Tensions are rising between Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Donald Trump over the Senate GOP’s inability to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America) Act, claim:11. The White House expressed this sentiment through press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who stated that President Trump’s patience with Thune is running out, claim:2.
The SAVE America Act, an election security bill that includes a voter ID provision, is currently stalled, claim:3, claim:6, claim:10. While the House passed a continuing resolution earlier in the week, the Senate has no plans to put the SAVE America Act on the floor before it leaves town next week, claim:47, claim:36.
Senate Republicans face a 50-vote math problem regarding the bill, claim:7. Senate Democrats are unified against the legislation, and the act lacks the support of a handful of Republican members, claim:34, claim:33. To withstand a filibuster, the bill would require six Democrats to break ranks, claim:33.
Legislative roadblocks and procedural disputes
John Thune has prioritized a continuing resolution over the SAVE Act to avert a government shutdown, claim:15, claim:60. He stated that even if done with a budget resolution, it remains likely to be a 60-vote exercise, claim:64. Thune has also noted that Republicans are not getting rid of the legislative filibuster, claim:65.
The White House declared that the Senate is 'where you send things when you want them to die,' claim:9. In response to Leavitt's statement, Thune said: 'Maybe she or somebody else ought to get on the phone and get the votes,' claim:8.
We just don't have the votes... there's nothing Senator Thune can do to change that.
Senator Thom Tillis stated that he, rather than Thune, is responsible for the bill not passing, claim:39. He added that there is no way the act can be implemented by this election, claim:39.
Internal GOP divisions
The Senate GOP is pushing back on the tension between Trump and Thune, claim:23. Some senators have expressed support for the leader; Senator Kevin Cramer stated Thune's credibility in the conference has never been stronger, claim:76. Senator Roger Marshall also stated Thune is doing a great job, claim:75.
However, other Republican senators have expressed different views. Senator Mike Lee, Rick Scott, and Ashley Moody announced intent to object to Thune calling for a recess, claim:57. Senator Mike Lee posted on X that he objects to any effort to put the Senate into recess in August until the SAVE America Act is passed, claim:58.
The number of votes Senate Republicans face regarding the SAVE America Act.
The debate over the August recess continues, as canceling it could put Republicans in vulnerable seats in Alaska, Maine, Nebraska, and Ohio at a disadvantage, claim:68. Senator John Kennedy noted that while he supports Thune, he does not agree with him on this issue, claim:45.
President Trump demanded in a Truth Social post that the Senate either cancel its August recess or terminate the filibuster, claim:50. During a rally in Marietta, Ga., on Wednesday, Trump fumed at the Senate, claim:14.