"The housing bill signing and press conference scheduled for today are canceled until we pass the much-needed Save America Act, which I consider a national emergency," US President Donald Trump posted on social media on 24/6.

The signing ceremony for "The 21st Century Road to Housing" bill was planned to take place at Capitol Hill on the morning of 24/6. This bill had already been passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Mr. Trump announced the cancellation just one hour before the scheduled ceremony. Without the President's signature, the bill would not take effect.

President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House on 27/5. *AP*

This bill outlines regulations to limit housing speculation and reduce certain federal permitting requirements to promote new housing project construction. It also enables the implementation of pilot programs to support funding for home renovations and affordable housing initiatives.

Congress introduced the bill as the Democratic and Republican parties prepare for the November midterm elections, with housing affordability expected to be a major concern for voters.

The Save America Act, which Mr. Trump mentioned, is a bill proposed by Republican lawmakers. It requires voters to provide proof of US citizenship when registering and to present photo identification when casting federal ballots.

The bill also mandates states to transfer voter rolls to the federal government. It failed in the Senate and was criticized by Democrats as an attempt to suppress votes in communities that tend to support their party.

The US president has 10 days to decide whether to sign or veto "The 21st Century Road to Housing" bill. This period is too short for the US Congress to pass the Save America Act as Mr. Trump demanded.

By Ngoc Anh (AFP, Reuters)