Exclusive: Johnson says housing bill will become law, with or without Trump

Exclusive: Johnson Says Housing Legislation Will Take Effect Regardless of Trump’s Action

Exclusive - Washington — House Speaker Mike Johnson has declared that the historic housing legislation passed by Congress last week will move forward to law, whether or not President Donald Trump affixes his signature to it. The bill, which garnered strong bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, is poised to become official under the rules of the legislative process, Johnson emphasized during an exclusive interview with USA TODAY at the U.S. Capitol.

Presidential Deliberations and Timeline

Johnson reiterated his efforts to persuade Trump during a two-hour Oval Office meeting on Monday, June 29. While the president expressed reservations, he indicated he would evaluate the proposal further and possibly revisit the decision later in the week. The housing bill, aimed at reducing costs for homeowners and renters, remains a top priority for both Johnson and Trump, according to the speaker.

"He said he'll think about it, and we'll talk about it again this week," Johnson stated.

The legislation could still be finalized if Trump fails to act within the 10-day window following its receipt at the White House. This period, which excludes Sundays, allows the bill to become law without the president’s approval. Johnson confirmed that the bill was formally delivered to the White House on June 29, initiating the countdown for a decision.

Trump’s Priorities and Criticisms

Earlier in the day, Trump dismissed the housing measure as "a big yawn," labeling it "so unimportant" compared to the SAVE America Act. This Republican-backed voting reform would mandate voters to provide proof of citizenship and photo ID when registering and casting ballots. Trump had previously canceled a planned signing ceremony for the housing bill, halting its immediate enactment.

"The SAVE America Act is his top priority, and it is mine, as well," Johnson noted, adding that the president’s focus on the voting legislation has delayed action on the housing bill.

Johnson acknowledged the political argument behind Trump’s stance, but he stressed that the housing bill would still advance the president’s goal of making housing more affordable. "You should get the biggest black marker you can, do that giant Trump signature across that, because there's a lot to be proud of there," he told reporters, highlighting the bill’s significance.

Partisan Dynamics and Legislative Hurdles

The past week has tested Johnson’s leadership as conservative factions within the House escalated their pressure. A group of Republican lawmakers, led by figures like Anna Paulina Luna, Florida’s representative spearheading the SAVE America Act push, have withheld votes to force progress on the voting legislation. This strategy has created friction within the party, complicating efforts to move forward on multiple fronts.

Despite the turmoil, Johnson has not abandoned his vision for the housing bill. He proposed a plan to align with Trump’s priorities by combining the SAVE America Act with the annual defense policy bill, which is a must-pass piece of legislation. However, this tactic risks derailing the defense bill, which funds critical national security programs, as it could face opposition from lawmakers focused on affordability measures.

Johnson also mentioned the challenges of securing support for the housing bill amid the party’s internal discord. He noted that the GOP-run House had already passed versions of the voting bill multiple times, but the Senate remains a battleground due to resistance from moderate senators such as Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine.

Political Strategy and Unresolved Tensions

Johnson’s team has struggled to maintain momentum, as the House’s mutiny has led to the cancellation of unrelated votes. This has heightened concerns among moderate Republicans about the party’s ability to accomplish meaningful legislation before the November midterms. Lawmakers are set to take an extended recess following the next month, adding to the uncertainty.

While Johnson remains confident in the housing bill’s eventual passage, he acknowledged the need to address Trump’s concerns. "The housing bill has a lot of great policy, a lot of important things that he and I both promised to the voters," he explained, underscoring the shared commitment to affordability.

The speaker’s efforts to reconcile Trump’s priorities with the bill’s goals reflect the broader tension within the Republican Party. Although Trump has not yet committed to signing the housing legislation, Johnson insists that the bill’s fate is secure. "He won't veto the bill. We already know that. He'll either allow it to go into law or put his signature on it, and I hope he does the latter," he said.

Public Perception and Party Unity

Johnson’s comments on the bill align with the public sentiment of many Americans, who have long advocated for policies to ease housing costs. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, a prominent figure in the House’s right wing, has criticized the speaker for not being sufficiently committed to the SAVE America Act. "I’m not trying to be difficult, but this is what 80% of Americans want and what we promised the American people," she tweeted on Monday.

The dispute highlights the difficulty of balancing competing priorities within the GOP. While the party has united behind the SAVE America Act, the housing bill’s proponents argue that it complements, rather than conflicts with, the voting reform. Johnson’s strategy to merge the two initiatives aims to create a compromise, though its success hinges on Trump’s willingness to support both.

As the legislative deadline approaches, the situation remains fluid. The president’s decision will determine whether the housing bill gains his endorsement, but Johnson is prepared to see it through regardless. "This is a moment where we can make progress for the American people, even if it means taking a step forward without the president’s signature," he concluded, signaling a determination to prioritize the bill’s passage.

Historical Context and Legislative Impact

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, formally named for its provisions, has been a focal point of debate in recent months. Advocates argue it addresses critical issues such as rent stabilization, mortgage relief, and affordable housing construction. Critics, however, contend that it lacks sufficient scope to tackle the nation’s housing crisis comprehensively.

Judging by the political landscape, the bill’s passage is seen as a testament to the resilience of bipartisan cooperation. Even as Trump’s administration has prioritized the SAVE America Act, the housing legislation has maintained its momentum, illustrating the potential for cross-party collaboration in addressing economic challenges.

With the House and Senate already aligned on the bill, the remaining obstacle lies in the White House. Johnson’s insistence that the legislation will become law regardless of Trump’s action underscores the growing divide between the executive and legislative branches on key policy issues. The outcome of this standoff could shape the trajectory of housing policy in the coming months, as well as the broader political strategy of the Republican Party.