Chaos seems to be reigning among Republicans in Congress regarding the SAVE America Act, but one notable figure has stepped in to back Donald Trump’s stalled election bill. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy expressed his support for the electoral integrity legislation in a recent conversation, urging Trump to utilize every means at his disposal to persuade the Senate to pass it.
“He’s going to do everything in his power to make sure it passes,” McCarthy said after speaking to reporters outside the Capitol. This came right after Trump suddenly scrapped the signing ceremony for a bipartisan housing bill as a tactic to pressure Senate Republicans into action on the SAVE America Act.
Many Republican lawmakers were taken aback by this maneuver, especially when some celebrated the housing bill’s progression during a press conference, which coincided with Trump’s viral posts on “Truth Social.” Nevertheless, Trump has consistently insisted that reforming election laws to include proof of citizenship and requiring voter identification is a priority.
Nonetheless, the bill’s traction seems to be stalling in the Senate, with Republican leaders claiming they lack the votes due to strong Democratic resistance. There’s hesitation among Senate Republicans to scrap the legislative filibuster, which necessitates a 60-vote majority to move forward with legislation.
As discussions regarding the SAVE Act continue, a faction of conservative lawmakers has effectively disrupted the House floor to advocate for Senate action on the election bill. However, the Senate is currently on break for the Fourth of July holiday, stalling any progress until lawmakers reconvene.
This conservative-led blockade is drawing criticism, with some Republican members expressing concerns that it might derail their legislative agenda. Meanwhile, the House hasn’t passed anything that includes key Trump priorities, like restrictions on mail-in voting and measures banning men from participating in women’s sports or minors from undergoing gender reassignment procedures.
Trump has yet to reveal his decision on signing the Road to 21st Century Housing Act, even though supporters suggest there’s likely a veto-proof majority. House Speaker Mike Johnson mentioned that the bill was forwarded to the White House for Trump’s approval after a meeting between them.
Ultimately, Trump now has ten days to either sign the housing package or issue a veto. If he remains silent during this period, the bill will automatically become law at the end of those ten days.
