Ohio GOP senator praises bipartisan housing bill

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Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) on Tuesday praised a bipartisan housing bill that became law without President Trump’s signature, saying he wished Trump had publicly celebrated the measure more.

“I wish the president would have leaned in and helped promote all the great things that are in the housing bill,” Husted said in an interview with NewsNation’s “The Hill.” “But I understand why he was frustrated.”

Trump abruptly called off the signing of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act in protest of the Senate’s failure to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America) Act, an unrelated election bill that he has repeatedly demanded that lawmakers approve.

“I would be frustrated, too, if I was him,” Husted said. “He’s been trying to get the Save America Act done. I voted for the SAVE America Act six times.”

Still, Husted, who is facing a tough campaign in Ohio this year, praised the new law, which lawmakers have touted as one of the most significant bipartisan housing packages passed by Congress in years aimed to address housing 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,” he said. “It’s a good thing.”

Husted added that he was grateful Trump allowed it to become law without signature. When the House sent the legislation to Trump’s desk, it set in motion a 10-day period allowing the bill to automatically become law if the president did not veto or sign it.

The legislation contains dozens of provisions seeking to increase housing supply across the nation and lower cost, and includes restrictions on large institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes.

Husted also welcomed the swearing-in of Darline Graham Nordone, who was tapped by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R), to finish out the remainder of her late brother Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)’s term in the Senate.

Graham, who was 71, died of a “brief and sudden illness” on Saturday evening. His death was later attributed to an aortic dissection.

Husted said her arrival bolsters Republicans’ narrowing Senate majority, as Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) was recently hospitalized and has been battling 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,” Husted said. “So having her here, she’ll do a great job representing Lindsey’s wishes.”

He added: “We all miss Lindsey. He’s irreplaceable and he’s a big part of getting our agenda accomplished.”

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