Senate Passes 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Substitute, Invokes Cloture on Bill, and Debates DHS Funding Impasse, Iran War, and National Park History Whitewashing
The Senate convened to a busy legislative day, passing a substitute amendment to H.R. 6644, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, and subsequently invoking cloture on the bill, setting it up for a final passage vote the following day. A significant portion of the day was also consumed by a contentious debate over Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding, with Democrats attempting to pass partial funding for agencies like TSA and FEMA, while Republicans sought a full continuing resolution for DHS, with both proposals ultimately failing due to objections. Additionally, Senators engaged in extensive floor speeches regarding the ongoing U.S. military operations in Iran and the Trump administration's alleged efforts to revise historical content in national parks.
The adoption of the substitute amendment and the invocation of cloture on H.R. 6644 represent a major step towards enacting significant housing policy changes, aiming to increase supply and address affordability. The continued impasse over DHS funding highlights deep partisan divisions regarding immigration enforcement and its impact on government operations and national security. The wide-ranging floor debates on the Iran war and national park history underscore critical national and constitutional issues, even without direct legislative action on those specific topics.
Housing for the 21st Century Act
H.R. 6644Question before the chamber
Passage of H.R. 6644, as amended by the Scott (SC)/Warren substitute amendment, following the invocation of cloture.
The case for
Senator Kim argued the bill is long overdue and takes meaningful steps to lower the first-time home buyer age by expanding housing supply and lowering costs. He highlighted provisions he championed, including permitting reform to balance environmental protection with efficiency, allowing municipalities to use CDBG funds for new housing construction, and increasing the statutory cap for bank investments in communities. Senator Smith emphasized the bill's role in boosting housing supply by cutting redtape, making construction cheaper, preserving affordable homes in rural communities, and reining in corporate landlords. She specifically noted reforms to the Rural Housing Service to modernize and preserve 400,000 affordable units.
The case against
Senator Schatz raised concerns about a provision that would force the sale of build-to-rent single-family homes and duplexes if an entity owns more than 350 units. He argued this provision was a 'drafting error' that would ban a specific kind of housing, negatively impact supply, and potentially harm Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) projects, which require long-term rental commitments. He stated there was 'literally no reason' for this specific restriction, calling it 'positively Soviet' and arbitrary.
Disposition
Cloture invoked on the bill, substitute amendment agreed to. · recorded vote
The Senate invoked cloture on H.R. 6644 and adopted the substitute amendment, clearing the way for a final passage vote on the next legislative day.
Cloture: Yeas 82, Nays 11; Substitute: Yeas 84, Nays 10
Amendments
- Substitute amendment to H.R. 6644. (Scott (SC)/Warren) — Agreed to [Yeas 84, Nays 10]
- To require the Comptroller General of the United States to submit to Congress studies on workforce housing, housing for persons who are elderly or disabled, proximity of housing to Superfund sites, and residential heirs property. (Thune (for Scott (SC)/Warren)) — Agreed to
- To change the enactment date. (Thune) — Tabled
- To change the enactment date. (Thune) — Tabled
- Of a perfecting nature. (Thune) — Tabled
Who is affected
- First-time home buyers: Aims to lower the average age of first-time home buyers by increasing housing supply and affordability.
- Low-income renters and families: Benefits from preserved affordable housing, especially in rural areas, and increased overall housing supply.
- Municipalities and local governments: Gains flexibility to use Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for new housing construction.
- Banks and financial institutions: Benefits from an increased statutory cap on community investments, unlocking capital for new housing.
- Corporate landlords and institutional investors: Faces new restrictions on ownership of single-family and duplex rental units, potentially forcing sales.
- Housing developers and construction industry: Benefits from reduced redtape and streamlined environmental reviews, making it easier and cheaper to build.
Department of Homeland Security Funding
Question before the chamber
Whether to pass immediate funding for specific DHS components (TSA, FEMA, Coast Guard, CISA) or for the entire department via a short-term continuing resolution, amidst a broader dispute over ICE and CBP reforms.
The case for
Senator Murray and other Democrats argued for immediately funding critical DHS functions like TSA, FEMA, CISA, and the Coast Guard, asserting that these agencies are being held hostage by Republican intransigence on ICE and Border Patrol reforms. They highlighted the impact of the shutdown on TSA agents' paychecks, disaster relief, and cyber defense, especially in the context of the war with Iran. They contended that ICE and CBP already have ample funding from a previous 'Big Beautiful Bill' and that reforms are necessary due to alleged abuses, including the killing of American citizens, lack of warrants, and masked agents.
The case against
Senator Thune, Senator Britt, Senator Lankford, and Senator Marshall argued that Democrats are playing politics, refusing to negotiate in good faith, and attempting to 'defund the police' by excluding ICE and CBP from funding. They stated that the White House has made significant offers for reforms (e.g., investigations, body cameras, identification, de-escalation training) that Democrats have not responded to. They emphasized the vital roles of ICE and CBP in securing the border, interdicting fentanyl, combating human trafficking, and investigating cyber crimes, and offered a 2-week continuing resolution to fund all of DHS while negotiations continue.
Disposition
Unanimous consent requests failed due to objection. · without objection
The Senate failed to pass immediate funding for either specific DHS components or the entire department, leaving many DHS employees unpaid and critical functions hampered.
Who is affected
- TSA agents, Coast Guard, FEMA, CISA employees: Continue to work without pay, impacting morale and operational readiness.
- American travelers: Experience longer security lines at airports due to staffing shortages.
- Communities facing natural disasters: FEMA's ability to respond effectively is hampered.
- U.S. critical infrastructure: Cybersecurity defenses are weakened due to CISA funding lapse, increasing vulnerability to attacks.
- Immigrants and American citizens: Subject to ICE and CBP enforcement actions, with Democrats demanding reforms to protect constitutional rights and prevent abuses.
- Law enforcement (ICE, CBP, HSI): Their funding and operational capacity are central to the debate, with Republicans arguing against defunding their critical roles in border security and criminal investigations.
U.S. Military Operations in Iran
Question before the chamber
The ongoing U.S. military conflict with Iran, its strategic objectives, and its consequences.
The case for
Senator Hoeven argued that U.S. energy dominance strengthens the nation's position in the conflict, limiting Iran's ability to weaponize energy access. He stated that Operation Epic Fury would be limited to weeks, and that the U.S. is striking Iran's ability to project power and threaten the Strait of Hormuz. He noted options like increased insurance coverage for vessels and Navy escorts to minimize energy price disruptions.
The case against
Senator Schumer highlighted rising American casualties (140 wounded, 8 killed) and the bombing of an all-girls elementary school, calling for a full investigation. He criticized the administration's constantly shifting rationales for war (regime change, nuclear program, destroying Navy) and the lack of congressional authorization or public hearings. Senator Durbin drew parallels to the Iraq war, emphasizing the lack of a clear endgame and the economic costs, including rising gas prices. Senator Schatz criticized Secretary Hegseth's rhetoric as immature and incompetent, arguing it leads to moral and strategic consequences. Senator Reed questioned the administration's strategic planning, objectives, and the potential for catastrophic outcomes, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the risk of ground forces in Iran.
Disposition
No legislative action or vote taken. · other
The Senate engaged in extensive debate and criticism of the administration's conduct of the war, but no legislative disposition occurred.
Who is affected
- American servicemembers: Facing casualties and operating in harm's way due to the conflict.
- Iranian civilians: Suffering casualties, including from the bombing of an elementary school.
- American consumers: Experiencing rising gas prices and potential broader economic impacts due to global energy market instability and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
- U.S. allies in the Middle East: Suffering consequences of Iranian retaliation without being involved in the decision to initiate hostilities.
- Global economy: Impacted by disruptions to oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump Administration's Review of National Park Historical Content
Question before the chamber
The Trump administration's Executive Order directing the National Park Service to review and remove content deemed to 'disparage Americans' and its implications for historical accuracy.
The case for
Not explicitly stated in the Record text provided, but Senator Heinrich described the Executive Order as directing federal agencies to ensure Park Service sites do not display content that 'inappropriately disparage(s) Americans past or living.'
The case against
Senator Heinrich criticized the administration for attempting to 'censor our history' and 'erase or turn away from the hard parts' of America's past, citing examples like the removal of a photo depicting enslaved people. He noted that 46 out of 81 flagged submissions in one region were ordered altered or removed. Senator Merkley argued that President Trump is 'whitewashing the history of the United States of America,' citing removal of exhibits on Tribal history, women's suffrage, climate science, civil rights, and slavery. He called censorship 'un-American' and damaging. Senator King emphasized that ignoring history leads to repeating it and that 'whitewashing history' is part of the authoritarian playbook, underestimating the American people's ability to handle the truth. Senator Hirono called the actions an 'unprecedented assault' and an attempt to 'rewrite history to their liking,' comparing it to authoritarian regimes.
Disposition
No legislative action or vote taken. · other
The Senate engaged in extensive floor speeches criticizing the administration's actions regarding historical content in national parks, but no legislative disposition occurred.
Who is affected
- American public and national park visitors: Access to a full and accurate understanding of American history is being restricted or manipulated.
- National Park Service staff: Subject to directives to review and alter historical exhibits, potentially compromising their professional integrity.
- Native American communities, Black Americans, Japanese Americans, LGBTQ+ individuals: Their historical experiences and contributions are at risk of being erased or minimized in national park narratives.
21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Advances with Bipartisan Substitute
highThe Senate adopted the Scott (SC)/Warren substitute amendment (No. 4308) to H.R. 6644, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, by a rollcall vote of 84-10. This comprehensive amendment aims to increase housing supply, lower costs, and reform various housing programs. Following its adoption, cloture was invoked on the underlying bill, setting the stage for a final passage vote on the next legislative day.
DHS Funding Remains Impasse Amid Competing UC Requests
highTwo unanimous consent requests to address the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding lapse failed. Senator Murray proposed funding all DHS components except ICE and CBP, citing concerns over ICE's conduct and the need for reforms. Senator Britt countered with a request for a 2-week continuing resolution to fund all of DHS, arguing against defunding law enforcement. Both requests were objected to, prolonging the shutdown for many DHS employees.
Senators Debate Legality and Rationale of Iran War
highMultiple Democratic Senators delivered extensive floor speeches criticizing the Trump administration's military actions in Iran, questioning its legality, shifting rationales, and lack of congressional authorization. Concerns were raised about civilian casualties, economic impacts (e.g., Strait of Hormuz closure), and the administration's alleged dishonesty regarding war aims and planning. Republican Senators defended the administration's actions as necessary for stability and national security.
Trump Administration Accused of Whitewashing National Park History
mediumDemocratic Senators spoke out against the Trump administration's Executive Order directing the National Park Service to remove content deemed to 'disparage Americans.' Senators cited examples of removed or flagged exhibits related to slavery, Native American massacres, climate change, and Japanese American internment, arguing that such actions constitute censorship and undermine a full understanding of American history.
Call for Citizenship Verification to Vote (SAVE America Act)
mediumSenator Cassidy advocated for the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections. He cited broad public support for the measure and criticized Democratic opposition, framing it as essential for trust in the electoral system and preventing unlawful votes.