President Donald Trump is refusing to sign the 21st Century Road to Housing Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at lowering housing costs, unless the Senate first passes the Save America Act, which would impose strict voter ID requirements and limit mail-in voting. Despite overwhelming bipartisan support in both chambers, Trump called the housing legislation of “minor importance” on Wednesday.
Bipartisan Housing Bill Held Hostage
The housing bill, passed with large majorities after months of negotiations, represents one of the most significant federal efforts in decades to increase housing supply and reduce prices. However, Trump’s demand links its fate to a controversial voting measure that would require proof of citizenship for voter registration and curtail mail-in ballots.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer blasted the president’s move, stating: “It’s utterly amazing. Trump is running away from one of the very few accomplishments that could actually help the American people.”
Senate Showdown Over Iran and Voting
In a related development, a Republican senator who lost re-election after Trump endorsed his primary challenger revealed a heated argument with the president on Wednesday. The dispute occurred amid growing congressional discontent over the Iran war and Trump’s push for the GOP to pass the voting restrictions bill.
Federal Judge Blocks Voter ID Executive Order
A US federal court blocked Trump’s executive order requiring documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration, a win for democracy advocates. The order would have mandated passports, birth certificates, or other documents when registering to vote or updating registration.
Reflecting Pool Sabotage Claims Face Scrutiny
Trump and the Interior Department face mounting pressure to release evidence supporting claims of sabotage at the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool. The $14.7 million renovation has suffered algae blooms, peeling paint, and dead ducks just days before the US’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
Oil Companies Investigated for Price Gouging
Trump announced he has directed the Department of Justice to investigate oil companies for alleged price gouging, accusing them of failing to lower gas prices sufficiently amid Middle East conflict.
Court Orders Explanation for Kennedy Center Tarp
A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to explain by July 31 why a tarp and scaffolding cover the Kennedy Center’s facade after Trump’s name was removed under a court order. US District Judge Christopher Cooper demanded details on the purpose and status of the covering.
ICE Surveillance Arsenal Expands
A new report reveals unprecedented growth in immigration surveillance technology under Trump’s second term, with spending on AI tools to track migrants reaching record levels.
Other Developments
Former congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene announced she is ending her support for the Republican Party, aligning with Tucker Carlson after his own GOP rejection. Eleven senators urged Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to remove a federal website directing users to anti-abortion crisis pregnancy centers. Elon Musk’s net worth fell below $1 trillion, with Forbes listing $970.2 billion after Tesla and SpaceX stock declines. NASA’s Perseverance rover detected complex carbon molecules in Martian rocks. Camp Mystic, site of a catastrophic flood that killed 28 in Texas last July, filed for bankruptcy. The US Army’s commander for Europe and Africa stepped down after 18 months.
