Despite reported market growth and lower unemployment rates than previous administrations, affordability remains one of the most prevalent and consistent issues plaguing the U.S.
As the 2026 Midterm elections approach, established lawmakers are aiming to secure their seats in Congress amid the rise of newcomers across the country who seem to be listening to constituents more than those in power.
Following the launch of “Operation Epic Fury,” Americans have witnessed consumer goods prices rise 4.2% – the largest 12-month increase since 2023 – and average gas prices across the country at $3.85, compared to $2.98 before the war in Iran.
Lawmakers' Response to Affordability Crisis
Amid the growing concern, in a rare legislative effort to combat the most pressing issue Americans face today, Congress passed the 21st Century Road to Housing Act.
The generational bipartisan bill sought to reduce federal regulations, streamline environmental reviews, speed up the construction process, and limit the influence of corporate landlords by restricting their ability to purchase single-family homes.
Housing Bill Held Hostage
The huge triumph, however, was short-lived as President Donald Trump and hardline Republicans used the legislation as political leverage to get the U.S. Senate to pass the controversial Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE Act).
Less than two hours after the scheduled signing ceremony for the bill, President Trump abruptly canceled the event, affirming that he would not sign the bill until the SAVE America Act was passed.
Legislation will Pass With or Without President Trump
In spite of the legislation’s current hostage takeover, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) assured USA Today that the housing bill will become law with or without President Trump’s signature.
"The housing bill has a lot of great policy, a lot of important things that he and I both promised to the voters,” Johnson told the publication, stating that he told President Trump, “we can walk and chew gum at the same time,” referring to getting both the SAVE America Act and Housing bill passed.
"He won't veto the bill. We already know that. He'll either allow it to just go into law, or he'll put his signature on it and take partial ownership, and I hope he does the latter,” Speaker Johnson assured when asked about what he would do should President Trump veto the bill.
Paulina Luna Stands Firm On SAVE Act
In the midst of a House rebellion led by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) over the Senate’s inability to pass the SAVE America Act, in an effort to appease hardline GOP lawmakers, Speaker Johnson suggested merging the voting bill with the annual defense policy bill.
Rep. Luna fired back at Johnson’s suggestion, stating that regardless of the merger, the Senate can still strip the SAVE America Act from the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027 (NDAA).
“The only way to ensure the Senate passes this is to make sure it’s in the bill text of the NDAA, meaning that my amendment(s) must be made an order. I’m not trying to be difficult, but this is what 80% of Americans want and what we promised the American people, so I stand by my decision,” Luna wrote on X.
