Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) on Tuesday voiced support for a bipartisan housing measure that became law without President Trump's signature, saying he wished the president had done more to spotlight the legislation's benefits.
"I wish the president would have leaned in and helped promote all the great things that are in the housing bill," Husted told NewsNation's "The Hill." "But I understand why he was frustrated."
Trump declined to formally sign the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act after the Senate failed to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America) Act, an unrelated election bill he has repeatedly pushed. The president allowed the 10-day window for the bill to become law without his signature to expire.
"I would be frustrated, too, if I was him," Husted added. "He's been trying to get the Save America Act done. I voted for the SAVE America Act six times."
The Ohio Republican, who faces a competitive reelection race this year, praised the housing bill as a significant bipartisan achievement. Lawmakers have touted it as one of the most substantial housing packages in years, aimed at tackling affordability.
"We did pass a good bipartisan housing bill that will help put more product in the market, reduce the supply and demand problem, which will impact prices by helping to lower them over time," Husted said. "It's a good thing."
The legislation includes provisions to boost housing supply nationwide, lower costs, and restrict large institutional investors from buying single-family homes. Husted expressed gratitude that Trump allowed it to become law without a veto.
Separately, Husted welcomed the swearing-in of Darline Graham Nordone, appointed by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) to fill the Senate seat of her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who died at 71 from an aortic dissection.
Husted noted that Nordone's arrival bolsters the Republicans' narrow Senate majority, especially with Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) hospitalized and facing health issues. "Having her join us really helps because we were down a vote and without Senator McConnell here, you know, that makes the votes very tight," he said. "So having her here, she'll do a great job representing Lindsey's wishes."
"We all miss Lindsey. He's irreplaceable and he's a big part of getting our agenda accomplished," Husted added.
The housing law's enactment without Trump's signature highlights ongoing tensions between the White House and Congress over election security measures. For more on the law's implementation, see Bipartisan Housing Law Signed: Implementation Now Key to Easing Crisis. Meanwhile, Graham's death has reshaped Senate dynamics, with McMaster Appoints Graham's Sister to Fill Senate Seat After Senator's Death.
