A coalition of Democrats and Republicans ratified the 21st Century Road to Housing Act, a sweeping measure aimed at reducing home prices and boosting supply. President Trump did not sign the bill and refused to veto it, allowing it to become law automatically on Friday.
Trump cited the Senate’s failure to pass a voter‑ID law, the SAVE Act, as a reason for withholding his signature, insisting he would not sign the housing bill until the Senate acted on voter eligibility reforms.
The new act contains more than 40 provisions, including streamlined processes for building new homes and limits on how many single‑family homes institutional investors can purchase nationwide.
Dennis Shea of the Bipartisan Policy Center called the legislation "a genuine milestone" for Congress, noting that the American public overwhelmingly wants action on housing affordability.
Recent data show median home prices have risen to $440,660, and the average household income needed to afford such a home is about $117,000, nearly $30,000 above the median US household income.
Hyperselling of high inflation and interest rates further strains potential buyers, making homeownership increasingly out of reach for many.
While Democrats defend the bill as essential for affordability, Republicans worry that the Save America Act would undermine voter rights; the debate also highlights concerns that the Senate cannot secure both pieces of legislation in time.
Hakeem Jeffries, House minority leader, blasted Washington’s priorities by noting that efforts to ease voting requirements have eclipsed the need to ease housing costs.
