BY MIRABEL ODETA
U.S. President Donald Trump has raised doubts about whether he will sign a bipartisan housing affordability bill, describing the legislation as less important than a separate election-related measure he wants Congress to prioritize.
Speaking from the Oval Office on Monday, Trump said he had not yet decided whether to approve the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. The bill is designed to increase housing availability by speeding up environmental reviews, expanding grant programs, and easing restrictions on prefabricated housing.
Although Trump criticized the legislation, he did not threaten to veto it. Instead, he argued that Congress should first focus on passing the SAVE America Act, a measure that would require proof of citizenship for voter registration and establish a national voter database using state registration information.
Trump’s comments came after he canceled a planned signing ceremony for the housing bill last week in an effort to pressure Republican lawmakers to advance the election legislation. Trump has repeatedly made claims about election fraud, though widespread fraud affecting U.S. election outcomes has not been established.
The disagreement highlights competing priorities within the administration and the Republican Party as they focus on both election policy and concerns about the rising cost of living ahead of the November midterm elections.
Housing affordability and inflation remain major issues for voters. Consumer prices have continued to draw attention, with inflation increasing pressure on households. The Consumer Price Index, a key measure of inflation, rose to 4.2% in May, reaching its highest level since April 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Trump’s remarks also come as energy costs and economic concerns remain politically significant. Tensions involving Iran and disruptions in global energy markets have contributed to higher fuel and industrial costs, creating additional challenges for policymakers.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said the housing bill would be sent to the White House on Monday. Once received, Trump will have 10 days, excluding Sundays, to sign the legislation or return it to Congress. If he does not sign it within that period, the bill could become law.
The president’s recent comments about inflation and affordability have created challenges for Republicans as they attempt to address voter concerns about household expenses. Some of Trump’s statements regarding economic conditions have drawn criticism from opponents who argue they could make the party’s message on costs more difficult.
The dispute also reflects ongoing tension between Trump and Senate Republican Leader John Thune of South Dakota. Trump has urged Senate Republicans to eliminate the 60-vote threshold required for most legislation to advance or to challenge the authority of the Senate parliamentarian. Thune has rejected those proposals, and they do not currently have broad support among Republican senators.
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