House Financial Services Committee Chairman Rep. French Hill, R-Ark., explained on Fox Business Friday that the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act could still become law even if President Donald Trump declines to sign it, prompting host Maria Bartiromo to ask for clarification on the constitutional process.
The discussion came shortly after Trump announced on Truth Social that he would not sign the housing legislation despite its overwhelming bipartisan approval in Congress.
“I will not sign the Housing Bill, which has been fully approved by Congress and sent to the White House, in PROTEST over the fact that the United States Senate is not capable of passing THE SAVE AMERICA ACT, which is polling at 97% with the Republican Party, and very high with the non-politician Dumocrats,” Trump wrote Friday morning.
Trump’s comments linked his decision on the housing legislation to the Senate’s inability to advance the SAVE America Act. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has repeatedly said the Senate does not currently have enough support to pass that measure. Critics of the SAVE America Act argue it would make voting more difficult for some segments of the population.
During her interview with Hill, Bartiromo noted that the housing bill had received broad bipartisan support and asked whether it could still take effect despite the president’s refusal to sign it.
“Let me get your take on the 21st Century ROAD to Housing,” Bartiromo said. “It passed overwhelmingly, bipartisan support. You worked hard on that bill. What are your expectations? Does this become law even though the president doesn’t sign it?”
Hill responded that the Constitution provides a path for legislation to become law without the president’s signature under certain circumstances.
“It certainly can,” Hill said. “Article I, Section 7 says that at midnight tonight, if the president has not signed it into law, nor has he vetoed it, then the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will become law tonight, just past midnight.”
Hill also highlighted what he described as the legislation’s primary objective.
He said the bill is bipartisan and is designed to address housing supply by lowering the cost of constructing new homes and encouraging additional housing development.
According to Hill, one of the nation’s biggest challenges since the end of the global financial crisis has been a shortage of housing supply that has failed to keep pace with demand across a variety of housing types.
Hill argued that the legislation is intended to help address that imbalance and said its goals are the reason it received strong support in both the House and Senate.
Bartiromo, however, remained puzzled by the constitutional process.
“But, but, I don’t understand how it becomes law even though the president doesn’t sign it, congressman,” she said.
Hill again pointed to Article I, Section 7 of the Constitution, explaining that when Congress sends a bill to the president, there are three possible outcomes.
“Section 7 of the Constitution says the president has — basically there are three choices when Congress passes a bill and brings it to the president’s desk. He may sign it, he may veto it, or 10 days after it’s transmitted to the White House it becomes law without his signature,” Hill said.
After hearing the explanation, Bartiromo acknowledged the constitutional process.
“There you go. That’s it,” she replied. “Congressman, good to see you this morning.”
Hill closed the exchange with a lighthearted remark.
“Civics 101, Maria!” he said.
Bartiromo laughed before responding, “Thank you for that education, Mr. Chairman!”
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