The US Senate advanced a bipartisan housing bill on Tuesday, marking a rare instance of cooperation between the two parties. The bill, which aims to limit institutional investors' ability to buy up single-family homes, was passed with a vote of 87-8. This development comes as various primary elections are underway across the country, with Oklahoma Republicans competing to succeed Rep. Kevin Hern in the House and DC voters selecting their next mayor in a Democratic primary.
What Happened
Oklahomans are voting in a series of House primary elections, including the open race to succeed Rep. Kevin Hern (R), who is leaving his seat to run for Senate. Hern is backed by President Trump and is currently leading in the GOP Senate primary to replace Markwayne Mullin, who was appointed to lead the Department of Homeland Security.
In Washington, D.C., voters are choosing their next mayor in a Democratic primary. City Councilmember Janeese Lewis George, a Democratic socialist, is leading in polling ahead of the primary. Former City Council member-at-large Kenyan McDuffie (D) is trailing in second place.
Why It Matters
The bipartisan housing bill marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to address the nation's housing crisis. The bill's provisions, including limits on institutional investors' ability to buy up single-family homes, aim to increase access to affordable housing for individual buyers.
The primary elections in Oklahoma and DC, meanwhile, will have significant implications for the political landscape in these regions. The outcome of the Oklahoma Senate primary will likely determine the state's next senator, given the Republican leanings of the state.
Key Facts
- What: Bipartisan housing bill, Oklahoma House primary elections, DC mayoral Democratic primary
- Where: US Senate, Oklahoma, Washington, D.C.
- Impact: Increased access to affordable housing, new representation in Oklahoma and DC
What Experts Say
"Lightweight George Conway is a stupid person's idea of a smart person." — White House spokesperson Davis Ingle, responding to George Conway's congressional campaign ad promising to impeach President Trump.
Key Numbers
- 87: Number of senators voting in favor of the bipartisan housing bill
- 8: Number of senators voting against the bill
- 42: Percent of Oklahoma voters who support Rep. Kevin Hern in the Senate primary
Background
The bipartisan housing bill has been the subject of months of negotiation between the House and Senate GOP. The version ultimately agreed upon includes language to limit institutional investors' ability to buy up single-family homes, which House Republicans had fought to include.
What Comes Next
The outcome of the primary elections in Oklahoma and DC will be closely watched, as will the progress of the bipartisan housing bill. As the bill moves forward, it will likely face further scrutiny and negotiation in the Senate.