Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is spearheading efforts to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America) Act through a third budget reconciliation bill.
Johnson’s announcement on Wednesday came shortly after President Donald Trump decided to cancel a signing ceremony for a comprehensive bipartisan housing package, stating that he would not sign the legislation until the Senate approves the voter ID bill, reported The Hill.
“The only path, I think, to get that done, because you’re never going to get seven Democrats to join 53 Republicans in the Senate to do that … you have to put it on a reconciliation bill,” said Johnson.
During a press briefing, Johnson revealed that he had discussed with Trump the possibility of using reconciliation, a process that allows Republicans to bypass the Senate filibuster, as the only route to get the SAVE America Act passed.
Trump Escalates SAVE Act Push
Trump’s cancellation of the housing package signing has been criticized by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), who accused him of acting like a child and blocking a major bipartisan housing bill. Meanwhile, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) accused Trump of withholding affordable housing relief to push a separate voting-related agenda, claiming the delay is hurting families and describing the president as “a sick man.”
The cancellation of the housing package signing ceremony also comes days after Trump halted the Senate hearing for Jay Clayton‘s confirmation as Director of National Intelligence (DNI). He warned that advancing Jay Clayton’s nomination too quickly could complicate efforts to renew Section 702 of FISA, accusing Democrats of breaking a deal. He also insisted that any FISA extension would have to be paired with the SAVE America Act for his approval.
Trump has also been vocal in his criticism of Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, blaming her for obstructing the SAVE America Act and calling for her removal. MacDonough ruled that the SAVE America Act violates the Senate’s Byrd Rule, preventing it from being included in a budget reconciliation bill that could pass with a simple majority and bypass the 60-vote filibuster.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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