US housing law takes effect without Trump's signature as he pressures Senate on voting bill

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a major bipartisan housing bill, became law on July 10, 2026, after President Donald Trump refused to sign it. Under the Constitution, bills automatically become law if the president doesn't act within 10 days (excluding Sundays). Trump posted on Truth Social that he would not sign the bill in protest of the Senate's failure to pass the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship to vote. This move turned the housing law into political leverage.

The housing law

The law, passed 85 to 5 in the Senate and 358 to 32 in the House, is the most significant housing legislation in decades. It aims to increase housing supply, reduce construction regulations, and limit corporate purchases of single-family homes. The White House estimates a deficit of 10 million homes nationwide Source: infobae. The median home price reached a record $440,600 in June Source: infobae. Industry groups and affordable housing advocates supported the bill.

The political standoff

Trump canceled a signing ceremony on June 24, surprising Republican leaders. He called the housing bill a 'bostezo' (yawn) and 'insignificant' compared to the SAVE America Act Source: infobae. However, Senate Republican leaders have repeatedly said they lack the votes to pass the voting bill Source: diariolibre. Democrats and human rights groups denounce the SAVE America Act, arguing it would disenfranchise minorities and low-income voters Source: hoydo.