Congress approved the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a housing affordability package designed to reduce housing costs and increase housing supply across the United States. The House passed the legislation by a vote of 358-32 after both chambers backed the measure with bipartisan support.
President Donald Trump cancelled a planned signing ceremony hours before he was scheduled to approve the legislation. In a social media post, he said he would not sign the bill until Congress passes the SAVE AMERICA ACT, which he described as a national emergency.
The housing bill contains more than 40 provisions addressing housing affordability, housing supply and homeownership. Housing groups and lawmakers have described it as one of the most comprehensive federal housing packages considered by Congress in recent decades.
The legislation follows concerns about housing availability in the United States. The National Association of Realtors estimates the country faces a housing shortage of approximately 4.7 million homes after more than a decade of underbuilding. The organization also estimates that about 310,000 homes priced at $261,000 or less are absent from the market.
The shortage has reduced housing options for buyers and increased competition for available homes. The measure includes policies intended to expand housing construction and increase access to homeownership.
Trump's decision surprised lawmakers on Capitol Hill, including some who arrived for the scheduled signing ceremony. Several Republican lawmakers indicated they still expect the president to eventually approve the legislation, while others expressed uncertainty about the change in plans.
Separately, lawmakers have debated the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, known as the SAVE Act, which would require voters to provide identification and proof of citizenship.
Under the Constitution, the bill could become law without Trump's signature after 10 days, excluding Sundays, unless he vetoes it or Congress adjourns in a way that prevents its return.