U.S. President Donald Trump demanded that the Senate cancel its traditional summer recess and immediately pass the SAVE Act, which requires proof of citizenship to vote. "I don't think the Senate can do anything more important than pass the SAVE Act. I think they should stay," Trump said.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune opposed Trump's call. "I don't think it's a good use of anyone's time for Congress to be sitting here during August making quorum calls or being forced to vote on Democratic amendments," Thune said.
Obstacles facing the SAVE Act
The SAVE Act has been rejected by the Senate twice before in the U.S. The bill's supporters include Senators Mike Lee and Ted Cruz. These senators argue that there should be no recess until the law is passed.
However, the Senate's strict procedural rules show that a small group of senators can delay sessions, but cannot force a vote or the passage of the law. Republican Senator John Kennedy said, "Thune says the votes aren't there. I'm not saying he's wrong, just that people sometimes change their minds."
Political calculations and recess plans
Although the SAVE Act's chances of passing are low, there is a political benefit for its supporters. By staying and making long speeches, they can keep the issue alive and create a contrast with their colleagues who go on recess.
Republican Senator James Lankford warned, "The worst-case scenario for us is if we stay here all summer and lose the elections. Then Trump will be back to his impeachment madness." Susan Collins, one of the most vulnerable Republican senators, said she would not miss votes but needed time to campaign.
Thune noted that Trump and his team need to persuade some Republican senators, saying, "If he can change the facts and move some senators who would vote 'no' to 'yes,' then we'd have a different conversation. But that's the reality." The Senate recess will most likely proceed as planned.
