A comprehensive bipartisan bill designed to tackle America’s persistent housing affordability challenges has officially become law without President Donald Trump‘s official signature. The legislation, known as the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, cleared both chambers of Congress with strong support earlier in the summer and took effect automatically after the president declined to sign or veto it within the required timeframe.
The bill passed the Senate by an 85-5 margin and the House with a 358-32 vote, reflecting broad agreement across party lines despite some internal debates.
The measure addresses issues in the US housing market by attempting to increase supply, streamlining regulations, and introducing certain reforms.
An addition to the bill addressed the topic of Central Bank Digital Currency, placing temporary limits on the Federal Reserve‘s ability to pursue a central bank digital currency (CBDC), or a digital dollar controlled by the federal government.
This section prohibits the Fed from issuing or developing such a currencyāor any substantially similar digital assetāthrough the end of 2030.
The GENIUS Act, legislation that provides a framework for the regulation of payment stablecoins, is already law. The approval of stablecoin rules represents a popular stance in the US that private sector innovation is preferable to government control and the potential for abuse.
Proponents of the restriction view it as a safeguard against potential government overreach and surveillance risks associated with a programmable national digital currency.
Critics of CBDCs have long warned that it could enable greater financial control by authorities, while the pause allows time for further congressional oversight before any future implementation.
President Trump publicly stated he would not sign the bill, framing his decision as a form of protest linked to the Senate’s inability to advance the SAVE America Act, a separate election-related measure emphasizing voter identification and citizenship verification.
Despite canceling a planned signing ceremony, the president stopped short of issuing a formal veto.
Under Article I, Section 7 of the US Constitution, if Congress remains in session, a bill becomes law after ten days (excluding Sundays) without presidential actionāprecisely what occurred here as the deadline expired.
The temporary CBDC prohibition aligns with broader skepticism toward central bank digital initiatives.