The 21st Century Road to Housing Act will become law at midnight on Saturday without President Donald Trump's signature, after he refused to sign the bill because Congress has not passed new voting restrictions. The measure, approved by Congress with large margins last month following lengthy bipartisan negotiations, represents the most significant change to federal housing policy for buyers, renters, and homebuilders in decades.
Trump Ties Housing Bill to Voting Legislation
Trump linked the housing bill to the Save America Act, which would impose new restrictions on voters and state election officials nationwide ahead of the November midterm elections. A version of the Save America Act passed the House in February but lacks the votes in the Senate to overcome a filibuster, as Senate Democrats oppose it.
Last month, Trump canceled a signing ceremony for the housing bill, denying Republican allies a chance to highlight their work on housing affordability, a top voter concern. He later called the measure “a big yawn” and “so unimportant” compared with the Save America Act.
Congressional Action and Presidential Inaction
On 29 June, House Speaker Mike Johnson sent the housing bill to Trump’s desk, triggering a 10-day countdown after which it becomes law without his signature. In a Friday-morning post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “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.”
The president gave no indication he would veto the housing bill, and the White House declined further comment. Democrats criticized Trump for not signing the measure. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries wrote on X: “Republicans would rather make it harder to vote than easier to afford a home.” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said: “His priorities couldn’t be clearer: higher costs for families and more power for himself.”
Concerns Over Midterm Election Preparation
Trump’s focus on the Save America Act has heightened concerns about his administration’s preparation for the November midterms. On Thursday, Trump fired the last three commissioners on an independent federal body that assists election administration nationwide, further fueling worries about election integrity and readiness.
