Trump delays housing bill over SAVE Act standoff; digital dollar ban included
Key Questions
Why did Trump delay the Housing for the 21st Century Act?
Trump delayed signing the bipartisan housing bill to pressure Congress into passing the SAVE Act. The bill ultimately became law without his signature and includes environmental waivers, limits on Wall Street home purchases, and building incentives.
What is the current status of the SAVE Act?
The SAVE Act remains stalled after the House recessed early following a failed rule vote, with Senate Republicans lacking 60 votes. Speaker Johnson is attempting to attach it to reconciliation despite potential Byrd Rule obstacles.
How does Ron Johnson's new role affect the SAVE Act push?
As incoming Senate Budget chair, Johnson gains control over reconciliation, which could accelerate efforts to advance the voting bill. A House plan also ties $95 billion in grants to SAVE Act adoption.
What other provisions are included in the housing bill?
The law bans a U.S. digital dollar through 2030 and pairs with related measures such as a congressional stock trading ban and funding for defense, agriculture, and SAVE Act implementation.
Why are some GOP senators urging Trump to move on from the SAVE Act?
Senators including Tillis, Cornyn, and Bacon have advised Trump to drop the effort due to insufficient votes and procedural hurdles in the Senate.
What concerns do local election officials have about the SAVE Act?
Officials describe the bill as unworkable for implementation ahead of upcoming elections.
How is the House linking unrelated funding to the SAVE Act?
Republicans are tying $95 billion in grants, including Iran war funding and farm aid, to passage of the SAVE Act through reconciliation.
What is the timeline pressure facing Congress on these bills?
Lawmakers face a narrow window before the August recess to resolve the SAVE Act, housing measures, and related spending priorities.
The bipartisan Housing for the 21st Century Act became law without Trump's signature after he delayed it to pressure Congress on the SAVE Act. The law includes environmental review waivers, a cap on Wall Street investor home purchases, and homebuilding incentives. The SAVE Act remains stalled: House recessed early after a failed rule vote (Scalise voting no), Senate lacks 60 votes, and Johnson is now trying to attach it to reconciliation despite Byrd Rule and parliamentarian hurdles. Ron Johnson's new role as Senate Budget chair gives him control over reconciliation, potentially turbocharging the push. A House plan ties $95B in grants (including Iran war funding and farm aid) to SAVE Act adoption. GOP senators (Tillis, Cornyn, Bacon) have told Trump to move on; Ticktin urged emergency action. Local election officials call the bill unworkable. The housing bill includes a ban on the digital dollar through 2030. Rep. Mann backs reconciliation bill with $70B defense, $12B ag, $10B for SAVE Act implementation, and a stock trading ban. Congress faces a short window before August recess.