Senate Agrees to Cloture on 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, Reaffirms Declaration of Independence, and Confirms Nominations
The Senate convened for a major legislative day, agreeing to cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 6644, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, with a substitute amendment. This action sets up a final vote on the significant housing legislation for the next legislative session. Additionally, the Senate unanimously passed two bills: S. 4828, the Declaration of Independence Reaffirmation Act of 2026, and S. 2585, the Modernization, Accountability, and Planning for Broadband Funding Act. The chamber also confirmed several executive and military nominations en bloc, including George Holding to be United States Director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
This chamber-day is significant due to the advancement of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a bipartisan effort aimed at addressing housing affordability and supply issues across the nation. The unanimous passage of the Declaration of Independence Reaffirmation Act carries symbolic weight, particularly as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. The confirmation of a key nomination to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and numerous military nominations also represents concrete executive branch actions moving forward.
21st Century ROAD to Housing Act
H.R. 6644Question before the chamber
Cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 6644, with Thune (for Scott (SC)-Warren) amendment No. 5823 (in the nature of a substitute).
The case for
Proponents argued that the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is a crucial step towards making homeownership more accessible and affordable for Americans. They highlighted that the bill addresses limited housing supply and burdensome regulations, which contribute significantly to higher prices. Specific provisions mentioned include cutting red tape, removing outdated chassis requirements for manufactured housing to reduce costs and foster innovation, streamlining environmental reviews for State, local, and Tribal governments, and encouraging local governments to reform zoning laws. The bill also aims to support home financing by lifting regulatory burdens on community banks and credit unions, increasing competition. The legislation was presented as a bipartisan effort and a significant win for hard-working Americans, building on previous tax cuts that have already provided financial relief and boosted affordable housing construction.
The case against
No specific opposition to the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act itself was aired in the Record. The Democratic leader, Mr. Schumer, used his time to criticize the Trump administration's overall governance and specific foreign policy actions, but not the housing bill.
Disposition
Cloture motion agreed to · recorded vote
Cloture was invoked, setting up a final vote on the motion to concur with the substitute amendment for a later date.
Yeas 84, Nays 8
Who is affected
- Aspiring homeowners: Aims to make homeownership more attainable by increasing housing supply and lowering costs.
- Current homeowners and renters: Seeks to stabilize and reduce housing costs, potentially impacting mortgage and rent payments.
- Housing developers and builders: Reduces regulatory burdens and streamlines processes, making construction easier and less expensive.
- Community banks and credit unions: Lifts regulatory burdens to enhance their ability to provide home financing.
- Rural communities: Exempts certain rural housing projects from extensive environmental reviews and includes reforms to preserve affordable rural housing.
- Institutional investors: Cracks down on large institutional investors buying single-family homes, aiming to preserve homeownership opportunities for families.
Declaration of Independence Reaffirmation Act of 2026
S. 4828Question before the chamber
Passage of S. 4828.
The case for
The bill's proponent, Mr. Schmitt, argued that the Declaration of Independence is America's birth certificate and a public oath of a free people, whose rights come from God and whose government rests on consent. He emphasized the importance of remembering this inheritance and renewing national pride, especially as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. He asserted that a nation cannot celebrate its birthday while forgetting why it was born, and that the founding was good, the Declaration is true, and the American people still have the right to govern themselves.
The case against
No opposition was aired in the Record.
Disposition
Passed · unanimous consent
The bill was passed by the Senate.
Who is affected
- American people: Reinforces foundational principles of national identity, self-governance, and natural rights.
- Future generations: Aims to ensure that the principles and history of the Declaration of Independence are remembered and taught.
Modernization, Accountability, and Planning for Broadband Funding Act
S. 2585Question before the chamber
Passage of S. 2585.
The case for
The bill's proponent, Mrs. Fischer, highlighted the importance of closing the digital divide in unserved and underserved communities, particularly in rural America. She stated that the bill aims to strengthen oversight of the FCC's Broadband Funding Map, ensuring its usability and accuracy for the public and providers. This, she argued, would promote the most efficient use of federal funds for broadband deployment and prevent duplicative investments, ultimately benefiting families and businesses that need reliable internet access.
The case against
No opposition was aired in the Record.
Disposition
Passed · unanimous consent
The bill was passed by the Senate.
Who is affected
- Unserved and underserved communities: Aims to improve access to reliable internet, fostering opportunities in education, telehealth, and entrepreneurship.
- Federal agencies and broadband providers: Provides clarity and improved data for informed decisions on broadband investment, reducing inefficiency and duplication.
- Taxpayers: Seeks to improve taxpayer savings by ensuring efficient and effective use of federal broadband funding.
Cloture Agreed to on 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act
highThe Senate voted 84-8 to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 6644, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, with the Thune (for Scott (SC)-Warren) amendment No. 5823. This procedural step limits further debate and sets the stage for a final vote on the comprehensive housing legislation in the upcoming session.
Declaration of Independence Reaffirmed as Organic Law
mediumThe Senate unanimously passed S. 4828, the Declaration of Independence Reaffirmation Act of 2026. This bill formally reaffirms the Declaration of Independence as an Organic Law of the United States, emphasizing its foundational principles of sovereignty, natural rights, and government by consent.
Broadband Funding Map Modernization Bill Passed
mediumS. 2585, the Modernization, Accountability, and Planning for Broadband Funding Act, passed the Senate by unanimous consent. This legislation aims to enhance the usability and accuracy of the FCC's Broadband Funding Map, improve oversight of federal broadband deployment funds, and prevent duplicative investments.
Key Nomination Confirmed and Military Promotions Approved
mediumThe Senate confirmed George Holding to be United States Director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development by a recorded vote of 48-39. Additionally, a large batch of military nominations for the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy were confirmed en bloc.
Debate on Iran Memorandum of Understanding
highSenators engaged in significant floor debate regarding the recently announced memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran. Discussions centered on comparing the new agreement to the previous JCPOA, particularly concerning nuclear ambitions, sanctions relief, and the control of the Strait of Hormuz, with differing views on its effectiveness and implications.