Trump Cancels Plan to Sign Major Housing Bill as He Fights Congress Over the SAVE Act
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has canceled plans to sign a major bipartisan housing bill, citing his desire for Congress to pass the SAVE America Act, a sweeping elections bill.
In a statement, Trump said the housing bill signing is canceled until the SAVE America Act is passed, which he considers a national emergency.
The SAVE America Act aims to overhaul elections in all 50 states, introducing new proof of citizenship and voter ID requirements. However, Republican leaders claim they lack the votes to pass it due to strong Democratic opposition.
The canceled signing ceremony will add to the tension between the White House and Senate Republicans. The housing bill, which passed with huge bipartisan majorities, aims to lower housing costs by building more homes and restricting large investors from buying single-family homes.
Trump had been expected to discuss the SAVE America Act with Senate Republicans during their weekly lunch, which will still take place.
Earlier, Trump downplayed the importance of the housing bill, calling it "of minor importance" before shifting focus back to the SAVE America Act.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune laughed when asked about Trump's decision, saying he had no observations on the matter.
The housing bill was negotiated by committee leaders from both parties, including Sens. Tim Scott and Elizabeth Warren, and Reps. French Hill and Maxine Waters.
Trump criticized the bill as "Warren-centric" and demanded that Republicans abolish the filibuster, which would require changing Senate rules to remove the 60-vote threshold for passing most legislation.
In a statement, Trump said the housing bill signing is canceled until the SAVE America Act is passed, which he considers a national emergency.
The SAVE America Act aims to overhaul elections in all 50 states, introducing new proof of citizenship and voter ID requirements. However, Republican leaders claim they lack the votes to pass it due to strong Democratic opposition.
The canceled signing ceremony will add to the tension between the White House and Senate Republicans. The housing bill, which passed with huge bipartisan majorities, aims to lower housing costs by building more homes and restricting large investors from buying single-family homes.
Trump had been expected to discuss the SAVE America Act with Senate Republicans during their weekly lunch, which will still take place.
Earlier, Trump downplayed the importance of the housing bill, calling it "of minor importance" before shifting focus back to the SAVE America Act.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune laughed when asked about Trump's decision, saying he had no observations on the matter.
The housing bill was negotiated by committee leaders from both parties, including Sens. Tim Scott and Elizabeth Warren, and Reps. French Hill and Maxine Waters.
Trump criticized the bill as "Warren-centric" and demanded that Republicans abolish the filibuster, which would require changing Senate rules to remove the 60-vote threshold for passing most legislation.
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