The House has decided to call off a vote that was set for Friday after a faction of Republicans expressed their opposition to proceeding with votes until the Protection of American Voter Eligibility Act, or SAVE Act, is approved.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna from Florida, along with several others, has committed to opposing any legislative actions until the Senate endorses the SAVE America Act. This affected a rules vote planned for Wednesday afternoon, which is essential for any further proceedings.
House Majority Leader Tom Emmer announced, “I want to let everyone know that there won’t be a vote in the House on Friday, June 26th.” He added that a final vote today is expected around 1 p.m., which differs from earlier announcements.
The House is still planning to vote on the suspension bill next Thursday.
Moreover, Luna, together with 24 other Republicans, has signed a letter stating they will reject any bill from the Senate unless the SAVE America Act is passed. This group includes notable members like Reps. Chip Roy and Brandon Gill from Texas, Lauren Boebert of Colorado, Warren Davidson from Ohio, and Byron Donald from Florida.
“Myself and 24 other members of Congress have signed a letter pledging to vote against any bill in the Senate unless the SAVE America Act passes,” Luna remarked. “The Senate is working on housing policy, but I will stand firm and oppose it unless SAVE America is included. The Senate can’t keep hindering President Trump’s policies while ignoring our election integrity. I urge my colleagues to remain steadfast.”
The SAVE America Act mandates that voters show proof of citizenship and identify themselves before casting their ballots.
Luna indicated she might lift the blockade if House Speaker Mike Johnson agrees to tie the SAVE America Act to other significant legislation, like the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act or the National Defense Authorization Act.
Rep. Byron Donald asserted his frustration with the Senate’s inaction regarding the SAVE America Act, stating, “The Senate is failing. It’s astonishing how this is not complicated; 80% of Americans support SAVE America. Not just Republicans, but a vast majority of the public agrees it makes sense to secure our elections. We need to ensure only American citizens are voting.”
Recently, President Trump has delayed signing the 21st Century Housing Act until the SAVE America Act progresses. Notably, thirty-two House Republicans opposed the act’s passage. Sources hint that Johnson is slated to meet with President Trump soon to address the ongoing situation.
Trump has been pressing Senate Republicans to push through the SAVE America Act, suggesting either removing the filibuster barrier or connecting it to another proposal. Some Republican Senators, including Susan Collins from Maine and Mitch McConnell from Kentucky, have opposed linking SAVE to the Immigration Enforcement Act, which Trump signed recently.
Trump indicated he will resist renewing the surveillance law unless the SAVE America Act is incorporated into it.
