U.S. housing bill with Fed CBDC ban through 2031 poised to become law

President Trump is declining to sign the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act for now, but is not moving to block it. In a Truth Social post, Trump said he will withhold his signature until the Senate advances the Save America Act, a voting measure he has repeatedly promoted as "desperately needed." Congress delivered the housing package to the White House last month. While Trump has not signed it, he also has not issued a formal veto. A White House official said the president does not plan to veto the bill, setting it up to become law automatically once the constitutional review window expires. Crypto market observers are focused on one section of the legislation: it would bar the Federal Reserve from issuing a U.S. central bank digital currency (CBDC) through 2031. The provision would cement and extend the administration's prior position, following Trump's executive order directing federal agencies not to pursue a U.S. CBDC. Trump's delay is tied to his push for the Save America Act, which would require photo ID for federal voting and has strong support among his backers. He has previously held up signing the housing bill for the same reason. Because Congress remains in session and the president has not used his veto power, the bill is expected to take effect automatically rather than face a pocket veto, a mechanism that can permanently block legislation only under specific timing conditions. Democrats criticized the move. Sen. Elizabeth Warren said Trump's refusal to sign undermines efforts to address housing affordability, while noting the bill is still set to become law because no veto has been issued. The CBDC restriction lands as lawmakers continue to debate broader digital-asset policy. Senators are weighing proposals including the CLARITY Act, aimed at establishing a regulatory framework for digital assets, and Warren and other Democrats have called for hearings into Trump's cryptocurrency holdings. The combination keeps CBDC policy and wider crypto regulation in focus as the housing bill nears enactment.