Trump’s Housing Bill Protest Fails as the Bipartisan Bill Becomes Law

Congress passed its first bipartisan housing bill in decades—despite protests from President Donald Trump.

The bill, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, aimed to make home ownership more affordable by increasing the supply of homes. After months of debate in the House of Representatives and Senate, it passed in June. Still, Trump denied its final signature to demand that the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act be passed instead.

Under the Constitution, the bill became law without the president's signature because no veto was issued within 10 days of its passage by both Congressional chambers.

"For the first time in decades, Congress passed a bipartisan housing bill to address our nation’s housing crisis and help hard working Americans,” Representative Veronica Escobar (D-TX) said.

The bill contains over 40 provisions from both Republicans and Democrats, addressing issues ranging from corporate ownership of homes to the expansion of manufactured housing.

“Despite the needs it addresses and the overwhelming support it has, Donald Trump refused to sign the bill, but thankfully it became law anyway,” Rep. Escobar said.

In the days leading up to the bill becoming law, Trump reiterated that the SAVE America Act was "of minor importance" and that the housing bill was a “big yawn.”

Early Friday, Trump doubled down on his past remarks and refusal to sign the bill into law, but did not say if he planned to veto it.

"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,” he said on Truth Social.

Rep. Escobar said Trump’s refusal to sign the bill reflects a broader disregard for Americans struggling with rising costs of living.

"Trump demonstrates time and again that he doesn’t care about the cost of living crisis Americans are living through, the result of a terrible economy that he created,” Rep. Escobar said.

Ultimately, Rep. Escobar said she is glad the bill passed regardless of whether the president signed it into law or not.

"I’m proud to have voted for this bill, and remain committed to the work to grow affordable and accessible housing for the American people, with or without the President,” she said.