(June 24): US President Donald Trump cancelled plans to sign a bipartisan bill aimed at lowering housing costs, escalating his feud with Republicans in the Senate.
Trump’s decision spoiled an opportunity for lawmakers in both parties — and the president himself — to tout progress toward addressing voters’ affordability concerns ahead of November’s midterm elections. The president said he wouldn’t sign the bill until Congress approves voting restrictions that previously failed to pass the Senate.
“Today’s Housing News Conference and Signing is hereby cancelled until such time as we pass the desperately needed SAVE AMERICA ACT,” Trump posted on social media on Wednesday, referring to his voting proposal.
Earlier, Trump derided the housing bill, which passed the House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan majorities, as “of minor importance compared to lower interest rates".
Trump’s move, announced less than two hours before a planned signing ceremony at the US Capitol, is likely symbolic in practice. The president has 10 days to either sign or veto the bill, excluding Sundays, and if no action is taken, it becomes law.
Still, it reveals the depth of Trump’s frustration with his fellow Republicans in the Senate, with whom he has feuded over nominations and his desire to pass the voting measure. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has previously said the votes don’t exist to break a filibuster and pass Trump’s voting bill.
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Trump is due to speak to Senate Republicans later Wednesday at their weekly luncheon.
Uploaded by Arion Yeow
