Republicans are raising concerns about President Donald Trump’s call to cancel the August recess, believing it could harm their chances in the midterm elections. The legislative agenda, particularly Trump’s key initiative, remains stalled. While Trump urges Republicans to remain in Washington until it’s completed, political dynamics suggest a different approach is needed.
For many GOP members, returning home is crucial. They aim to promote their successes rather than failures to voters. This election cycle poses more risks for Republicans than Democrats, with three vulnerable incumbents and additional races on the edge.
“Canceling August recess, where we have to have our members out campaigning and connecting with their voters, and people not understanding that, is about as tone-deaf as telling everybody to stay home in 2020,” said Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., speaking to Fox News Digital.
Despite Tillis’ perspective, some of his colleagues disagree. They want the Senate to remain until the SAVE America Act passes, either through the party-line budget reconciliation or by eliminating the filibuster.
Trump’s insistence adds pressure, making the situation complex for incumbents. Republicans acknowledge the Senate lacks the votes for passing the SAVE America Act. Some believe that remaining in Washington won’t sway opposition.
“If it would make a difference in the outcome, I’m fine with that, but it won’t make a difference,” stated Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, to Fox News Digital.
Cornyn and Tillis are retiring, avoiding the turbulence of passing significant bills. Cornyn faced challenges as Trump supported Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over him in a primary battle. Despite this, Cornyn commented he might reconsider if he were still running for office.
Two Republicans in competitive races, Sens. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, and Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, are actively advocating for the SAVE America Act. However, they have mixed reactions to Trump’s recess cancellation push. Sullivan refrained from commenting, while Husted expressed preference for being in Ohio with constituents, acknowledging the job requires presence in Washington when necessary.
Some Republicans supporting the legislation understand the Senate’s reality. They recognize that convincing opposing Republicans and converting several Democrats is pivotal for advancing the SAVE America Act.
“I think to cancel the whole recess would be a problem, but I think to keep us up here another week or 10 days, certainly, I’m willing to do it,” said Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., to Fox News Digital.
Marshall noted the importance of returning with results. He stressed the base’s dissatisfaction if they fail to advance voter ID efforts.
Alex Miller is a writer for Fox News Digital covering the U.S. Senate.
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