The effort to advance President Donald Trump’s voter ID and citizenship verification bill by Senate Republicans faced challenges recently. A late-night vote in the Senate, however, injected new momentum into the issue.
During a long session to move forward with the GOP’s $70 billion immigration enforcement package, Republicans attempted to attach the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act. Their attempts failed twice as several Republicans joined Democrats in blocking these efforts. The amendments, proposed by Senators Lindsey Graham and Mike Lee, needed to bypass a filibuster, a task that proved insurmountable.
Attempts to Attach SAVE America Act
Senator Graham tried to include a modified version of the SAVE America Act, featuring policy additions such as barring men from women’s sports per Trump’s earlier demands. However, four Republicans, including Susan Collins and Mitch McConnell, voted against it, preventing it from reaching the necessary 50 votes. Lee’s attempt managed to secure 50 votes, with Collins switching her stance to support the original version.
Despite reaching 50 votes, the challenge of the so-called “Zombie Filibuster” remained. Lee highlighted the situation on social media, noting that with Vice President JD Vance’s support, the Act could advance to the White House.
Debate and Challenges
Efforts to launch a talking filibuster by Senator John Thune have been stalled. Concerns persist among Republicans about maintaining unity against possible Democratic amendments. Earlier attempts to bring focus to the SAVE America Act in March saw diminished enthusiasm as time passed.
Some suggest eliminating the filibuster, echoing Trump’s demands throughout his second term. This measure, however, lacks consensus among Republicans as they consider future scenarios where Democrats might regain Senate control.
Tensions with Senate Parliamentarian
Trump has targeted Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth Macdonough, urging her removal following her ruling against the SAVE America Act’s inclusion in the immigration package. He stressed the need for immediate action on social media.
Thune has remained hesitant, stating that rulings, like Macdonough’s, have historically varied based on the party in majority. He remarked that the challenges faced are not unique to Republicans.
Author: Alex Miller, Fox News Digital covering the U.S. Senate.