Trump Abruptly Cancels Major Housing Bill Signing Ceremony

President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday, October 26, 2024, that he would not sign the bipartisan 21st Century Road to Housing Act, a bill passed by Congress this week after months of negotiations. The cancellation occurred less than two hours before the scheduled signing ceremony. Trump stated he would only sign the housing package after Congress passes the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, an election security bill he and many Republicans support. The 21st Century Road to Housing Act, which contains 45 provisions aimed at reducing housing costs, including measures to constrain institutional investors and promote mortgage lending, had gained broad bipartisan support. The House passed the bill 358-32 on Tuesday night, and the Senate passed it 85-5 the previous night. The abrupt cancellation surprised lawmakers who had been celebrating the rare bipartisan achievement. House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar criticized Trump's decision, stating it shows he does not care about the costs faced by the public. Trump now has 10 days to sign or veto the housing bill; otherwise, it will become law. A veto could potentially be overridden by Congress given the bill's widespread support.