Challenges Surrounding the SAVE America Act
Clint Brown, president of American Path, recently expressed concerns about establishment Senate Republicans’ reluctance to engage in the challenging work needed to pass the SAVE America Act during an appearance on Breitbart News Daily.
The SAVE America Act aims to mandate proof of citizenship for voter registration. The Trump administration has referred to this legislation as one of the most critical pieces of legislation in American history. Following a Supreme Court ruling that permitted states to count mail-in ballots after Election Day, Trump renewed his call for the bill’s passage.
“The SAVE Act’s importance has increased due to the vote-by-mail decision,” Trump noted, suggesting it could lead to more opportunities for illegal voting, which raised civil rights concerns.
Brown highlighted issues with Republican leadership and their approach to the SAVE America Act. He mentioned, “This is a club, and there’s a calculation involved; it’s like an exclusive club.” The reality is that the Senate seems unwilling to tackle the necessary work to get the SAVE America Act through.
Republican senators often claim they lack the 60 votes required for passage, but Brown argues this excuse doesn’t hold up. He stated, “Sure, we know we don’t have 60 votes. Democrats won’t support anything that strengthens election security and limits the risk of fraud.” He believes there are still strategies available for Republicans to push the bill forward.
To pass legislation, the Senate typically operates under a 51-vote threshold after the filibuster ends. There are two methods to break a filibuster: accumulating 60 votes through a closing motion or simply exhausting the speaking abilities of Democrats, who typically wouldn’t last long. Thus, the bill could pass with just 51 votes, and with 53 Republicans, this shouldn’t be too difficult.
Brown critiqued other justifications presented by establishment Republicans and suggested that giving Democrats control of the Senate could offer ways to overcome these issues.
Republicans can propose an amendment with just a simple majority of 51 votes. If Democrats respond with amendments, this shouldn’t prolong the debate unduly. Essentially, the focus should be on voting without unnecessary hurdles presented by Democrats, who may paint vulnerable senators in a negative light based on their decisions.
Brown pointed out that Democrats have consistently been on record with Republicans on key issues, allowing the possibility for Republicans to support measures that don’t endanger vulnerable members.
In conclusion, Brown expressed that Senate Minority Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota) lacks the fortitude to take the necessary steps to bring the SAVE America Act to fruition. He described Thune’s approach, saying, “He’s acting as a thermometer rather than a thermostat,” implying that he avoids putting necessary choices in front of lawmakers.
Brown asserted that Thune should facilitate a clear vote, presenting a binary choice and challenging senators to vote according to the preferences of their constituents.
