The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act has officially become law, bypassing President Donald Trump‘s refusal to sign it. This landmark legislation, designed to tackle the nation’s housing shortage, passed both the Senate and the House with overwhelming bipartisan support. The bill aims to increase the supply of homes and make homeownership more accessible by loosening regulations and limiting Wall Street investors from buying homes intended for families.
The legislation passed the Senate with an 85-5 vote and the House with a 358-32 vote, both veto-proof majorities. Despite this, Trump chose not to sign the bill, citing the Senate’s failure to pass the unrelated Save America Act which proposes significant election and voting reforms. Trump’s refusal to sign the housing bill led to its automatic enactment under the Constitution after the 10-day review period expired.
The Path to Enactment
The stage was set for Trump to sign the bill on the morning after its House passage, with a podium and presidential seal ready in the Capitol’s Statuary Hall. However, less than two hours before the scheduled June 24 ceremony Trump abruptly canceled the event, seeking to use the bill as leverage for the Save America Act. House Speaker Mike Johnson sent the bill to the White House on June 29 triggering a 10-day clock for Trump to act.
Despite Trump’s public announcement that he would not sign the bill, the legislation became law at midnight on July 10. The bill’s passage was celebrated by lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, who praised its potential to lower housing costs and increase homeownership. Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott highlighted the bill’s bipartisan support, stating that it would help more Americans plant roots and build stability.
Key Provisions and Impact
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act includes a ban on private equity firms and other large institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes, a practice Trump had previously criticized. The legislation also accelerates environmental approvals for home construction and encourages communities to develop preapproved building plans to reduce costs. One provision is projected to cut the price of manufactured housing units by as much as $10,000.
Senator Elizabeth Warren the top Democrat on the Senate Banking Committee, successfully pushed for an innovation fund that will provide $1 billion over five years in federal grants for schools and other public infrastructure in communities that increase home construction. The bill also includes provisions to ensure veterans experiencing homelessness and receiving VA disability benefits can still qualify for housing assistance.
Political Reactions and Criticisms
While some Republicans praised the bill’s bipartisan support, Democrats criticized Trump’s refusal to sign it. Senator Elizabeth Warren described Trump’s inaction as a missed opportunity to lower costs for American families. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto called Trump’s delays ‘childish’ and touted the law’s benefits for working families. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Despite Trump’s initial support for the housing legislation, he labeled it a ‘big yawn’ compared to the Save America Act, which lacks a realistic path to becoming law due to strong Democratic opposition. The enactment of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act marks a significant step in addressing the nation’s housing crisis, demonstrating the potential for bipartisan cooperation in the face of political challenges.
