Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) celebrated the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act becoming law Saturday at midnight despite not having been signed by President Donald Trump.
What the Bill Does and Why It's Law Without Trump's Signature
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act contains numerous provisions aimed at making homebuying easier and more affordable for Americans, including limiting large institutional investors from buying up single-family homes, launching a program to convert empty commercial buildings into affordable housing, and unlocking more federal funding for factory-built homes.
Despite the bill being presented to President Trump for signature, Trump refused to sign it until the Senate passed the SAVE America Act, earning him harsh criticism from Democrats. However, he never vetoed the ROAD to Housing Act either, meaning it became law on Saturday because Trump did not sign or veto the bill within 10 days while Congress was still in session.
What Gallego is Saying
Sen. Gallego criticized Trump's inaction in a recent press release, saying, "Let's be clear: this bill could have and should have become law weeks ago. Instead of helping bring down the cost of housing – something he promised to do on day one – President Trump decided to play petty politics and refused to sign. This bill has become law in spite of, not because of, the President. It’s shameful."
Nevertheless, he is still taking the win, adding, "But today is still a historic day worth celebrating. I'm proud that through this package, several of my bills have become law. Bills that will make it easier for builders to get financing, encourage innovation in modular and prefabricated homebuilding, and help ensure every veteran has a safe, affordable place to call home. It is a vital step as we work to make the dream of homeownership a reality again."
Even with the bill's provisions, home affordability will not come quickly, as Yonah Freemark, a housing research associate at the Urban Institute, suggested in comments to CNN.
