Housing advocates urged President Donald Trump on Wednesday to sign landmark bipartisan housing legislation into law after he abruptly canceled the signing ceremony and demanded Congress first pass an unrelated election law bill.
Realtors and Home Builders React
The National Association of Realtors called the bill’s passage a “major milestone,” saying realtors “have worked tirelessly to help build that momentum.”
“The overwhelming bipartisan support for this legislation reflects a growing consensus that America needs more homes and more pathways to homeownership,” Shannon McGahn, the association’s executive vice president and chief advocacy officer, told HuffPost.
Bill Owens, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders, said he’s confident the bill will be signed despite the delay from Trump on the formal signing.
“Voters are demanding action on housing supply and affordability, and Congress has delivered a historic bill to address their concerns,” he said in a press release. “Although there was no bill signing today, we are confident the 21st Century Road to Housing Act will eventually become law.”
Tribal Communities Express Concerns
The National American Indian Housing Council offered measured support, praising the bill’s broader goals that aim to address shortages, but stated the bill still underserves Tribal communities.
“Tribal Nations continue to face some of the most severe housing shortages in America, and the legislation stops short of addressing the unique legal and administrative realities of Tribal housing programs,” NAIHC executive director Rudy Soto said, adding that Congress should also pass the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Modernization Act to make sure Native communities “share fully in the benefits of America’s housing investments.”
Historic Bipartisan Support
The historic bill, which would streamline construction processes and limit corporate landlords, passed the House in a 358-32 vote and the Senate with widespread support — a historic feat in a divided Congress.
