A bloc of GOP House members, many aligned with the House Freedom Caucus, broke with President Donald Trump and Republican leadership on Wednesday by voting against a bipartisan housing bill, a move following primary elections that proved the president’s dominance over the party.
The House approved an amended version of the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act in a 396-13 vote, sending the legislation back to the Senate after House Republicans made changes to the measure. Trump had expressed optimism to the Washington Examiner about seeing the bill on his desk this week.
The bill needed strong backing in the House, as it was passed under suspension, which requires a two-thirds majority vote and sidesteps certain procedural hurdles.
The legislation aims to increase housing supply and reduce regulatory barriers to construction, with the House adding amendments to the Senate version of the bill to restrict large institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes.
Of the 13 Republicans who voted no, nearly all are members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus.
The Republican lawmakers voting against the bill were Reps. Keith Self (R-TX), Tom McClintock (R-CA), Scott Perry (R-PA), Clay Higgins (R-LA), Andy Harris (R-MD), Randy Fine (R-FL), Lauren Boebert (R-CO), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Josh Brecheen (R-OK), Eric Burlison (R-MO), David Schweikert (R-AZ), Warren Davidson (R-OH), and Michael Cloud (R-TX).
The opposition came despite Trump previously pressing House Republicans to back the Senate-passed version of the bill, calling for Congress to approve legislation to ensure “homes are for people, not corporations.” Senate Republicans and White House allies had warned that House changes risked unraveling a broader bipartisan coalition behind the measure.
Some conservatives have raised concerns about provisions related to a temporary restriction on a possible U.S. central bank digital currency, or CBDC, a form of currency issued by the Federal Reserve that consumers could use in addition to cash. Proponents of a CBDC argue that a centralized dollar would help prevent bank bailouts and increase efficiency.
The Senate bill included a temporary prohibition through 2030 rather than a permanent ban, which some conservative lawmakers supported.
HOUSE PASSES REVISED BIPARTISAN HOUSING LEGISLATION, SENDING IT TO SENATE
The GOP defection comes after Trump’s endorsements proved their strength in the midterm elections. In Kentucky, his endorsement pushed Ed Gallrein ahead in the primary, ousting Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY). Additionally, in Georgia, Trump’s endorsements led candidates to runoff elections as neither managed to get more than 50% of the vote.
Tuesday’s primary results add emphasis to a GOP defection. Although Trump has endorsed many of those who backed a bill he supported, he could still change his mind. Some of the congressmen hail from states that have not held primaries, opening the possibility of another dramatic ousting as seen in Kentucky.