TRUMP CANCELS HOUSING BILL SIGNING, DEMANDS VOTER ID LAW FIRST

President Donald Trump shelved plans to sign the 21st Century Road to Housing Act on Wednesday, announcing the decision via social media. Trump demanded that Congress first approve the Save America Act, legislation that would require proof of citizenship at voter registration and curtail mail-in voting. In his statement, Trump described the Save America Act as "desperately needed" and "a National Emergency". The housing bill had previously passed both the Senate and House of Representatives with large majorities following months of negotiation.

The 21st Century Road to Housing Act aimed to reduce housing costs by streamlining federal regulations, expediting environmental reviews, accelerating construction processes and limiting corporate landlords' ability to purchase single-family homes. According to Trump, the housing legislation was of "minor importance". The bill represented one of the largest efforts in decades to increase housing supply and lower prices, backed by both Democrats and Republicans ahead of November's midterm elections. Chuck Schumer, the Senate's top Democrat, criticised Trump's decision, stating that the housing bill represented "one of the very few accomplishments could actually help the American people".

The Save America Act has faced opposition from Democrats. Schumer stated: "The Save Act will not pass, Donald Trump." Concerns about housing affordability are expected to influence voter decisions in the upcoming midterm elections, which will determine control of Congress for the remainder of Trump's term. The president's decision to link the housing bill to passage of voting legislation marks a significant shift in the legislative agenda.