Trump Cancels Housing Bill Signing Over Senate Dispute With Johnson

President Donald Trump canceled a signing ceremony for a landmark affordable housing bill two weeks ago over an unrelated dispute with the Senate. Aides at the Capitol were building a stage for the event when the president abruptly called it off. He has refused to sign the bipartisan legislation until Congress passes the SAVE America Act.

The SAVE America Act would require documentary proof of citizenship and photo ID to vote. House Speaker Mike Johnson has pledged to try to pass a version of the measure as a budget bill needing only a simple majority in the Senate. Johnson lost control of the House floor for a second time the week of the article, sending lawmakers home early for the July Fourth recess.

Johnson spent close to two hours with Trump at the White House on June 29, 2026, in addition to one hour on the phone receiving a briefing on the Iran war. Trump called Johnson an "incredible speaker" who will go down as one of the greatest House leaders and said "He gets everything done" on May 22, 2026.

Johnson stated he does not always tell Trump what he wants to hear but tells him what he believes he needs to hear.

Johnson described his role as the liaison between the legislative branch and the White House. Rep. Mike Haridopolos said Johnson is a patient man working hard to align Republicans and that when Johnson disagrees with the president he will go over and have a longer conversation.

Rep. Chip Roy said Johnson is navigating a tough environment with a thin majority. Johnson has a weekly lunch with Senate Majority Leader John Thune. An aide to Thune said the two regularly talk over phone or text and respect one another immensely.