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Senators Exit After Standoff, SAVE America Act Delayed

1 week ago 0

The Senate adjourned early Saturday morning without passing the SAVE America Act, despite President Donald Trump’s push for a proof-of-citizenship voting bill before the summer recess. The bill, central to Trump’s agenda, failed to progress among several priorities addressed during the session.

Republican senators, after discussions with Trump, proposed revisiting parts of the voting bill as part of a larger budget package in September. Sen. Ron Johnson, alongside Senators Mike Lee and Rick Scott, communicated this plan after a late-night call with Trump.

Trump’s influence over Congress was evident as he urged Senate Majority Leader John Thune to support the SAVE America Act. Despite Trump’s insistence, the bill lacked sufficient Republican and Democratic votes to pass. Trump even suggested bypassing filibuster rules, which Thune and others opposed.

Thune faced challenges balancing Trump’s demands with the realities of a slim GOP majority, impacted by Sen. Mitch McConnell’s absence. During a long session, Thune managed to confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general, pass Russian sanctions aiding Ukraine, and approve a bipartisan funding package to avoid a government shutdown.

Attempts to advance a slimmer voting bill requiring voter ID failed on mostly party-line votes. Trump’s allies, led by Lee, resisted adjourning without passing the voting bill. Thune convened GOP senators as the deadlock continued.

After discussions, Lee and others acknowledged the political constraints. Lee expressed disappointment but acknowledged the situation’s realities. As the Senate voted to adjourn, dissenting voices objected, but the motion passed.

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