A major housing bill is set to become law at midnight — even though Trump says he won't sign
President Trump says he won't sign a historic bipartisan housing affordability bill set to become law Friday, protesting Congress's failure to advance his voter ID legislation. The bill will become law automatically at midnight without his signature.
Trump Refuses to Sign Historic Housing Bill
President Donald Trump said Friday that he will not sign a bipartisan housing bill in protest of Republicans' inability to advance separate elections overhaul legislation, dealing a major political blow to vulnerable lawmakers in his own party. The housing bill is set to become law at midnight even without Trump's signature.
What the Bill Does
The country's first major piece of federal housing legislation in decades is set to become law on Friday even if President Trump doesn't sign it. The bill restricts large institutional investors from buying single-family homes.
Why Trump Objects
The sweeping legislation will now advance with minimal fanfare from a president who has dismissed it as "a yawn" and "so unimportant" compared to the elections legislation, which includes voter ID and proof-of-citizenship measures. An outside economic adviser to Trump noted: "I'm not sure how holding this bill hostage is going to move this other bill," while Democrats immediately seized on Trump's decision not to sign the housing bill as evidence of his failure to prioritize affordability concerns.
Political Implications
GOP leaders had originally hoped to tout the moment as a historic economic achievement ahead of midterm elections that are likely to be defined by Americans' concerns over the cost of living. It also underscores the deepening challenge facing the GOP just four months out from midterm elections expected to hinge on an affordability crisis that Trump has repeatedly downplayed in favor of focusing on his personal priorities.