Article Summary –
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act passed with bipartisan support in Congress, aiming to limit the number of single-family homes that private investment firms can purchase as rental properties and reform federal housing programs to increase availability. Despite widespread approval, Republican Scott Perry was the only Pennsylvania delegate to vote against it, criticizing the bill for perpetuating what he calls “socialist policies” that worsen the housing crisis. President Trump, despite prior endorsement, has delayed signing the bill, demanding the passage of the SAVE America Act, which imposes stricter voting registration requirements.
Republican Scott Perry was among 32 U.S. representatives opposing a bipartisan affordable housing bill on June 23, being the only Pennsylvania member to vote no.
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act passed the House with a 358-32 vote, following an 85-5 Senate approval. This bill restricts the number of single-family homes investment firms can buy for rentals to increase family housing availability and reforms federal housing programs.
Pennsylvania Senators Dave McCormick (R) and John Fetterman (D) supported it. McCormick stated the bill “eliminates red tape,” while Fetterman highlighted the inclusion of his proposals to address housing issues in a press release.
On June 27, Perry posted on X: “For over 50 years, federal spending has worsened the housing crisis. This bill continues those mistakes by pushing Sen. [Elizabeth] Warren’s policies.”
Barron’s reported in March that the bill prevents large firms like Blackstone Group from buying single-family homes for rentals, despite some loopholes.
Blackstone’s Stephen Schwarzman donated heavily to Republican campaigns, including $7,000 to Perry and $5,000 to his PAC. His wife matched these contributions.
No comments were received from Perry’s or Schwarzman’s offices for this story.
Perry is campaigning for an eighth term in a tight race. His opponent, Janelle Stelson, criticized Perry on Facebook, emphasizing bipartisan support for the bill.
Pennsylvania faces an affordable housing crisis with a shortage of 267,000 affordable units for low-income renters, per Regional Housing Legal Services.
The bill awaits President Donald Trump’s action. Though the administration endorsed it in May, Trump postponed signing, demanding Congress pass the SAVE America Act, requiring citizenship proof for voter registration. Millions lack such documents, according to the Center for American Progress analysis.
Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed criticized Trump on June 27 in a Facebook post: “Trump holds the housing bill hostage for election power.”
On June 29, Trump remarked the housing bill was unimportant, saying to reporters: “It’s a yawn. Compared to the SAVE America Act, just about everything is a big yawn.”
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