US President Donald Trump has escalated a fight with fellow Republicans in Congress, saying he will refuse to sign a major bipartisan housing bill unless lawmakers first approve his long-sought "Save America Act."
Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that he would withhold his signature from legislation approved by Congress on Tuesday until the "Save America Act" reaches his desk. He described the issue as a "national emergency."
The president has spent months trying to persuade Republican lawmakers to back the measure.
Among other provisions, the legislation would require Americans to prove their citizenship when registering to vote and present a photo ID in federal elections. Trump also wants to include a provision making it more difficult for transgender people to participate in sporting competitions.
The housing bill passed by the House of Representatives on Tuesday is unrelated to Trump's proposal.
The legislation is designed to make home ownership more affordable for Americans and received rare support from Democrats and Republicans in both chambers of Congress. US media described it as the most significant housing affordability measure passed in decades.
By threatening to block the bill, Trump is increasing pressure on Republican lawmakers to support his legislative priorities.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has said there are not enough votes in the Senate to pass the Save America Act.
Critics argue that the act's requirements could make it harder for eligible voters to cast ballots, particularly elderly people, low-income Americans and those who do not have easy access to citizenship documents or government-issued photo identification. They also note that documented cases of non-citizens voting in federal elections are extremely rare.
