress is in session, the bill automatically becomes law. With the ten-day period set to expire, the housing bill is poised to become law at midnight, regardless of the president's refusal to sign it.
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is considered the most significant federal housing legislation in decades. It aims to increase housing supply, lower costs, and restrict large investors from purchasing single-family homes. The bill has garnered support from various stakeholders, including real estate sectors and housing advocates.
Despite the president's protest, the bill's passage marks a rare bipartisan achievement in Congress and represents a substantial step toward addressing the nation's housing affordability crisis.