The signing of a bipartisan housing bill has been postponed by US President Donald Trump, leaving the fate of a provision that would block a Federal Reserve-issued central bank digital currency (CBDC) until 2030 uncertain. According to a recent post on Truth Social, Trump has canceled plans to sign the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act and will instead wait for Congress to advance the SAVE AMERICA Act. The housing bill, which passed Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support, focuses on housing affordability and regulatory reforms, but also includes language that would prohibit the Federal Reserve from creating or issuing a CBDC through 2030.
CBDC Provision
The CBDC provision aligns with the administration’s existing stance on a federal digital dollar, as earlier this year, Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies not to establish, issue, or promote a CBDC unless required by law. The bill distinguishes private stablecoins from a government-issued digital dollar, targeting only a Federal Reserve-issued CBDC and not prohibiting privately issued dollar-backed stablecoins that meet the bill’s conditions.
International Developments
Outside the United States, central bank digital currency development has continued, with the European Central Bank working on a digital euro and China expanding its digital yuan initiative. Federal Reserve efforts, on the other hand, have remained at the research stage, with no digital dollar program launched despite years of study and policy discussions.
Next Steps
The housing bill could still become law if Trump chooses not to act within the required timeframe or if Congress attempts to override a presidential veto. However, the next steps depend on House Speaker Mike Johnson formally presenting the legislation to the president. Democratic lawmakers have criticized Trump’s decision to delay action on the bill, arguing that it undermines efforts to reduce housing costs. Senator Elizabeth Warren stated that the president’s policies have increased expenses for Americans and that he is refusing to sign legislation designed to address the problem.
Congressional Negotiations
Congressional negotiations over digital asset legislation remain active, with Democrats pushing for ethics-related provisions in the CLARITY Act due to Trump’s involvement in crypto-related ventures. The final text of the CLARITY Act could be released soon, although the timeline remains dependent on ongoing negotiations. With the Senate working under a tight legislative calendar, lawmakers now face overlapping debates on housing policy, reconciliation legislation, and crypto regulation.
Based on reporting from crypto.news.
