Key facts
- The Senate will debate the SAVE America Act, a bill requiring voter ID and proof of U.S. citizenship for registration.
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune is attempting to advance the bill despite lacking sufficient votes for passage and facing opposition.
- Amendments to the bill and ending debate would require 60 votes, a threshold currently unmet.
- President Donald Trump and some House Republicans are pressuring the Senate to pass the bill, threatening to block other legislation.
- A major storm is expected to impact Washington D.C., potentially disrupting Senate proceedings and travel.
The U.S. Senate is preparing for a significant legislative battle this week as it plans to debate the SAVE America Act, a sweeping voter ID and election overhaul bill that originated in the House. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., intends to bring the legislation to the floor for a multi-day debate, aiming to force Democrats to take a public stance and potentially secure passage. However, the bill faces substantial hurdles, including a lack of Democratic support and opposition from at least one Republican, Senator Lisa Murkowski.
Procedurally, any amendments to the SAVE America Act, as well as efforts to end debate, would require 60 votes to pass. This presents a significant challenge for leadership, as current projections indicate insufficient support. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has indicated his caucus is prepared to use all means to block the bill.
Adding to the political pressure, President Donald Trump and some House Republicans have threatened to obstruct other legislative measures if the Senate does not prioritize the SAVE America Act. Trump has also suggested incorporating provisions related to transgender issues and ending widespread mail-in voting into the bill. Despite these demands, Senator James Lankford, R-Okla., a proponent of the bill, has expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of a talking filibuster and acknowledged the "math issue" regarding vote counts.
Compounding the legislative challenges, a severe storm is forecast to hit Washington D.C. on Monday evening, potentially disrupting travel for senators and complicating the start of the workweek. While the House has already canceled its Monday evening votes, the Senate is still scheduled to convene. Lawmakers have also considered attaching the SAVE America Act to an extension of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which expires on April 20, though this could further complicate the already contentious FISA debate.