Warsaw, N.Y. (WBEN) - As U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer addressed concerns over SNAP cuts affecting family food budgets, he also expressed concern over President Donald Trump's reaction to a housing bill that could make buying a home more affordable.
Trump earlier this week dismissed the housing legislation as a "yawn," arguing it was less impactful than his SAVE America Act, which would significantly retool federal elections in the months leading up to the midterm elections -- including implementing new restrictions on voter registration and mail-in ballots. ""It's a yawn. Some people say it's wonderful. To me, compared to the SAVE America Act, just about everything is a big yawn," said Trump.
"Tell young families who can't afford a home that it's a yawn," replies Schumer. "That's one of the greatest struggles people face. When you own your own home and you pay the mortgage, at least you're building equity, you're building a future for your older age or for your kids. When you pay rent, the money's gone. So home ownership has been an American dream, and I don't think calling it a big yawn is very appropriate."
Schumer hopes Trump retracts that statement. "We passed a bipartisan housing bill with Democrats and Republicans, and if he should veto it, we'll have the votes to override his veto," adds Schumer.
Schumer says the average first time homebuying age is 40. He says most cannot afford a down payment on a home because the down payment required is 20 percent compared to four percent in the past.
The President referred to the bipartisan bill as a "yawn"
The President referred to the bipartisan bill as a "yawn"
