WASHINGTON — The Senate voted overwhelmingly Monday to pass a sweeping housing affordability bill aimed at lowering costs, putting Congress on the brink of a rare bipartisan victory in President Donald Trump’s second term.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.The vote was 85-5.Several senators missed the vote due to severe thunderstorms in the Washington area that led to a ground stop at Ronald Reagan National Airport.The legislation, which would make it easier to build homes and slap limits on Wall Street investors’ buying up houses, now goes to the House, which hopes to vote on it in the next few days.
Then, it would go to Trump’s desk to be signed into law.The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act would be a desperately needed win for Republicans, who have seen their 2026 midterm election prospects deteriorate throughout the year as voters believe Trump and the GOP-controlled Congress haven’t done enough to tackle the cost of living.A mid-June poll by The Associated Press found that Trump’s overall approval rating is 37%, dragged down by the fact that just 33% said they approve of his handling of the economy.Other surveys have shown him getting low marks on handling the cost of living, the main issue that powered him to victory in 2024.
And a June NBC News poll showed nearly 80% of U.S.voters believe the “American Dream” is harder to achieve than it was a generation ago.The bill represents a tangible victory on a top affordability concern.
The “four corners” deal reached last week among key committee chairs, which was blessed by party leaders, brought together an eclectic mix of lawmakers from all over the ideological spectrum.It was negotiated by Sens.
Tim Scott, R-S.C., and Sen.Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Reps.
French Hill, R-Ark., and Maxine Waters, D-Calif.The legislation would approve a series of funding and grant programs for constructing new homes.It would slash red ta...