Trump Refuses to Sign Bipartisan Housing Bill, Demands Voter ID Act First
On June 24, 2026, President Donald Trump abruptly canceled signing the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which aimed to increase U.S. housing supply and limit corporate home purchases. He demanded Congress first pass the controversial SAVE America Act, a voter ID bill critics say would disenfranchise millions. The move caused chaos among Republicans, with Speaker Mike Johnson negotiating with Trump. The housing bill may become law automatically in 10 days if presented, but a pocket veto could kill it during an upcoming recess.
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Housing bill sent to Trump, starting countdown to enactment
Speaker Mike Johnson formally transmitted a bipartisan housing package to President Donald Trump on June 29, 2026, triggering a 10-day countdown (excluding Sundays) for Trump to sign or veto the bill. If he does nothing, it becomes law by July 10. The bill passed both chambers with veto-proof majorities (85-5 Senate, 358-32 House). Trump had previously endorsed the bill but abruptly canceled a planned signing ceremony, demanding that the Senate first pass a separate election security measure requiring voter ID and citizenship proof. After meeting with Trump, Johnson persuaded him to end a House floor blockade over the issue. Johnson expressed hope Trump would sign the bill, but Trump called it a 'big yawn' compared to voter ID legislation. An override of a potential veto appears likely given the bipartisan support. The bill aims to increase housing supply and lower costs, a key voter concern.
Roll CallHousing bill sent to Trump, starting countdown to enactment
Speaker Mike Johnson formally transmitted a bipartisan housing package to President Trump on June 29, 2026, starting a 10-day countdown (excluding Sundays) for Trump to sign or veto the bill. If no action is taken, it becomes law by July 10. The bill, aimed at increasing housing supply and lowering costs, previously passed both chambers with veto-proof majorities. Trump had canceled a signing ceremony last week, demanding that the Senate first pass a separate voter ID and citizenship verification bill. After a meeting with Trump, Johnson convinced him to allow House floor action on other bills, and Johnson publicly committed to sending the housing bill. Trump has not committed to signing, calling the bill a 'big yawn' compared to election security, but an override of any veto is likely given the strong bipartisan support. Housing affordability remains a key voter issue heading toward elections.
Roll CallTrump Withholds Signature on Housing Bill, Demands Voter ID Law First
President Trump has refused to sign the widely supported 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a bipartisan housing bill that passed both chambers easily, until Congress passes the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship and photo ID for voting. Democrats accuse Trump of hostage-taking and say it is up to Republicans like Speaker Mike Johnson to present the bill formally or find a solution. Johnson met with Trump to discuss linking the bills. The SAVE Act is considered a poison pill in the Senate. A procedural deadline looms: if Johnson formally presents the bill, Trump has 10 days to sign it before it becomes law automatically, but an upcoming recess could trigger a pocket veto, killing the legislation without recourse.
The New RepublicTrump Withholds Housing Bill Signature, Demands Voter ID Legislation First
President Trump refused to sign the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which had passed Congress easily, until lawmakers also pass the SAVE America Act, a voter ID bill that Democrats call a poison pill. Democrats held a press conference urging Trump to sign the housing bill, but no Republicans joined them. Speaker Mike Johnson visited Trump to negotiate, and there is a legal ambiguity over whether Congress’s early July recess could trigger a pocket veto if the 10-day signature window expires while chambers are out of session. Senator Elizabeth Warren said Republicans must have the backbone to present the bill and start the clock, while Senator Tina Smith argued Republican colleagues like Tim Scott should pressure Trump. The SAVE Act has already passed the House three times but stalled in the Senate. A pocket veto would kill the bill and require reintroduction.
The New RepublicTrump Withholds Housing Bill Signature, Demands Voter ID Legislation
President Trump is refusing to sign the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a popular bipartisan housing bill, until Congress also passes the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship to vote. Democrats accuse Republicans of failing to stand up to Trump and urge them to force the bill's signature. Speaker Mike Johnson is negotiating with Trump, but the SAVE Act is seen as a poison pill unlikely to pass the Senate. A 10-day clock for automatic enactment has not started because Johnson has not formally presented the bill. If Congress recesses in early July before the clock expires, a pocket veto could kill the legislation, leaving Democrats pessimistic about a resolution.
The New RepublicTrump Refuses to Sign Bipartisan Housing Bill, Causing Republican Chaos
On June 24, 2026, President Donald Trump refused to sign the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a bipartisan bill that had passed both chambers of Congress. The bill aimed to create new homes and limit corporate purchases of single-family residences. Trump's last-minute refusal, just an hour before a scheduled signing ceremony, caught Republicans off guard. He demanded passage of the SAVE Act, a controversial voter ID bill, before addressing housing. Republicans hastily removed the presidential seal from the stage as Democrats used the setting to criticize Trump's flip-flop. House Speaker Mike Johnson attempted damage control, expressing confidence Trump would eventually support the bill. The SAVE Act, which critics say would disenfranchise millions of voters, has passed the House but lacks Senate support. Despite Trump's refusal, the housing bill could still become law in 10 days if Congress remains in session.
The New RepublicRepublican Rep. French Hill Unaware Trump Cancelled Housing Bill Signing
President Donald Trump abruptly canceled the signing of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a major bipartisan housing bill passed overwhelmingly in both chambers (House 358-32, Senate 85-5), demanding Congress first pass his controversial SAVE America Act voter ID legislation. Arkansas Rep. French Hill, standing next to Speaker Mike Johnson, unknowingly celebrated the bill as a success during a news conference shortly after Trump's announcement. The housing bill aimed to address the U.S. housing crisis by increasing supply, streamlining environmental reviews, and reducing zoning barriers. The SAVE Act, which contains provisions including stricter voter ID requirements, mail-in voting bans, and a requirement to purge voter rolls every 30 days, sparked earlier controversy for making it harder for married women to vote and caused months of Homeland Security funding gridlock.
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