Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., is facing growing pressure from 14 Republican senators to cancel the chamber’s scheduled August recess until the SAVE America Act is brought to a vote. The legislation, which includes provisions for voter identification and proof of citizenship, has stalled in the Senate despite being a legislative priority for former President Donald Trump.
Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, the bill’s sponsor, has led the push to block recess adjournment, stating on social media that he would object to any effort to recess in August until the bill passes. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., and Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, among others, have publicly supported the move, arguing that the American people expect Congress to act on election security.
Trump criticizes Thune’s leadership over stalled SAVE Act
Former President Donald Trump has publicly questioned Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s leadership, suggesting that Thune’s inability to advance the SAVE America Act could cost him support within the Republican Party. In recent remarks, Trump stated that Thune ‘should get it done’ and questioned whether he remains the right leader for the Senate GOP, saying, ‘We’re going to find out.’
Thune has pushed back on Trump’s assertions, stating that Republicans ‘don’t have the votes’ to pass the legislation. He added, ‘That must be a different form of math,’ in response to Trump’s claim that passage was possible. Thune has also deferred to his colleagues on questions about his leadership, stating that his position is ‘a decision made by my colleagues.’
Pressure mounts as recess deadline approaches
With the Senate’s August recess scheduled to begin soon, the push to cancel recess has gained momentum. Lee’s objection to unanimous consent for adjournment could force a roll call vote, though such a motion would require at least 50 senators to support it. Currently, 14 senators have either called for recess cancellation or expressed support for staying in session until the bill is voted on. A 15th Republican senator, Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, has not explicitly called for recess cancellation but stated he is ‘committed to doing whatever it takes’ to ensure a vote on the legislation.
The SAVE America Act, which includes provisions for voter identification and proof of citizenship, has faced opposition from a bloc of Republicans who do not support the bill. The legislation remains a key priority for Trump, who has framed support for it as a ‘loyalty test’ for GOP lawmakers. Thune’s resistance to advancing the bill without sufficient votes has placed him at odds with Trump and a faction of Senate Republicans who argue that Congress should remain in session to pass the legislation.