Representative Bell Issues Statement on the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Becoming Law
Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Wesley Bell (D-MO-01) issued the following statement on the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act becoming law, despite President Trump’s refusal to sign the bill.
“The most transformative piece of housing legislation in a generation is now law.
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will do so much for the people of the St. Louis region, the state of Missouri, and millions of Americans across the country.
I hear all the time from folks in the district about the housing crisis in America. This bill will help people build generational wealth through homeownership and give them a shot at a foundational piece of the American Dream.
Despite this amazing win for the American people, what saddens me is our president’s refusal to sign this bill into law even with its overwhelming bipartisan support in both chambers. This bill only became law because of a constitutional 10-day rule, which automatically makes legislation that was passed by both chambers law if the president has not signed the bill after ten days.
Instead of doing what’s best for the American people, we have a president who holds good legislative progress hostage when he doesn’t get his way.
I look forward to continuing to work in Congress to push for legislation that helps every American fight for their dreams.”
The 21st Century Road to Housing Act became law at 12:00 AM on July 11 without President Trump’s signature. The President reportedly refused to sign the bill into law because of Congress’ inaction on the SAVE America Act, a highly controversial voter registration bill. The bill automatically became law under the constitutional 10-day rule. Included in the legislation is the permanent authorization for the CDBG-DR program, which Congressman Bell has championed in Congress. Additionally, it creates the Office of Disaster Management and Resiliency within HUD to streamline long-term recovery and ensure aid reaches low-income disaster survivors.