U.S. President Donald Trump pressured the Senate to pass the SAVE America Act, which regulates election security. In a statement addressed to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Trump said the Senate should not go on August recess until the bill is passed.
Writing on Truth Social, Trump said, “John Thune should not allow the Senate to ‘leave town’ until the SAVE America Act is passed, or even better, until the filibuster is ended so that Republicans can quickly pass everything they dream of.”
“Democrats would do this on the first day and they can’t believe how lucky they are with this Senate leadership. Remember, stupidity always brings loss and death!”
Trump’s call has once again brought to the fore the tension between the White House and Senate Republicans. Last week, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump’s patience with Thune was “wearing thin.” Thune responded by saying the White House should direct its energy at the Democrats blocking the bill.
In the Senate, Utah Senator Mike Lee and Florida Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody announced they will oppose going on August recess before the SAVE America Act is passed. Mike Lee said on X, “I object to any effort for the Senate to go on recess in August; at least until we pass the SAVE America Act. I want a vote.”
However, Senate Majority Leader Thune points to different priorities. Thune is focused on preventing a government shutdown and is encouraging bipartisan negotiation talks. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Thune said the SAVE America Act in its current form does not have enough votes in the Senate, stating, “This will likely remain a 60-vote exercise, even if done through a budget resolution.” Thune emphasized that the bill primarily contains policy and has no budget impact, which is the basic requirement of the reconciliation process.
Despite Trump’s pressure and some senators’ objections, it will become clear in the coming days whether the Senate will decide to go on recess. If objections continue, the Senate will have to vote on the recess.
