SAVE Act Stalls in Senate as Trump Demands Action From John Thune
President Donald Trump is increasing pressure on Senate Republicans to pass the SAVE America Act, calling on Senate Majority Leader John Thune to remove Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough after rulings that complicated Republican legislative plans. The parliamentarian serves as the Senate’s nonpartisan referee on procedural questions, including whether provisions qualify for budget reconciliation.
The SAVE America Act would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. Supporters argue the measure would strengthen election integrity, while opponents contend it could create barriers for eligible voters who lack readily available citizenship documents.
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The bill’s biggest challenge remains Senate procedure. Most legislation requires 60 votes to overcome a filibuster, and Republicans do not currently have those votes. Attempts to use reconciliation face additional scrutiny under the Senate’s Byrd Rule, which limits what can be included in such legislation.
Trump’s demand has intensified an ongoing dispute between the White House, Senate leadership, and procedural gatekeepers over how aggressively Republicans should pursue the legislation.
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