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President Donald Trump abruptly canceled the scheduled signing of a bipartisan housing affordability bill on Wednesday, demanding that Congress first pass the SAVE America Act, a voting restriction bill. The move has deepened tensions between the White House and Senate Republicans, who warn the voting bill lacks the votes to pass.
Trump announced on Truth Social: "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." Source: The Guardian The housing bill, aimed at boosting supply and lowering costs, had passed the House 358–32 and the Senate 85–5 with broad bipartisan support. Source: Al Jazeera Trump’s decision came hours before a scheduled signing ceremony and a closed-door lunch with Senate Republicans.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said of the cancellation: "That was his decision," and expressed hope Trump would eventually sign the housing bill. Source: emol Sen. Thom Tillis called the demand "an unachievable goal," adding: "This is a waste of time. It's a distraction … it's not going to happen in this Congress." Source: CNN Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson indicated he had spoken with Trump about delaying the housing bill to advance the voting measure. Source: Los Angeles Times
The SAVE America Act would require proof of citizenship to register and photo ID to cast a ballot. Voting rights advocates say it would disenfranchise eligible voters; Trump claims it is needed to prevent fraud, though noncitizen voting is extremely rare. Source: NPR The bill lacks the 60 votes needed to overcome a Senate filibuster, and Republican leaders have resisted Trump's calls to eliminate the filibuster.
“Trump said: '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.'”
“Sen. Thom Tillis said: 'This is a waste of time. It's a distraction and … it's not going to happen in this Congress.'”
“The SAVE America Act would require proof of citizenship to register to vote and photo ID to cast a ballot. NPR notes that noncitizen voting is 'extremely rare.'”
“The affordable housing bill was passed by the House in a 358-32 vote and the Senate 85-5, a rare bipartisan achievement.”
Trump's appearance at the Capitol turned combative when he challenged senators who voted to rebuke him over the Iran war. Sen. Bill Cassidy confronted Trump, saying the administration had not explained its objectives in Iran. Source: Japan Today Trump later told reporters: "I don't like a few people, but that's okay — I think you know who they are." Source: emol The housing bill's fate remains uncertain; if Trump does not sign it within 10 days, it could become law without his signature if Congress overrides a veto. Source: Al Jazeera
Trump delays housing bill to push SAVE America Act amid GOP rift