Democrats Block Republican Bid to Separate DHS Funding Bill

Recent discussions in the Senate ended in disappointment as lawmakers failed to finalize a deal for Homeland Security funding. This impasse was met with accusations from Republicans who claim Democrats are shifting the “goal posts.”

Interestingly, this situation brings to mind something common among parents—they often have a favorite child, even if they won’t admit it. Similarly, members of Congress tend to have their preferred pieces of legislation, with the SAVE America Act being a standout choice for Senate Republicans, at least for now.

President Trump has even suggested linking the American Rescue Act funding to DHS financial support amidst ongoing issues at airports. It’s anticipated that lawmakers will eventually reach an agreement on DHS funding—whether that’s today, tomorrow, or in a few weeks. Until then, it seems unlikely that the Senate will prioritize the SAVE America Act, which mandates proof of citizenship for voting.

The Senate’s stagnation seems partially due to a lack of alternate projects to tackle, but the main hurdle is the current Republican affinity for the SAVE America Act. While it’s commendable that the Senate is reflecting on Trump’s legislative push, the path to passage remains murky.

If an agreement for DHS funding is reached, it’s likely that the SAVE America Act will be set aside. Republicans are eager for action on the DHS bill, indicative of their immediate priorities, despite their attachment to the SAVE America Act.

So, why don’t lawmakers just dive back into the SAVE America Act once the DHS funding is sorted? It’s simple—they’ll be out of Washington for a two-week recess to celebrate Easter and Passover.

There’s a belief that the Senate will revisit the SAVE America Act down the line, but for now, it may be placed on the backburner, labeled as a “budget adjustment.” More on that later.

It’s true that Republicans love discussing voter ID laws and ensuring that elections are protected from illegal voting. If their enthusiasm for the SAVE America Act were strong enough, they could muster the votes needed to pass it.

Debates surrounding the SAVE America Act have been intense for over a week, yet Republicans have seen minimal success. They did, however, secure a vote blocking an amendment that would prevent men from competing in women’s sports, which garnered just 49 votes in favor.

Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin noted, “The SAVE Act will not pass unless we change Senate rules,” implying deep divisions within Congress. Additionally, it’s clear the Senate lacks support for any changes to its procedural rules.

Republicans may appreciate the SAVE America Act, yet their worries about safety at airports and terrorism loom large.

The SAVE America Act serves as a strategic messaging tool for Senate Republicans. They aim to place the Democratic Party on record opposing both the ban on men in women’s sports and measures regarding voter ID. The National Republican Senatorial Committee is keen on documenting these positions through recorded votes. However, they still lack the necessary votes for passage.

With the opportunity to resolve the drawn-out government shutdown, the risk of losing momentum is real. Some Republicans express frustration about noteworthy promises that haven’t materialized, which may come back to haunt them, as Sen. Thom Tillis pointed out.

It’s likely that Republicans will attempt to fold elements of the SAVE America Act into a “budget reconciliation” bill later this year, though just getting through that process is, well, quite a challenge. Budget reconciliation generally deals with fiscal matters and doesn’t easily accommodate policy changes like voter ID laws.

An acknowledgment from some Republicans suggests that few believe they can salvage aspects of the SAVE America Act through budget adjustments. Senate Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham indicated doubts about the feasibility of passing voter ID measures this way.

Others echoed this sentiment, arguing that the SAVE America Act has fundamental policy issues that may hinder its advancement. Credibility is at stake, as some representatives deem ongoing negotiations a sham.

Discontent is brewing regarding the perceived sluggishness within the Senate to overcome opposition and enact the bill. For now, the Senate might remain fixated on current deliberations, making for a slow-paced legislative session.

As time passes, it seems inevitable that new priorities will emerge among lawmakers, perhaps shifting focus to the favorites of different senators.