The U.S. Senate delivered a significant legislative victory on Wednesday, passing a major housing package known as the "21st Century ROAD to Housing Act" by an overwhelming 89-10 margin. The bill, which largely aligns with President Donald Trump’s agenda, garnered strong bipartisan support despite vocal opposition from a bloc of Republican senators regarding a digital currency provision they considered insufficiently restrictive.
"When President Trump and Elizabeth Warren and the Senate majority Republicans can all come to the same place on a housing bill, what it says is, you put partisan politics aside." — Senator Tim Scott, Chief Republican Sponsor of the Legislation
Nine Republican senators voted against the measure: Rick Scott of Florida, Mike Lee of Utah, Rand Paul of Kentucky, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Ted Budd of North Carolina, Todd Young of Indiana, Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, and Ted Cruz of Texas. They were joined by one Democrat, Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii, making him the lone Democrat to dissent. Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey did not cast a vote.
A central point of contention in the legislation is a provision that bans a central bank digital currency (CBDC), but this ban is set to expire in 2030. Hardline Republicans in both the House and Senate have advocated for making this ban permanent, arguing that the temporary provision could provide the Federal Reserve a future pathway to exert undue control over Americans’ financial decisions and infringe upon civil liberties. Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, a leading Democrat behind the bill, rejected the push for a permanent ban, stating that the temporary provision represents a “compromise that receives support from both the overwhelming majority of Democrats and Republicans.”
Beyond the CBDC debate, the housing package notably mirrors an executive order signed by President Trump in January. This order directed action against large institutional investors purchasing single-family homes, a provision that marks a rare point of agreement between President Trump and Senator Warren. Senator Warren underscored this aspect, telling reporters, "The bill has passed with overwhelming bipartisan support because all across this country, people want to see us lower the cost of housing and keep private equity out of the home buying market. That’s what this bill does.”
Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, the chief Republican sponsor of the legislation, appeared on CNBC to discuss the bill's broad appeal. He highlighted the unusual coalition of support, stating, “When President Trump and Elizabeth Warren and the Senate majority Republicans can all come to the same place on a housing bill, what it says is, you put partisan politics aside.” Senator Scott also noted the bill's alignment with House efforts, adding, “We’ve taken 20 of the 25 [House] provisions and embedded them in our 21st Century ROAD to Housing. Our bill is fantastic.”
The White House has publicly backed the Senate version of the bill, characterizing it as a workable compromise. In a statement, Senator Scott outlined the legislation's goals: “Not only is this bill about cutting regulatory red tape, lowering costs, and expanding housing supply while generating no new spending, but it’s about making sure people like the single mom who raised me in North Charleston, South Carolina, have even greater access to economic opportunity and the American dream of homeownership.” He also shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) stating, "Promises made, promises kept. President Trump called for action on housing affordability. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act delivers:
✅ Cuts red tape
✅ Unlocks supply
✅ Lowers costs
✅ No new spending."
The legislation has garnered endorsements from a diverse coalition of housing organizations, including the National Association of Realtors, the National Association of Affordable Housing Lenders, the Bipartisan Policy Center, the National Low Income Housing Coalition, and the U.S. Conference of Mayors, reflecting its wide-ranging impact and broad support base.
However, the journey for the "21st Century ROAD to Housing Act" is not yet complete. The Senate bill differs from legislation the House passed in February, meaning the two chambers must now reconcile their versions. The House has the option to amend the Senate bill and return it to the upper chamber, or both sides could enter a formal conference process, which could extend the legislative timeline. Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia expressed optimism about the bill's prospects, stating Wednesday that if legislators “center the people rather than their own petty and partisan differences,” the bill will reach final passage.
