Key facts
- The Senate voted 87-8 to begin considering a bipartisan housing bill.
- The housing bill includes provisions to limit institutional investors' purchases of single-family homes.
- The Build Housing Affordably Act was introduced to suspend 'Buy America' rules for affordable housing projects.
- Senate Democrats proposed expanding Medicare drug price negotiations.
- Senate Finance Committee Chair Mike Crapo delayed a tax bill markup.
- The tax bill markup was delayed over an amendment on President Donald Trump's IRS audit immunity.
- White House engagement with Anthropic has renewed AI policy debate in Congress.
- Republican allies launched a $3 million ad campaign on affordability in House battlegrounds.
- President Trump's influence is a factor in Tuesday primaries.
- A House Republican faces constituent pressure over data center projects.
The Senate has voted 87-8 to begin considering a bipartisan housing bill designed to lower housing costs and expand supply. A key provision in this measure aims to limit institutional investors' purchases of single-family homes. Concurrently, U.S. Representatives Mike Flood and Maggie Goodlander introduced the Build Housing Affordably Act. This bill seeks to temporarily suspend 'Buy America' requirements for certain affordable housing projects, with the goal of reducing construction costs and accelerating development timelines by cutting federal red tape.
Senate Democrats have unveiled a blueprint of proposals focused on reducing prescription drug costs. Their plan includes expanding Medicare drug price negotiations and exploring the inclusion of international prices in these negotiations. In a different congressional development, a House Republican is encountering constituent opposition regarding data center projects within his district, with concerns raised about the impact on local jobs and the equitable distribution of infrastructure costs.
Senate Finance Committee Chair Mike Crapo announced that he will not proceed with a markup of a bipartisan tax administration bill. This decision stems from a disagreement over an amendment proposed by Democrats that would end President Donald Trump's IRS audit immunity. The White House's recent engagement with AI company Anthropic has also spurred a renewed debate on artificial intelligence policy among U.S. lawmakers, indicating a renewed focus on the AI sector.
Furthermore, Republican allies have launched a $3 million advertising campaign targeting affordability issues in key House districts. This campaign aims to shape voter sentiment ahead of upcoming elections. President Trump's influence is also being tested in primary elections held across the country, as noted by Andrew J. F. Howard.