Sweeping bipartisan housing bill could become law without Trump’s signature

A sweeping bipartisan housing bill aimed at easing the nation’s affordability crisis is poised to become law at midnight — even if President Donald Trump never signs it — after clearing Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support and veto-proof margins last month.

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Unless Trump issues a veto before Friday’s deadline, the legislation will become law automatically, capping weeks of uncertainty over the fate of one of Congress’ broadest bipartisan measures this year.

The Senate approved the legislation, known as the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, in an 85-5 vote on June 22. The House followed a day later, passing the measure 358-32, before Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., formally transmitted it to the White House on June 29. 

The bill’s path to the White House was delayed after Trump canceled a signing ceremony on June 24 while pressing Congress to advance the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of U.S. citizenship and photo identification for federal elections. Johnson later sent the housing bill to the White House, starting the constitutional countdown for presidential action. 

Since then, the White House has given little indication of Trump’s plans, and he dismissed the bill as “a yawn” last week. Asked aboard Air Force One on Thursday whether he intended to sign the bill, the president declined to commit.

“I’ll make a decision,” Trump told reporters before pivoting to discuss the SAVE America Act, a separate election proposal he has made a top legislative priority. 

Under the Constitution, the president has 10 days, excluding Sundays, to sign or veto legislation after it is presented to the White House. Because Congress remains in session, if Trump takes no action before the deadline expires at the end of Friday, the measure will automatically become law without his signature. Had Congress adjourned during that period, the bill could have died through a pocket veto instead. 

The housing legislation represents one of the rare major bipartisan achievements of the 119th Congress, bringing together lawmakers from both parties around a package intended to increase the nation’s housing supply and lower costs for renters and prospective homebuyers.