Senate Challenges Await SAVE America Act Budget Resolution
Any budget resolution linked to the SAVE America Act is anticipated to encounter significant hurdles in the Senate.
The House of Representatives approved a $95 billion budget resolution on Wednesday, with a close vote of 216-214. This measure includes vital incentives for countries to adopt the SAVE America Act alongside funding for operations concerning Iran and agricultural support.
The budget package allocates $73 billion for defense and intelligence, $12 billion for agricultural aid, and $10 billion for state election funding, which is crucial for the SAVE America Act.
There are five main points under consideration: voter ID requirements, proof of citizenship for voter registration, a halt to universal mail-in voting, restrictions on transgender athletes participating in women’s sports, and a ban on gender-affirming surgeries for minors.
The Republican-controlled Senate is currently evaluating the SAVE America Act but seems to be in no rush to proceed. President Trump has intensified his pressure on Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., during a rally in Georgia. Thune urged attendees to contact his office to push for action on both the budget and the SAVE America Act.
Thune remarked that the Senate sometimes feels like a graveyard for proposed legislation. His comments reflect broader frustrations within the party, with some constituents demanding more decisive action.
Congressman Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) has expressed concern on social media, suggesting that if Thune fails to act, perhaps he should “step aside.”
According to reports, resistance to advancing this resolution is already evident, especially from incumbents like Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Thom Tillis (R-Calif.). One individual close to the discussions noted that Thune is prioritizing a continuing resolution to prevent government shutdowns, leaving the budget resolution in limbo.
When questioned about how close he was to securing 50 votes, Thune simply responded, “Good question.” By Thursday, he was more forthright, stating, “You can’t count to 50 on budget resolutions right now.”
Additional insights suggest that Senator John Kennedy (R-Louisiana) does not expect Thune to initiate discussions, while Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) is uncertain about available votes. Meanwhile, newly appointed budget chairman Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) noted that formal discussions have yet to commence.
Thune has previously questioned whether the potential rewards of this legislative effort justify the effort required, reflecting a common concern among lawmakers.
Although reconciliation only requires a simple majority, past attempts to pass this bill have failed twice—first in April and then again in June. Senators Collins, Murkowski, Tillis, and Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) all voted against it, along with the Democrats.
Recently, House Speaker Johnson labeled the package as “our best shot.” With McConnell absent indefinitely, it suggests Republicans need to secure a simple majority for passage. Even a single vote shift could tilt the balance once more, putting Vance’s tiebreaking vote back into play.
If all three holdouts remain steadfast in their opposition, the package’s failure appears likely.
At a Senate Republican leadership conference, Thune indicated that the budget resolution would be “held” by the Senate—not solely to advance the SAVE America Act, but as an alternative funding mechanism. He expressed hope that further discussions with Democrats might lead to a funding agreement to sustain government operations after the upcoming November elections.
