Trump blocks housing affordability bill to demand Congress pass the SAVE Act

Earlier this week, both chambers of Congress passed the ROAD to Housing Act, which aims to tackle some of the factors that have caused home prices to become increasingly unaffordable in the US. The bill won overwhelming bipartisan support, demonstrating that both parties are eager to be seen addressing the high cost of living, which will be one of the most salient issues in November’s midterm elections.

Although the White House initially lent support to the bill, President Trump has now refused to sign it. Trump is demanding that Congress pass the SAVE America Act (or SAVE Act) before he signs the ROAD act. The SAVE Act would require voters to provide proof of citizenship before registering to vote and require photo ID to be presented before voting. Trump has previously held up bills with strong bipartisan support with his demands that Congress pass the SAVE Act. However, Congress has so far refused to include the legislation in any of its larger bills and Trump has backed down each time.

If the SAVE America act were passed before the midterms, it could throw the nationwide voting system into turmoil and would likely disenfranchise many eligible voters. The bill increases barriers to voting by essentially eliminating mail-in and online voting and installing burdensome documentation requirement. Conservatives have also criticized the bill for undermining state control of elections.

The House passed the ROAD to Housing Act by 358-32 and the Senate passed it 85-5. With that level of support, Congress could override Trump’s veto to pass the bill, even if he continues to refuse to sign it.