White House Looks for ‘Legal Authority’ to Renew Eviction Ban After Congressional Extension Fails

The CDC “has been unable to find legal authority” to renew the national eviction moratorium that expired on July 31, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Monday, adding that the White House was “redoubling efforts to identify all available legal authorities to provide necessary protections.” The statement came after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called on the Biden administration to renew and extend the eviction ban until October 18.

President Joe Biden asked lawmakers to extend the ban via legislation on Thursday, but House Democrats failed to gather enough support from moderates and Republicans by Friday. In a June 29 concurring opinion to a Supreme Court decision upholding the ban, Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote that Congress had the authority to extend the eviction ban beyond July. In lieu of a congressional extension, Biden asked landlords and local governments to hold off on evictions while the administration searched for a legal way to extend the ban. 

Coverage across the spectrum pointed out that “millions of renters” could face eviction as a result of the eviction ban ending. Coverage in left- and center-rated outlets was more likely to focus on renters themselves. Coverage in right-rated outlets was more likely to focus on Progressives’ criticisms of Democratic leaders.