Capitol Rift Deepens Over Housing Bill Ahead of Midterms

The Senate is poised to pass a bipartisan housing affordability package, but the House GOP is stalemated, with Freedom Caucus members opposing the Senate version and urging a version closer to the House’s own. Speaker Mike Johnson signals potential conference negotiations to bridge the gap as midterms approach. Separately, Republicans are debating a second megabill and a reconciliation package, with Sen. Joni Ernst pushing for billions in savings, indicating continued intraparty jockeying as the GOP seeks policy wins under a fragile majority, with White House pressure seen as likely to help resolve differences.