President Trump is leveraging a major housing affordability package to force Senate Republicans into action on a separate voting restrictions proposal, refusing to sign the bipartisan bill that Congress sent to the White House last week.
The move is largely theatrical. The housing legislation becomes law automatically at midnight Friday regardless of Trump's signature or veto, having already cleared both chambers with overwhelming support. The House passed it 358-32 in late June, followed by an 85-5 Senate victory.
Trump announced his refusal Friday morning via Truth Social, citing the Senate's failure to advance the SAVE America Act. That measure would require proof of citizenship for voter registration and a photo ID at the ballot box.
"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, adding that the act's non-passage is "CRAZY, and a serious threat to any politician who votes against it."
The housing package represents the most significant affordability legislation Congress has passed in decades. It targets the soaring cost of homeownership and contains provisions barring large investors from purchasing single-family homes.
The voting restrictions bill has drawn sharp criticism from civil rights advocates. The Brennan Center estimates that more than 21 million Americans lack ready access to documents the SAVE America Act would require, including a REAL ID, passport, military ID, or comparable government-issued photo ID paired with proof of citizenship or U.S. birth. Voting rights groups warn the law could disenfranchise millions.
House Speaker Mike Johnson sent the housing bill to Trump on June 29, triggering a 10-day window for action. If Trump vetoes before the Friday midnight deadline, Congress technically has the votes in both chambers to override him, though such a move would be politically explosive.
Author James Rodriguez: "Trump's gambit exposes the fragility of bipartisan wins in this Congress, where even landmark legislation becomes hostage to partisan demands."
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