A landmark bipartisan housing bill has become law, despite President Donald Trump's refusal to sign it. The legislation, known as the 21st Century Road to Housing Act, aims to address the nation's housing shortage by promoting increased construction and limiting Wall Street investors from purchasing homes intended for families.
The bill passed both the Senate and the House of Representatives with veto-proof majorities last month, receiving 85-5 votes in the Senate and 358-32 in the House. Because President Trump did not sign or veto the bill within the 10-day window after it was presented to him, it automatically became law at midnight Saturday.
Trump stated his refusal to sign the bill was in protest of the Senate's failure to take up the unrelated Save America Act, which proposes election and voting reforms such as requiring photo ID and proof of citizenship for voter registration. Democrats have rejected the Save America Act, which would require 60 votes to pass the Senate.
Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee and a lead architect of the housing bill, expressed optimism about its impact. "The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will help more Americans plant roots, build stability, and pass opportunity to the next generation," Scott said in a statement Saturday. He added that the law brings the "American Dream" closer to reality for more citizens.
Other lawmakers also celebrated the bill's enactment. Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., highlighted the bipartisan cooperation involved. "A good example of what we can accomplish when we work together," Rounds stated on X Saturday.
Conversely, some Democrats criticized the president's stance. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., the ranking Democrat on the Senate Banking Committee, asserted that Trump's delay in signing the bill was a disservice to American families. "Donald Trump couldn’t pick up the pen because he just isn’t interested in lowering costs for American families," Warren said in a statement Saturday.
Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., characterized Trump's actions regarding the housing bill as "childish." She emphasized the legislation's benefits, stating, "This legislation is going to lower housing costs, build more homes, and ensure working families can afford to keep a roof over their heads."