www.ms.now 0%
Sweeping bipartisan housing bill could become law without Trump’s signature
By Ebony Davis - 7/10/2026, 10:00 AM - 591 words
Faulty reasoning signals
- Framing Effect - 13.5%
- Negativity Bias - 6.8%
- Availability Heuristic - 4.9%
Article text
A sweeping bipartisan housing bill aimed at easing the nation’s affordability crisis is poised to become law at midnight — even if President Donald Trump never signs it — after clearing Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support and veto-proof margins last month. Unless Trump issues a veto before Friday’s deadline, the legislation will become law automatically, capping weeks of uncertainty over the fate of one of Congress’ broadest bipartisan measures this year. The Senate approved the legislation, known as the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act , in an 85-5 vote on June 22. The House followed a day later, passing the measure 358-32, before Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., formally transmitted it to the White House on June 29. The bill’s path to the White House was delayed after Trump canceled a signing ceremony on June 24 while pressing Congress to advance the SAVE America Act , which would require proof of U.S. citizenship and photo identification for federal elections. Johnson later sent the housing bill to the White House, starting the constitutional countdown for presidential action. Since then, the White House has given little indication of Trump’s plans, and he dismissed the bill as “a yawn” last week. Asked aboard Air Force One on Thursday whether he intended to sign the bill, the president declined to commit. “I’ll make a decision,” Trump told reporters before pivoting to discuss the SAVE America Act, a separate election proposal he has made a top legislative priority. Under the Constitution, the president has 10 days, excluding Sundays, to sign or veto legislation after it is presented to the White House. Because Congress remains in session, if Trump takes no action before the deadline expires at the end of Friday, the measure will automatically become law without his signature. Had Congress adjourned during that period, the bill could have died through a pocket veto instead. The housing legislation represents one of the rare major bipartisan achievements of the 119th Congress, bringing together lawmakers from both parties around a package intended to increase the nation’s housing supply and lower costs for renters and prospective homebuyers. The bill seeks to reduce federal regulatory barriers to housing construction, encourage local governments to reform restrictive zoning policies, expand incentives for new development and modernize building standards. It also includes provisions designed to speed permitting, strengthen federal housing and homelessness programs, promote manufactured and modular housing and curb the growing role of large institutional investors in the single-family housing market. Democratic lawmakers on Thursday stepped up pressure on Trump to advance the legislation ahead of the looming deadline. “It’s been sitting on President Trump’s desk long enough. Sign the bill,” Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., said in a social media post. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., accused Trump of holding the bill “hostage,” adding, “He needs to stop playing games and sign the bill so more Americans can finally afford homes.” The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage currently hovers around 6.5%, continuing to squeeze affordability for homebuyers. Supporters have argued the legislation would help address a shortage of millions of homes nationwide that has fueled soaring home prices and rents, even as mortgage rates remain elevated. While housing groups praised the package as the most significant federal housing legislation in years, some analysts cautioned it is unlikely to produce immediate relief because many of its provisions will take years to influence housing supply. The post Sweeping bipartisan housing bill could become law without Trump’s signature appeared first on MS NOW .