Trump Delays Housing Bill, CBDC Ban in Limbo

President Donald Trump has delayed signing a housing bill that passed Congress with broad bipartisan support, leaving a provision blocking a Federal Reserve CBDC through 2030 in legislative limbo. Trump announced the decision on Truth Social on July 24. He said he would wait for Congress to advance the SAVE AMERICA Act, which he described as a national emergency, before signing the housing legislation.

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act cleared the House 358-32 and the Senate 85-5 earlier this week. Its main focus is housing affordability and supply. The bill also includes language prohibiting the Fed from issuing, creating, or promoting a central bank digital currency through 2030. That provision aligns with Trump's earlier executive order, which directed agencies not to establish a CBDC unless required by law. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent later called a U.S. digital dollar "off the table." The bill's language carves out private stablecoins. It applies only to a Fed-issued token, leaving room for projects like the three credit unions managing $25 billion that recently tested stablecoin payments.

Trump's delay drew sharp criticism from Democratic lawmakers. Senator Elizabeth Warren said the move undermines efforts to reduce housing costs and accused the administration of holding the bill hostage. Senator Andy Kim echoed that view. According to Punchbowl News, Trump told Republican leaders he wants to see progress on a reconciliation package containing the SAVE Act before signing. The SAVE Act currently lacks the 50 votes needed to pass the Senate, the report noted.