President Donald Trump declared he will not sign a bipartisan housing bill passed by Congress, stating his refusal is a protest against the Senate's inaction on the SAVE America Act. The president asserts that the SAVE America Act, which aims to prevent noncitizens from voting in federal elections, is supported by a significant majority of Republicans and some Democrats.
Trump made his announcement on social media, emphasizing the need for photo voter ID and proof of citizenship, which he claims are crucial to prevent voter fraud. He characterized the non-passage of the SAVE America Act as a "national emergency" and a "serious threat" to politicians who do not support it.
The housing legislation, known as the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, is designed to reduce housing costs and stimulate home construction. Under the U.S. Constitution, a president has 10 days to sign a bill after receiving it for it to become law. Trump's decision to withhold his signature came after he previously canceled a planned signing ceremony for the housing bill, using it as leverage for his campaign to pass the SAVE America Act.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., criticized Trump's stance, stating on X that the former president called the housing crisis "a big yawn" and that his priorities favor higher costs for families and personal power. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., also commented on X, suggesting that Republicans are more focused on making voting more difficult than on improving housing affordability.
Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., noted on X that rising mortgage and rent costs are significantly impacting Americans, and criticized Trump for refusing to act. The White House referred requests for comment to Trump's social media posts.
The president's remarks coincided with a report from the National Association of Realtors indicating that the median home price has reached an all-time high. According to the report, the median price for a home sold in June was $440,600, a 1.8% increase from the previous year. While wage growth has outpaced home price growth, improving affordability compared to a year ago, the association's chief economist, Lawrence Yun, warned that stalled inventory growth could hinder long-term affordability and cause home prices to accelerate. He stressed the importance of increasing supply to broaden homeownership opportunities.