Housing Bill Becomes Law Despite Trump’s Voter Suppression Tactics
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Congress passes the 21st Century Road to Housing Act, overcoming President Trump’s attempt to hold affordable housing hostage to voter ID legislation.
In a rare moment of bipartisan cooperation, Congress approved the 21st Century Road to Housing Act in June, taking a significant step toward addressing America’s housing crisis for renters and homebuyers. The bill, with over 40 provisions designed to boost new construction and curb predatory institutional purchases of single-family homes, became law automatically after President Trump refused to act.
"This bill becoming law is a genuine milestone—and I don't use that word lightly," said Dennis Shea of the Bipartisan Policy Center. "Getting Congress to move on housing supply and affordability has been a long time coming, and the American people made clear they were ready for it."
Trump, however, tried to derail this progress by refusing to sign the bill, cynically tying his inaction to the Senate’s refusal to pass the SAVE (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility) Act—a voter-ID measure widely criticized as a tool for disenfranchising marginalized communities. On social media, Trump declared he would not sign the housing bill until the voter suppression bill was passed.
"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," Trump wrote.
Democratic leaders condemned Trump’s move, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries highlighting that Republicans "would rather make it harder to vote than easier to afford a home."
This legislation arrives as median existing-home prices soar to a record $440,660 in June, putting homeownership out of reach for most Americans, who would need an annual income of about $117,000—far above the average household earnings. The new law is a victory for working families, despite attempts by the right to undermine both housing and voting rights.