President Donald Trump cancelled his approval of landmark bill aimed at lowering Americans’ housing costs just hours ahead of a planned signing ceremony at the US Capitol.
Both chambers of Congress had earlier approved the legislation in a rare bipartisan move, signalling how pressing the issue has become for American voters across the political divide.
Trump wrote on social media that he would not sign the bill until a separate law on stringent voter ID requirements is passed. But unless the president vetoes the housing bill – or Congress adjourns – it could become law after ten days.
The bill, known as the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, has two key aims: reducing housing costs and increasing housing supply.
Experts have described the bill as the most comprehensive action from Congress on housing policy in the 21st century. It includes more than 40 provisions that target many housing-related issues.
But hours before he was expected to formalise its provisions into law, Trump posted on social media, saying: “Today’s Housing News Conference and Signing is hereby cancelled until such time as we pass the desperately needed SAVE AMERICA ACT, which I consider to be a National Emergency.”
The change in plan was a surprise to many on Capitol Hill, including some lawmakers who showed up to the signing only to be told by reporters that Trump had cancelled it.
Some Republicans told reporters they thought Trump would eventually sign the bipartisan bill into law. Others expressed confusion about the sudden shift from the president.
“That was his call to make,” Senate Majority John Thune told CNN ahead of a planned lunch with Senate Republicans and the president.
“What I would say is that the bill is a bill that’s been worked on for a long time. It’s an affordability issue, and eventually I hope he’ll find his way to sign it.”
Meanwhile, Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat who co-sponsored the legislation, told CNBC she did not have “any idea” why Trump cancelled the signing.
“This just doesn’t make any sense other than whatever it is he wants to do, it’s a complete indifference to the cost squeeze on American families,” she said.
