Speaker Johnson sends bipartisan housing bill to White House — but Trump says it’s a ‘yawn’
Speaker Johnson Sends Bipartisan Housing Bill to White House — Trump Calls It a ‘Yawn’
Speaker Johnson sends bipartisan housing bill – President Donald Trump has yet to decide whether he will approve a bipartisan housing legislation, stating that the measure is “so unimportant” in comparison to his push for a contentious overhaul of federal elections. During a Monday press event, he dismissed the bill as a mere “yawn,” adding a touch of sarcasm to his remarks. “Big deal,” he said, “it’s a yawn.” This lukewarm reaction has raised concerns among congressional Republicans, who have long emphasized the importance of the housing measure in addressing the nation’s affordability challenges ahead of the November midterms.
Speaker Mike Johnson, the Louisiana Republican who leads the House, transmitted the housing affordability bill to the White House on Monday, according to a spokesperson. This action initiated a 10-day window during which the bill could become law without the president’s signature. A source close to the situation noted that while Trump is unlikely to sign the legislation, he remains open to a potential change of heart. The source added that the president would allow the bill to pass automatically if it meets the required timeframe, rather than vetoing it outright.
The delay in signing the housing bill has left some Republican lawmakers frustrated, particularly as they had framed it as a crucial component of their agenda. GOP Senator Bill Cassidy, who is vocal about economic issues, criticized the president’s stance on social media, stating,
“Btw, it’s irresponsible to postpone signing the Housing bill due to the SAVE Act. We need to start delivering relief to people for the high cost of housing ASAP!!”
Cassidy’s comment highlights the growing tension between Trump’s focus on his voter ID legislation and the urgency felt by other Republicans to address immediate housing concerns.
Despite the bipartisan nature of the housing bill, Trump has expressed reservations. He argued that the measure’s broad support from Democrats indicates they may be compromising on their usual positions. “It’s very bipartisan — that means the Democrats like it,” he remarked. “They’re getting things that I wouldn’t necessarily agree to.” This sentiment underscores Trump’s skepticism about the bill’s alignment with his own priorities, even as he acknowledges its collaborative effort.
The president’s insistence on linking the housing bill to his SAVE America Act has further complicated the legislative process. His demand for Senate action on the elections overhaul has stalled the housing measure, despite the Senate majority leader, John Thune, and other senior Republicans assuring him that passage is unlikely without the tie. This standoff has left House Republicans in a difficult position, as they seek to advance their agenda while managing Trump’s influence.
Johnson, however, has remained optimistic about the bill’s prospects. Following a meeting with Trump on Thursday, the speaker claimed that the pair are “exactly on the same page” regarding the housing measure. He also hinted at a strategy to combine the SAVE America Act with a must-pass bipartisan bill, the National Defense Authorization Act, and send both to the Senate together. The defense authorization act is an annual legislative package that typically enjoys cross-party support and is often signed into law without significant controversy. However, linking it to the SAVE Act, which lacks Democratic backing and has drawn opposition from some Senate Republicans, could complicate its passage in the upper chamber.
While the housing bill aims to alleviate the country’s affordability crisis through policies that increase housing supply, its inclusion of a novel restriction on private equity has drawn mixed reactions. The provision prohibits large investors from purchasing single-family homes, a move intended to prevent speculative buying and stabilize prices. Critics argue that such a measure could stifle investment, but supporters claim it is essential to protect homeowners and renters from rising costs.
Johnson’s decision to prioritize the housing bill’s submission to the White House reflects a strategic effort to maintain momentum for the legislation. Even with Trump’s hesitation, the speaker believes that the bipartisan nature of the bill will help secure its passage. “We’re moving forward with the housing measure because it’s the right thing to do for Americans,” Johnson said, emphasizing the need for legislative progress despite the president’s delays.
The current stalemate highlights the broader challenges facing Congress under Trump’s leadership. His focus on the SAVE America Act has slowed the pace of other critical legislation, as Senate and House Republicans work to navigate the political landscape. While some lawmakers have urged Trump to prioritize the housing bill, others remain aligned with his position, believing the elections overhaul is a more pressing issue.
As the 10-day countdown begins, the question remains whether Trump will ultimately sign the housing bill or allow it to become law without his endorsement. The outcome could have significant implications for the Republican Party’s ability to present a cohesive message in the lead-up to the midterms. If the bill passes, it may serve as a symbolic victory for bipartisan cooperation, even as Trump continues to focus on his voter ID agenda.
Meanwhile, the debate over the SAVE America Act continues to dominate congressional discussions. The bill, which mandates voter ID requirements and proof of citizenship for voters, has become a polarizing issue within the Republican ranks. While some senators support it as a necessary step to protect election integrity, others have raised concerns about its potential to alienate moderate voters and depress turnout in key districts.
With the housing bill now in the hands of the White House, the focus shifts to whether Trump will find a way to reconcile his priorities with the need for legislative action. The president’s stance could either accelerate or delay the measure’s implementation, depending on how he chooses to handle the political implications. For now, the bipartisan effort stands as a testament to the challenges of moving forward in a divided Congress, even as lawmakers seek to deliver tangible results for constituents.
As the midterms approach, the timing of the housing bill’s potential passage has taken on added significance. Vulnerable GOP candidates in key districts are likely to leverage the legislation as a talking point, emphasizing its benefits to everyday Americans. However, the success of this strategy will depend on how effectively Republicans can address the delays caused by Trump’s insistence on the SAVE Act.
In the end, the housing bill serves as a microcosm of the larger legislative battles within the Republican Party. While the speaker and some lawmakers push for swift action, Trump’s continued resistance illustrates the complexities of maintaining a unified front in a political environment marked by internal divisions and external pressures.