Sherman Accuses Trump of Sacrificing Homeless Veterans in Fight Over Elections

WASHINGTON — Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) is accusing President Donald Trump of turning homeless veterans into political hostages.

The California Democrat last Wednesday blasted Trump's decision to postpone signing a sweeping bipartisan housing package, arguing that the president is jeopardizing urgently needed housing assistance for vulnerable Americans — including disabled veterans — in an effort to force Congress to advance unrelated election legislation.

Trump abruptly canceled a planned White House signing ceremony for the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, declaring that he would not sign the measure until Congress passes his preferred election bill, the SAVE America Act. The move stunned lawmakers in both parties, particularly given the overwhelming bipartisan support the housing package received in Congress. The legislation cleared the Senate 85-5 and passed the House by a 358-32 margin.

For Sherman, however, the dispute is about more than legislative brinkmanship.

Tucked inside the massive housing package is one of the San Fernando Valley congressman's long-sought priorities: the Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act, legislation designed to eliminate a bureaucratic obstacle preventing some disabled veterans from qualifying for housing assistance. Under current rules, disability payments can count against veterans seeking housing through the HUD-VASH program, a restriction Sherman has argued unfairly penalizes those who served their country. The bill would exclude those disability payments from income calculations, potentially opening the door to housing for homeless veterans nationwide and particularly at the West Los Angeles VA campus.

Sherman did not mince words.

"The stage was set both physically and metaphorically for the President to sign a historic housing bill for the American people," Sherman said, accusing Trump of being willing "to have veterans sleep in the streets just to control California's elections."

The unusually sharp rhetoric reflects growing Democratic frustration with Trump's decision to tie one of the largest bipartisan housing packages in years to a separate and highly contentious election measure. Trump has insisted that Congress first approve the SAVE America Act, legislation that would impose new voter eligibility requirements and overhaul election procedures nationwide. Critics argue the bill would make voting more difficult, while supporters contend it is necessary to secure elections.

Housing advocates warn that delaying the ROAD to Housing Act risks slowing reforms intended to address America's worsening affordability crisis. The legislation contains dozens of provisions aimed at increasing housing supply, streamlining construction, expanding homeownership opportunities, and reducing barriers faced by low-income and vulnerable populations. The bill was widely viewed as a rare example of bipartisan cooperation on an issue affecting communities across the country.

Sherman has long made veterans' issues a central component of his legislative agenda, particularly those affecting the sprawling West Los Angeles VA campus, which sits just outside much of his congressional district. His latest clash with Trump allows the veteran lawmaker to connect two politically potent themes: support for veterans and criticism of what Democrats portray as Trump's willingness to use major legislation as leverage in broader political battles.

The White House has indicated that Trump still intends to sign the housing package eventually, and under the Constitution, the bill could become law even without the president's signature if no action is taken within the prescribed time period. But for Sherman, the delay itself sends the wrong message.

"Trump must put his ego aside and put the American people first and sign this bill into law," the congressman said.

Whether the standoff proves temporary or evolves into a larger political fight, one thing is clear: what was supposed to be a rare bipartisan victory on housing has instead become another front in Washington's increasingly bitter partisan wars.