President Donald Trump has abruptly canceled plans to sign a bipartisan housing bill, citing his desire for Congress to pass a stricter voter identification law first. This move has blindsided Senate Republicans, who had hoped to focus on unity ahead of the midterm elections.
Trump's decision is seen as a sign of his increasing indifference to affordability issues that are a leading concern for voters. The president has also been pressuring senators to pass his proof-of-citizenship voting bill, despite it not having the votes to pass.
Some Republican senators, including Florida Sen. Rick Scott and Utah Sen. Mike Lee, have been vocal supporters of the SAVE America Act, which would create strict new requirements for voters to prove citizenship and show voter ID at the polls.
However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune has expressed skepticism about the bill's chances of passing, citing the lack of votes to scrap the filibuster. Trump's visit to the Senate GOP luncheon is expected to be tense, with senators likely to voice their concerns about his agenda and the party's prospects in the midterm elections.
