Trump postpones signing of bipartisan housing legislation pending passage of election reform bill

President Donald Trump used his Truth Social account on Wednesday to cancel a planned signing ceremony for a bipartisan housing bill, stating the action will remain on hold until Congress passes the SAVE America Act, which he described as a national emergency. The housing legislation, which cleared both chambers with large majorities, aims to lower housing costs by increasing construction and limiting large investors from purchasing single-family homes.

Trump did not comment on the housing bill when speaking to reporters after a lunch with Republican senators, and he did not indicate whether he intends to sign or veto the measure. Senate Majority Leader John Thune declined to comment on the cancellation, while House Speaker Mike Johnson said the president is using the constitutional ten-day window to apply pressure and expects the bill will be signed within that period.

Republican lawmakers have expressed mixed reactions. Some voiced frustration, describing the move as a political stunt, while others pledged to withhold further House procedural votes until the election reform bill advances. A group of GOP members led by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna announced they will block rule votes, which could delay other legislation.

Democratic leaders criticized the decision, with Rep. Jason Crow noting the administration’s refusal to sign a bill that would make home ownership easier, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer calling the president’s stance “foolish” while suggesting enough votes exist to override a potential veto.

The SAVE America Act, a sweeping election-law reform proposal that would impose new proof-of-citizenship and voter-ID requirements, remains stalled. Republican leadership says they lack the votes needed to overcome Democratic opposition and to eliminate the Senate filibuster, a procedural hurdle the president has urged Congress to remove.