Senate Republicans experienced difficulties progressing President Donald Trump’s voter ID and citizenship verification bill, the SAVE America Act. A late-night vote added momentum to the effort.
During a session to advance the GOP’s $70 billion immigration enforcement package, Republicans attempted twice to attach the SAVE America Act. Both attempts failed, with some Republicans aligning with Senate Democrats against the amendments. These efforts, led by Senators Lindsey Graham and Mike Lee, required overcoming a filibuster, which didn’t happen.
Graham aimed to attach a modified version of the bill, including additional policies like barring men from women’s sports, which Trump had pushed for. However, four Republican Senators—Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Mitch McConnell, and Thom Tillis—voted against it. This lack of support meant it couldn’t secure even 50 votes, a necessary step to initiate a talking filibuster.
Lee’s attempt, however, garnered 50 votes after Collins changed her stance to support the original version. Lee highlighted the significance of this near-success, suggesting that Vice President JD Vance could provide the 51st vote needed for passage.
Despite this development, the bill had been languishing in the Senate for months. Conservatives like Lee have encouraged Senate Majority Leader John Thune to consider a talking filibuster to push the legislation through with a simple majority. Thune has been hesitant to do so over concerns that Republican unity might crumble amid numerous Democratic amendments.
While Republicans initially pushed for debate in March, the initiative has lost momentum. Another potential move would be to eliminate the filibuster, which Trump has periodically demanded. This action also lacks Republican consensus and raises concerns about future implications when Democrats regain Senate control.
Trump has also criticized Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth Macdonough, who concluded that the SAVE America Act did not qualify for inclusion in the immigration package at a 50-vote threshold. He has urged Thune to replace her, asserting this change is necessary for passing the act. However, Thune has not acted on this request, citing the mixed outcomes of parliamentarian rulings.
Alex Miller is a writer for Fox News Digital covering the U.S. Senate.
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